Toe fractures are a common injury. These fractures frequently occur due to direct trauma, such as stubbing a toe or crushing injuries, but they can also result from indirect forces like hyperextension or stress fractures. While the first and fifth toes are commonly involved, fractures of the lesser digits are more frequent. The most typical site for a fracture is the proximal phalanx, or second toe bone, largely because it is longer than other toe bones. The types of toe fractures vary and can include simple, compound, avulsion, comminuted, intra-articular, and dislocation fractures. Each type presents its own set of challenges for diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in weight-bearing. Additionally, the affected toe may appear deformed and exhibit limited range of motion. If you believe you have broken a toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist who can verify the diagnosis and provide treatment options.

A broken toe typically occurs following either a sudden, traumatic injury, like dropping a heavy piece of furniture on the toe. The impact causes the bone to fracture and produces a variety of painful symptoms. If you suspect that you’ve broken your toe, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Symptoms

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Cracking sound at the time of injury
• Difficulty bearing weight on the toe
• Difficulty walking
• Toe resting at an unnatural angle

Diagnosis

Your chiropodist can diagnose a broken toe through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays. 

Treatment

The main goals of treatment are to ensure that the bone heals properly, as a toe fracture that doesn’t heal properly can lead to osteoarthritis. You will typically need to rest the affected toe. You may be prescribed a splint to immobilize the toe while it heals. Icing the affected toe and taking over-the-counter medications can help reduce pain. In cases of severe fractures, surgery may be necessary to reset the broken bones and make sure that they heal correctly.  

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

With every year, the effects of aging on the feet becomes more apparent, leading to various problems. The aging process causes a loss of springiness, strength, and resilience in the feet. With age, the tendons in the feet lose their stretch, reducing the foot's ability to absorb impacts. Additionally, wear and tear can develop in the joints between the bones, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis. The bones in your feet also tend to thin with age, making them more fragile. Conditions like osteoporosis can exacerbate this thinning, along with factors such as smoking, lack of exercise, and poor vitamin D intake. The padding under the balls of the feet may shift over time, especially in individuals who frequently wear high heels or have rheumatoid arthritis, resulting in conditions like metatarsalgia and callus formation. Dry skin can also occur due to the reduced fatty layer, leading to cracked heels and calluses. Toenails often become thicker and more brittle as they grow older, primarily due to a slowing of their growth. Further, the aging process can affect the blood supply to the feet, reducing the foot's ability to quickly repair minor injuries. For help with any of the foot-related problems that may affect you as you age, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist.

Foot problems can become increasingly common as we age, making everyday foot care especially important. To learn more about maintaining proper foot health, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Foot Problems

Certain foot problems may be more likely to affect older adults. 

Some examples of foot conditions that can be common in older adults include: 

• Dry, cracked skin
• Calluses and corns
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Deformities such as bunions or hammertoes
• Fungal infections
• Plantar warts

Systemic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, are also more likely to affect older people and manifest symptoms in the feet and ankles. 

Daily Foot Care Tips

Having a daily foot care routine can help detect problems early on and prevent future issues. 

Things that you can do at home to care for your feet include: 

• Washing the feet daily with warm water, drying them thoroughly, and then applying a moisturizer
• Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails
• Performing daily foot exercises to improve foot strength and mobility
• Wearing shoes when walking to avoid injury
• Inspecting the feet daily for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities and seeking prompt treatment if any problems are discovered 

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

Playing soccer demands a great deal from the feet. Players run, kick, pivot, and jump, all of which can lead to various foot-related conditions. One common ailment is plantar fasciitis which is characterized by inflammation of the thick band of tissue, known as the plantar fascia, that runs across the foot's bottom and connects the heel bone to the toes. Soccer players, particularly those who may not wear shoes offering proper arch support, can experience stabbing pain, especially after prolonged activity or when taking their first steps after resting. Another concern arising from playing soccer is the development of stress fractures, particularly in the foot's metatarsal bones. These tiny fractures can be a result of repetitive activities and impacts. If left unchecked, the pain can become more persistent, potentially sidelining the player. Lastly, the Achilles tendon, necessary for running and jumping, can also become a pain point. Soccer players may develop Achilles tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel. It often arises from tight calf muscles or a sudden increase in play intensity without an adequate warm-up. If a player starts to feel pain at the back of their heel, especially when stretching their foot or standing on their toes, it may be a sign of an Achilles tendon injury. Ignoring these signs and continuing rigorous play can lead to more severe complications, including the dreaded Achilles tendon rupture. If you play soccer and experience foot or Achilles tendon pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for a 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 our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist 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 Toronto, ON . 

Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious and common complication of diabetes, affecting a significant number of individuals worldwide. These ulcers, often found on the feet, result from a combination of factors unique to diabetes. The term diabetic foot ulcer refers to an open sore or wound that typically develops on the lower extremities of individuals with diabetes. These ulcers tend to heal slowly, posing a considerable threat to the patient's overall health. The primary cause of diabetic foot ulcers is nerve damage, a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. Reduced sensation in the feet can make it challenging for individuals to detect injuries or pressure points, leading to undetected trauma. Poor circulation, another diabetes-related problem, further hinders the body's ability to heal wounds. Additionally, high blood sugar levels impair the immune system's ability to combat infection, increasing the risk of ulceration. In summary, diabetic foot ulcers are the result of a complex interplay of factors related to diabetes, primarily neuropathy, poor circulation, and compromised immunity. It is strongly suggested for individuals with diabetes to be under the care of a chiropodist. This medical professional will take proactive measures to prevent and manage these ulcers, which can possibly avoid severe complications. 

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 our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist 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 Toronto, ON .