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The majority of diabetic patients understand the importance of having their feet routinely checked by a chiropodist. Any cut, scrape, or wound that develops on a diabetic person's foot can become infected, which may lead to serious health complications. Diabetes happens as a result of having elevated blood sugar levels, and it is suggested to monitor these levels daily, in addition to altering daily eating habits, if necessary. Neuropathy is a common foot condition that can affect diabetic patients. This is the inability to feel existing cuts on the feet, and proper care can be overlooked if the soles of the feet are not checked daily. This can be done by using a mirror, or a family member or caregiver may be able to help accomplish this. It is suggested to refrain from walking barefoot and to wear shoes that fit correctly. If you have diabetes, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can help you to manage this condition.

Diabetes can cause serious problems in the lower limbs if proper preventive measures are not taken and diabetic wound care is not performed. If you would like to learn more about caring for diabetic 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. 

Diabetes can lead to a host of foot and ankle complications, including: 

• Poor circulation
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers
• Infection
• Corns and calluses
• Dry, cracked skin
• Nail disorders
• Hammertoes
• Bunions
• Charcot foot

If you have diabetes, you must be vigilant of any changes in your foot health. This is best done through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you if necessary, look for any: 

• Cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds
• Bruising or discoloration
• Swelling
• Rash
• Foul odor
• Nail changes
• Hair loss
• Warmth and inflammation
• Deformities
• Lower limb pain
• Strange sensations (numbness, tingling, burning, pins, and needles)

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON . 

Corns can develop on the feet because of continued pressure or friction. Corns consist of toughened skin that contains a tiny hard center, sometimes called a root. Corns generally develop when the bone of a toe rubs against the hard inside of a shoe or when two bones press together. They most often form on the big toe or the little toe, and can become very painful. There are two types of corns, soft and hard. Most soft corns grow between the toes, especially if the ends of the toes are wider than the middle of the toes. Shoes with narrow toe boxes can aggravate these corns. Wearing wider shoes can help to alleviate the problem. Hard corns are most often caused by shoes that are too tight or by toe deformities. Simply changing footwear can often help to reduce friction. For more information about corns on the feet, please consult a chiropodist. 

Corns are small bumps or dry, hardened skin that can arise on the feet, usually in response to friction. Corns can be asymptomatic, or they can be uncomfortable or painful. If you have corns that are bothering you, 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 three types of corns:

• Hard corns
  • Often occur on the tops of toes
  • Feature a hard core surrounded by dry, irritated skin
  • Can be painful
• Soft corns
  • Often occur in between the toes
  • Soft due to constant exposure to sweat
  • Can be painful
• Seed corns
  • Tiny
  • Often occur on the soles of the feet
  • Usually asymptomatic

Corns can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit properly. They are typically benign and don’t require medical treatment. However, if your corns are causing you pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to a chiropodist near you for treatment options. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON . 

Ingrown toenails are common and painful, usually the result of clipping toenails incorrectly. This causes the nail to become embedded in the surrounding soft skin or the skin to grow over the top of the nail. Cutting toenails straight across is recommended, rather than having the corners of the nail rounded. Wearing shoes that are too tight in the toe box can encourage an ingrown toenail to form. Other deformities or abnormalities, such as bunions, hammertoes, and overpronation may be risk factors as they can affect gait and posture. An ingrown toenail appears red, swollen, and painful to touch. If ignored, an ingrown toenail can become infected, sometimes resulting in a discharge of pus. Ingrown toenails can be treated non-surgically if tended to immediately. Taking extreme corrective measures into your own hands is not recommended, as they can cause further problems. For instance, cutting the toenail shorter increases the likelihood of it growing more deeply into the nail bed. For safe and sterile treatment options, it is suggested you contact a chiropodist as soon as possible.

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 Vaughan, ON . 

Many kids get introduced to baseball in Little League or at camps. It is an all-time American favorite game that also includes potential for injury. Common injuries that affect the feet from playing baseball include sprains and broken bones. All it takes is making a run to a base or getting hit by a bat or ball to sustain a foot injury in the game. Prevention includes warming up before a game, wearing proper footgear, and remaining alert and aware. If you or your child incurs a foot or ankle injury while playing baseball that does not heal within a reasonable amount of rest, see a chiropodist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, 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. 

Common Injuries Among Athletes: 

• Achilles tendon injuries
• Ankle strains or sprains
• Plantar fasciitis
• Fractures
• Turf toe
• Joint dislocations
• Sever’s disease
• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON .