Foot pain can affect how you live your life, as it increases the difficulty of carrying out even the simplest daily activities. Foot pain is commonly felt in three regions, the heel, the arch and the toes. The most common causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. When the ligament beneath the feet, called the plantar fascia, becomes irritated it tears and causes inflammation and pain. If the arch of the foot collapses, it results in worsening the plantar fasciitis and increasing the pain level. This sets up the perfect environment for heel spurs to develop. These bony outgrowths, usually on the bottom of the heel, can be painful when weight is applied. Toe pain can be caused by bunions, a deformity of the big toe that can affect how your weight is distributed. It may increase pressure on the ball of the foot. The bunion, a bony bump on the side of the big toe, also may rub against the inside of a shoe and cause further pain. Athletes and dancers often place a great deal of weight on the first joint of the big toe, causing a condition known as turf toe. When this joint is pushed past its limits, the ligament stretches and causes severe pain. If you are experiencing any type of foot pain that will not subside, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for an exam and suggested treatment options.

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot pain, 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. 

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 Toronto, ON . 

A blister is a fluid-filled bubble that forms on the skin. The fluid can be clear or contain some blood. When blisters develop between the toes, it can be painful, particularly if one spends a lot of time on their feet. Two types of blisters that can form between the toes are those caused by friction and those not due to friction. These blisters look alike, but their location and how they come about differ. Friction or pinch blisters usually result from repeated rubbing of one toe against the other or against the inner lining of a shoe and the skin becomes irritated. These blisters often form near the tip or base of a toe. Non-friction blisters often come from an allergy or infection. Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that can cause blisters between the toes. Insect bites or an allergic reaction to the material of one’s socks can cause such blisters as well. For non-friction blisters, a good foot health routine may help resolve the problem. This includes washing, drying, and moisturizing the feet daily, cutting the toenails frequently and straight across, and making sure to examine the feet regularly. For both types of blisters, wearing well-fitting shoes that provide ample room for the toes to move will help. One should not pop these blisters as it is easy for bacteria to enter through open skin. They can be covered with bandages while healing takes place. If you suffer from toe blister pain, it may be hard to tell which type of blister you have and it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Blisters can usually be treated at home, however, if you have recurring blisters or experience significant discomfort or pain, 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. 

What Is a Blister? 

A blister is a small pocket of fluid in the upper skin layers and is one of the body’s natural responses to injury or pressure. Blisters can also result from burns, fungal or viral skin infections, and the feet are particularly prone due to ill-fitting footwear and friction. Friction on the skin causes the upper layer of skin to separate from the lower layers. The space that this separation creates then becomes filled with a liquid called serum, which protects the lower layers of skin. 

Treatment 

If you notice a blister on your foot, you can cover it with a soft bandage or dressing to protect it. Popping the blister is discouraged. Doing so exposes the raw skin underneath it to bacteria and also raises the risk of infection. If a blister pops naturally, let it drain before covering it with a bandage. Blisters usually heal on their own or with home treatment, however, if your blister is recurring, very painful, or appears infected, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can help to prevent blisters by wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes. Keep your feet dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks and dust your feet with talcum powder if they tend to get sweaty. If you have areas on your feet that are more susceptible to blisters, you might be able to prevent the blister from forming by covering it with a pad. 

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

Active children and young teenagers with heel pain may need to be checked for Sever’s disease. This foot condition affects the heel's growth plate and can cause difficulty while walking. Noticeable signs can include parents noticing their child walking on their tiptoes or limping. The heel and surrounding area may also be red. Treatment can begin with temporarily stopping the activity that caused this condition, and it is beneficial to perform specific stretches which can provide flexibility and strength. When these are practiced several times per day, the recovery may be accelerated, ranging from two weeks to two months. Additionally, elevating and resting the affected foot may aid in recovery. If your child is active and has heel pain, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist who can offer a proper diagnosis for Sever’s disease and offer effective treatment methods.

Sever’s disease typically affects young children and teenagers. If your child complains of foot pain, 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. 

What Is Sever’s Disease? 

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It is typically caused by overuse due to repetitive activities such as running, jumping, and playing certain sports. This condition most frequently affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of Sever’s disease include: 

• Pain in the back or bottom of the heel
• Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed
• Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the heel
• Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in usual activities
• Fatigue 

Diagnosis

Sever’s disease is diagnosed by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, can help rule out other injuries like a fracture. 

Treatment

Sever’s disease typically heals without any long-term complications. Treatment involves resting the affected foot by reducing typical activities, wearing orthotics to support the foot, immobilizing the affected foot, taking medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and stretching the foot. 

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

Getting older has so many benefits, such as wisdom and retirement, but the toll that aging takes on the body can be disheartening. The feet are the foundation of the body, and take us through life, making it possible to get from place to place, while maintaining quality of life. With aging, results of wear and tear on the feet can show up in a variety of concerns that can threaten mobility and independence. The most frequent complaints among the elderly regarding their feet have to do with the skin, connective tissues, joints, nails, and blood circulation. As one ages, the fatty layer that cushions the soles and heels become thinner. Dry skin on the soles of the feet can cause cracked heels and fissures. With age, the feet tend to flatten, and this can cause pain in the mid-foot area along with swelling in the inner ankle and arch. Toenails can become thicker and brittle with age as a result of slow nail growth from decreased hormones. Arthritis and circulatory problems are more common among older people, and can wreak havoc with the feet and ankles. The list goes on. If you are older or taking care of an elderly person, it is suggested that you include a chiropodist among your health care providers. This professional can help you learn how to properly care for your feet as well as recognize any concerns as they arise.

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 . 

The feet are the foundation of the body and are responsible for having us walk, run, and maintain balance in the body. Additionally, they serve as shock absorbers and can propel the body forward, as well as in other directions. Each foot is composed of 26 bones, and several ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The foot bones work together as the ligaments hold them in place, and the muscles and tendons orchestrate the movement of the feet. While walking, the heel hits the ground first, and the impact is absorbed by the layer of fatty tissue that lies underneath the heel. As the foot rolls forward, the weight of the body moves to the plantar fascia. This is the band of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. The weight then moves to the ball of the foot, causing the ability to push off on the toes. There are several foot conditions that patients can be born with, or may develop after incurring a foot injury. If you would like additional information about the biomechanics of the feet, it is suggested that you speak with a chiropodist who can answer any questions you may have.

The biomechanics of your feet play an important role in your foot health. To learn more, 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. 

Foot biomechanics refers to the study of the structure, function, and motion of the feet. The feet and ankles are a complex system consisting of many bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that work together to move your feet. Understanding the unique biomechanics of your own feet can help you and your chiropodist make informed decisions about your foot health care. This includes decisions about the best preventive measures to avoid foot pain, the best treatment options for various foot problems, and finding the best shoes for your feet. 

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