Summer

Summer can be a time when the feet are particularly vulnerable to various medical problems. This is because the warm weather means that many people will wear shoes that do not adequately cushion and protect the feet or will go barefoot entirely. Fortunately, most summertime foot problems can be treated or prevented. 

In the summertime, most people frequent warm, moist public areas, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers, walking around barefoot. These places are breeding grounds for various fungi and viruses that can get into the feet, causing an infection. Tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. It’s characterized by a red, scaly, itchy rash and skin peeling, usually found between the toes. Fungus can also infect the toenails, making them brittle, crumbly, thickened, and discolored. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection that can cause benign, fleshy growths called warts to grow on the soles of the feet. When going to public places, it’s suggested that you wear shoes to protect your feet from infectious agents and that you avoid sharing personal items like shoes and towels with others. 

For many people, staple summer footwear includes flip-flops and open-back, open-toe sandals. Unfortunately, these shoes are usually flimsy and don’t protect the feet or provide any support or cushioning. Some also require you to scrunch up your toes while you walk to keep the shoes on your feet. This can lead to a variety of foot and ankle injuries, heel pain, arch pain, bunions, hammertoes, and dry, cracked heels. When shopping for summer shoes, look for shoes that fit properly and have adequate cushioning in the heel and arch area. They should stay on your feet while you walk without any effort and protect your feet from the elements. If you must wear flip-flops, limit wear to just a few hours every few days, or when going to specific places like the pool or beach. 

For more information about common summer foot problems and how to treat and prevent them, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Summer and Fun Shoes

Summer brings the need for many people to wear lighter shoes. This season can provide the need to temporarily stop wearing socks, and many people opt to wear flip-flops and sandals. Practicing a good foot care routine before and during the summer months may help to eliminate conditions such as athlete’s foot from developing. It is helpful to avoid walking barefoot, in addition to wearing appropriate shoes, while in public pool swimming areas. It is also beneficial to start the day by washing and drying the feet, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. Many people choose to buy new shoes during these months, and it is helpful to purchase them at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. A chiropodist can help you to prevent certain foot conditions that can be easy to develop during the summer months. It is suggested that you speak with this type of medical professional who can guide you toward effective prevention methods. 

Summer is the season for many foot and ankle issues. If you’re suffering from a foot or ankle problem, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Common Summer Foot Problems 

  • Athlete’s foot

  • Toenail fungus

  • Plantar warts

  • Foot and ankle injuries

  • Bunions

  • Hammertoes

  • Heel pain

  • Cracked heels 

  • Sunburns

  • Blisters

Prevention

  • Wear supportive shoes and avoid flip-flops

  • Maintain good foot hygiene

  • Exfoliate and moisturize the heels

  • Apply sunscreen to the feet and ankles

  • Wear shoes in public areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Winter

Winter can be a time of new or worsening foot and ankle problems. Wintertime foot problems can be caused by a combination of cold weather, a more sedentary lifestyle, an increase in body weight, wearing unsupportive shoes, and weather conditions that can increase the risk of injury.

The cold weather can wreak havoc on your feet. A cold, dry climate can be responsible for dry, cracked heels. More than just an aesthetic problem, these cracks can be deep, painful, and prone to bleeding. To prevent them, it’s suggested that you take extra care to exfoliate and moisturize your feet in the winter and wear shoes and socks that protect your feet from the cold. Cold weather can also cause the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) in your toes to spasm, leading to problems such as chilblains and Raynaud’s disease. 

On the other hand, feet that are too wet from sweat are also a problem. In the winter, many people wear warm, thick socks made from materials that trap moisture. This creates the perfect breeding ground for fungi that can cause athlete’s foot and fungal toenails infections. Wear moisture-wicking socks to avoid this issue. 

A more sedentary lifestyle and weight gain during the winter can put strain on the feet and ankles, increasing the risk of injuries that are caused by excess strain and pressure. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, and general foot pain are both common. 

Icy weather conditions can increase your risk of twisting an ankle or falling and sustaining an injury. To avoid this, wear thick-soled, non-slip boots and take extra care to look out for ice when walking outside. If you have any foot or ankle problems this winter, it is suggested that you seek the care of a chiropodist. 

Protecting the Feet Against Cold Weather

Winter brings cold weather, and the feet are often affected if not cared for properly. Many people are under the assumption that wearing thick socks is good for the feet during the cold months, but this may not be true. When these types of socks are frequently worn, excess pressure may be put on the feet, which may possibly lead to poor circulation. When choosing socks, it is beneficial if they are made of breathable materials. It is important to choose correct shoes to wear while outdoors, as they provide the outer layer of protection for the body. The type of shoes can govern how the feet are able to maintain the correct body temperature, and in a cold atmosphere, it may help to wear woolen inner soles. Circulation can be improved when the activity level is increased, with the added bonus of possibly feeling more energized. If you live in a cold climate, and spend the majority of your time outside, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can guide you toward additional measures to protect your feet.

The winter months can bring about new or worsening foot and ankle problems. If you’re suffering from foot or ankle pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Winter Foot Problems

  • Cracked heels - Dry, cracked skin on the heels of the feet that is associated with cold, dry weather

  • Athlete’s foot - A fungal infection on the skin of the feet

  • Blisters - Fluid-filled bubbles of skin that usually form in response to friction 

  • Fractures - Broken bones in the feet or ankles 

  • Metatarsalgia - General foot pain

  • Chilblains - Spasming of the small blood vessels in the toes in response to exposure to cold weather 

  • Raynaud’s disease - Numbness, pain, and color changes in the toes due to cold weather 

Prevention

  • Wear warm socks and shoes

  • Avoid prolonged exposure to the cold

  • Moisturize the heels regularly

  • Keep your feet clean and dry 

  • Walk carefully in areas that may be icy 

  • Wear non-slip shoes 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Foot Pain

If you’re suffering from foot pain, it’s important to note the locations and quality of your foot pain. Pain can affect any part of the foot, including the top, bottom, side, heel, or toes. The pain may be sharp, stabbing, dull, achy, burning, or stinging, and can come on suddenly or develop gradually over time. 

Pain in the top, bottom, or side of the foot can have many causes. In addition to the type of pain and its location, it’s also important to note when the pain started, what you were doing at the time, and what aggravates the pain. For example, pain in the top of the foot that worsens with physical activity or weight-bearing, that has gradually gotten worse over time, and is accompanied by swelling and tenderness could be indicative of a stress fracture. 

Pain in the heel is a frequent concern, especially among patients who participate in sports, run, or wear high heels. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heels to the toes, can cause stabbing heel pain. The pain is usually at its worst upon taking your first few steps in the morning or after a long rest and can radiate to the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is also often associated with heel spurs, bony outgrowths on the heel bones that can be painful if they poke into the surrounding tissues. 

Foot pain can be caused by not only injuries but also problems with the biomechanics of the feet and underlying health problems, like diabetes or peripheral neuropathy. If you’re experiencing foot pain, please seek the care of a chiropodist near you. 

Living With Foot Pain

Our feet are important for the key reason that they provide mobility. Given their complex nature, it should not be surprising that foot problems are going to arise from time to time. Foot health is integral to our overall health. If we cannot move easily due to foot pain, it can negatively affect our overall health and quality of life. Researchers have reported that 25% of adults suffer from foot pain and 50% of these people have disabling foot problems. Foot pain can result from overuse, injury, or another foot or health condition. Arthritis, bunions, and plantar fasciitis are just a few common causes of foot pain. Because foot pain can arise from a large variety of conditions, it is suggested that if you suffer from such pain, you make an appointment with a chiropodist, who can accurately diagnose and treat your condition. 

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes

  • Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet

  • Arthritis

  • Flat feet

  • Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

  • Heel pain

  • Arch pain

  • Toe pain

  • Ball of foot pain

  • Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality

  • Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Flat Feet

A flat foot is a foot that has no visible arch in the middle of the sole of the foot while standing. There are two types of flat feet. A flexible flat foot has a visible arch when the foot is not bearing weight, but the arch disappears when the person stands or puts any weight on the foot. A rigid flat foot has no visible arch regardless of whether or not the foot is bearing any weight. Flat feet can also be present from birth or can develop over time, as the ligaments that hold up the arch of the foot weaken. When flat feet are acquired, they are referred to as fallen arches. 

In many cases, flat feet do not cause any pain or other symptoms. This is especially true for those who were born with flat feet. In the instances where flat feet are not asymptomatic, they may cause pain in the heel, arch, ankle, or along the outside of the foot, as well as shin pain, foot aches or fatigue, and lower back, hip, or knee pain. People who have flat feet are also more likely to have an abnormal gait or walking pattern that may affect their daily activities. 

Flat feet can be diagnosed through a physical examination. An imaging study, such as an X-ray, may be used to determine the severity of the condition. Treatments for flat feet include footwear and activity modifications, wearing orthotics, taking medications to relieve pain, and physical therapy. If you have flat feet that are causing you pain or discomfort, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Health Concerns From Having Flat Feet

Flat feet are also known as pes planus, or fallen arches. Having flat feet can pose a number of health issues and should be taken seriously. A normal foot has an arch between the toes and heels that can be noticed while standing on the floor. A flat foot has no space between the bottom of the foot and the floor. Fallen arches may be caused by increased elastin during pregnancy, arthritis, or from putting excessive stress on the foot. A rigid flat foot appears flat even when it is at rest. This type of flat foot can cause pain in the foot, as well as in the legs, knees, and back. Many people with flat feet are able to live pain-free lives with the help of orthotics and certain exercises. If you have noticed that your feet hurt and are not sure of the cause, you may have developed fallen arches. It is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can examine your foot’s arch structure and offer appropriate treatment solutions.  

Flat feet are a common foot condition. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to flat feet, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Are Flat Feet? 

Flat feet are feet that do not have a well-defined arch in the middle of the sole of the foot. Flat feet may be flexible or rigid. Flexible flat feet have an arch when there is no pressure put on the foot, such as when one is sitting, but the arch disappears upon standing. Rigid flat feet lack an arch regardless of whether one is standing or not. 

Causes

Flat feet can be present from birth or acquired over time due to a weakening of the ligaments in the arch. Sometimes flat feet are caused by illnesses, injuries, or pregnancy. 

Symptoms

Flat feet often cause no noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience pain and discomfort due to their flat feet. 

Symptoms associated with flat feet include:

  • Pain in the arch, heel, ankle, or along the outside of the foot

  • Overpronation of the foot

  • Shin splints

  • Aching or fatigue in the feet or legs

  • Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back

Treatment 

In cases where flat feet cause symptoms, there are various treatments available. Wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes to provide more arch support, performing stretches, and taking medications may improve your symptoms. If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve pressure on the feet. In severe cases, surgery may be considered. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that can affect the foot. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid levels become excessive, this substance can create crystals in the joints, causing severe pain, intense swelling, redness, and warmth. Typically this occurs in the big toe joint. 

You may be at an increased risk of developing gout if you are a middle-aged man or postmenopausal woman, have family members who have had gout, drink alcohol, take certain medications, or have a medical condition like high blood pressure, kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, or sleep apnea. Gout may also be more likely to develop if you consume a diet high in sugars or purines, a substance that turns into uric acid when it breaks down. Foods high in purines include organ meats, red meat, oily fish, certain vegetables, beans, and mushrooms. 

Gout that is left untreated can become chronic and lead to arthritis. Gout can be treated by a chiropodist. Treatment options may include taking medications to relieve pain and prevent future gout attacks, modifying your diet, and reducing alcohol intake. For more information about gout, please consult with a chiropodist. 

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