During pregnancy, women feel a variety of aches and pains in their bodies, including the feet. They often complain about tired, swollen, and achy feet. Edema, or swelling, and cramps in the feet can begin during one’s second trimester and is usually from the increased volume of blood and fluids in the body. This can also be due to a change in the way a woman’s body processes calcium. Also, the bones, ligaments, and tendons in the feet tend to loosen and relax during pregnancy. The weight gain from pregnancy can cause feet to widen, joints to stretch, and heels to be strained. It can be helpful for pregnant women to elevate their legs, continually move their feet, stretch, limit salt intake, and wear compression socks. If you are pregnant and foot pain causes continued distress, reach out to a chiropodist who can help alleviate any concerns you have and assist in making you more comfortable.

Pregnancy can affect your feet in many ways, often causing pain or discomfort, as well as reduced mobility. If you are pregnant and experience 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. 

During pregnancy, your belly isn’t the only part of your body swelling. The whole body may experience swelling, especially in the feet and ankles. Since they carry the weight of both your body and the baby’s, caring for your feet during pregnancy is very important. 

Common Foot Conditions During Pregnancy

Various foot conditions can develop during the course of a pregnancy, including: 

• Swelling of the feet and ankles
• Fallen arches, leading to acquired flat feet
• Plantar fasciitis
• Aching, sore feet
• Changes in the toenails

Caring for the Feet During Pregnancy

Some things that you can do to help maintain the health of your feet during pregnancy include: 

• Wearing comfortable shoes
• Resting and elevating your feet
• Icing sore areas, such as the arch
• Keeping your toenails trimmed
• Soaking and massaging the feet

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

A heel spur is small but capable of causing severe pain and discomfort. Heel spurs develop on the bottom of the heel over a period of time and are defined as a bony growth or calcium deposit. This calcium deposit can develop as a result of repeated stress on the foot ligaments and tendons. Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may contribute to getting a heel spur, in addition to frequently running on uneven surfaces. Research suggests that the risk of a heel spur may be reduced when a healthy lifestyle is practiced. This can include eating foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fatty fish. It is beneficial to avoid foods that consist of red meats, dairy products, caffeine, and processed foods. If you would like more information about heel spurs and how eating healthy foods may help patients who have heel spurs, please ask a chiropodist who can answer any questions you may have.

Heel spurs are bony outgrowths from calcium deposits. They occur at the back of the heel bone or underneath the heel bone and usually form in response to chronic irritation of the Achilles tendon or plantar fascia. They are often asymptomatic, but if you are suffering from heel pain, 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 of Heel Spurs

• Tenderness
• Heel pain
• Pain when walking
• No symptoms

Diagnosis

Since heel spurs are often asymptomatic, they are usually only diagnosed when they are found on the heels incidentally during an X-ray taken for another reason. Nevertheless, if you have heel pain, and particularly if you have plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, it may be worth it to see if you have heel spurs too. 

Treatment

Unless they are causing symptoms, heel spurs typically don’t require any treatment. When they are symptomatic, treatments are typically conservative. They may include resting and icing the affected foot, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing orthotics or supportive footwear, especially while exercising. 

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

Cracked heels often follows having extremely dry skin. It can be a painful ailment, and in severe cases, can develop into fissures that can bleed and become infected. Cracked heels can be unsightly, and can occur from wearing shoes that have an open back, or possibly from standing on hard surfaces for most of the day. Additionally, there may be existing medical reasons why this condition may occur. These can include eczema, psoriasis, thyroid disorder, or obesity. Methods can be implemented that may reduce the risk of getting cracked heels. It is advised to refrain from wearing flip-flops that have an open back, and most of these types of shoes have little or no support. People who are overweight may choose to wear orthotics, which may help to evenly distribute their weight away from the heels. If you have cracked heels, please consult with a chiropodist who can steer you toward the right treatment techniques. 

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can cause pain and discomfort. If your cracked heels are bothering you, 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. 

Dry, thickened skin around the rim of the heel is typically the first sign of cracked heels. While this condition is common and usually just a nuisance, some cases can be more severe. If left untreated and as more pressure is placed on the heel, the cracks become deeper and eventually walking and standing can be painful. These deep cracks or fissures can bleed and also become infected. Those with diabetes need to be especially careful as fissures could lead to diabetic foot ulcers. 

Causes

Cracked heels can be the result of several different factors, including: 

• Dry skin
• Taking long, hot showers or using harsh soaps
• Standing for long periods of time
• Walking barefoot
• Walking in shoes with an open back, such as sandals or flip flops
• Wearing shoes that do not fit properly
• Living in a cold or dry climate
• Certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis

Treatment

There are many at-home treatment remedies for cracked heels. Applying moisturizers to the heel can help hydrate the skin. Soaking your feet in warm water and exfoliating them with a loofah or pumice stone can help to buff away dead skin cells. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can prevent cracked heels by:

• Avoiding standing in one position for prolonged periods of time
• Wearing well-fitted shoes with a closed back
• Washing your feet with gentle soaps and lukewarm water
• Moisturizing the feet daily

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

The medical term for the foot condition known as Sever’s disease is called calcaneal apophysitis. It is an ailment that affects the heel of young teenagers who frequently participate in running and jumping activities. It happens as a result of repeated trauma inflicted on the heel’s growth plate which is part of an underdeveloped heel. Common symptoms may include limping, swelling, and the pain may worsen when the heel is squeezed. It is beneficial to wear shoes that have adequate cushioning in the heel and arch area, and it can help to maintain a healthy weight. This is often advised so the heel can be protected from additional pressure. There are specific stretches that can be performed that may help to strengthen the Achilles tendon, which is connected to the heel. If your child is afflicted with Sever’s disease, please confer with a chiropodist sooner than later so the correct treatment can begin.

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 .