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Foot exercises play an important role in maintaining mobility, comfort, and strength, especially for people who are active or at risk of foot discomfort. Stretching exercises help improve flexibility, which supports better range of motion in the toes, ankles, and arches. Strength-building movements help stabilize joints and muscles, reducing the chance of soft tissue injuries or balance problems. Weak foot muscles may contribute to strain in the arches or cause the toes to curl improperly over time. Toe curls, marble pickups, or heel raises can support long-term foot health by reinforcing the small muscles that provide daily support. Foot exercises like the toe extension may also help reduce heel discomfort, while movements targeting the Achilles tendon or big toe improve stability and reduce tightness. A chiropodist can evaluate your foot structure, gait, and existing conditions to recommend safe exercises for your needs. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for expert advice and guidance.

Stretching and strengthening your feet is very important for maintaining your foot health. If you would like to learn more about exercises for your feet, 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. 

There are a variety of relatively easy-to-do exercises that can boost the strength, flexibility, and mobility of your feet, as well as relieve foot pain.  

Strength exercises: 

• Toe splay - Spread the toes apart and hold for several seconds; improves control over toe muscles
• Toe curls - Scrunch up a towel with your toes; strengthens the flexor muscles
• Marble pickup - Pick up marbles with your toes; strengthens the muscles on the undersides of the feet and toes
• Walking on sand - Stretches and strengthens feet and calves

Flexibility exercises: 

• Heel raises - Raise the heels while keeping toes on the ground
• Toe point - Raise the heels while pointing the toes, keeping just the tips of toes on the ground
• Toe curl - Raise the heels while curling the toes inwards, keeping just the tips of toes on the ground
• Big toe stretch - Use your hands to gently stretch your big toes up, down, and to the side

Exercises for foot pain: 

• Toe extension - Gently pull the toes up towards the ankle and hold for several seconds
• Ball roll - gently roll a golf or tennis ball underneath the arches of the feet 

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.

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity that causes one or more toes, usually the second, third, or fourth, to bend abnormally at the middle joint. This misalignment often results from wearing tight or narrow shoes that gradually force the toes into a bent position. It can also develop due to muscle imbalance, arthritis, or previous injury. Symptoms include pain, redness, corns, or difficulty fitting into shoes comfortably. In the early stages, flexible hammertoes may respond well to non-surgical treatments, such as roomier footwear, toe exercises, splints, or custom orthotics. When the condition becomes rigid or painful, surgical correction may be necessary to restore proper alignment and relieve discomfort. Early diagnosis and professional care are important to prevent the deformity from becoming worse. If you notice changes in your toe shape or have ongoing pain, it is suggested that you schedule an evaluation with a chiropodist for effective treatment options.

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity in which one or more of the small toes bends downwards at the middle joint. Though it may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, this is not the case. Hammertoes can be uncomfortable, painful, and even debilitating in severe cases. If you suffer from hammertoe, 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.

Symptoms

• One or more small toes bending downward at the middle joint
• Pain or irritation on the affected toes
• Corns and calluses
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Stiff toe joints
• Sores on the tops of the toes

Diagnosis

A chiropodist can typically diagnose hammertoes through physical examination. X-rays may need to be taken to see the extent of the damage.

Treatment

Hammertoes tend to progressively worsen with time, so getting prompt treatment is very important. In its early stages, the progression of hammertoe can be slowed down or stopped. Your chiropodist may suggest changes in your footwear. Wearing wide, comfortable shoes with a larger toe area and a low heel can help you avoid putting pressure on your toes. You may also be prescribed orthotics. Over-the-counter medications or corticosteroid injections may be used to relieve pain. If you have any corns or calluses, your chiropodist may suggest padding them to avoid further irritation. In advanced cases, surgery may be suggested. 

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. 

Ankle sprains often occur among athletes when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn due to sudden twists, uneven surfaces, or wearing poor footwear. Repeated sprains can weaken the joint and affect athletic performance. Prevention involves wearing supportive shoes, warming up before activity, strengthening the muscles around the ankle, and using balance exercises to improve stability. A chiropodist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend custom orthotics, and provide guidance on proper footwear and training techniques to reduce the risk of injury. If you are an athlete that has endured an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist to receive effective, personalized care.

When one or more ligaments in the ankle overstretch or tear due to injury, an ankle sprain occurs. If you would like to learn more about ankle sprains, 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. 

Symptoms of an ankle sprain vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include: 

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Difficulty walking
• Ankle instability
• A reduced range of motion in the ankle 

Treatments for an ankle sprain may consist of: 

• Resting the injured ankle
• Applying ice
• Elevating the ankle
• Compressing the ankle
• Over-the-counter pain medications
• Ankle braces or other devices to take weight off of the ankle
• Ankle exercises
• Surgery (in rare cases) 

It’s important for the sprained ankle to heal correctly and fully in order to avoid repeated injury. 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.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort, redness, and swelling. It is often caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, injury, or having naturally curved nails. Risk factors include poor foot hygiene, genetic predisposition, and conditions like diabetes or circulation issues. Symptoms may include pain, tenderness, swelling, and sometimes infection. A chiropodist can provide expert care by safely trimming the nail, relieving pain, and preventing infection. They can also offer guidance on proper footwear, nail care, and long-term prevention strategies. If you are experiencing discomfort from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for professional treatment.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, 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 Is an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include: 

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail. 

Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers. 

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.