Taking care of your feet can have positive effects on your well-being and daily activities. It is not complicated to practice good foot care. Choose appropriate shoes for different activities, focusing on support and cushioning. Replace shoes that are worn out and limit the frequency of wearing high heels. Avoiding walking barefoot on hard surfaces can help to prevent discomfort. Bringing personal pedicure tools to pedicure appointments can reduce the risk of infections. It is beneficial to practice yoga poses that can stretch and keep your feet flexible. Massaging your feet can improve blood flow and reduce tension. If you are interested in learning more about foot care, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist, who can provide valuable insights and advice.

Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, 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. 

There are many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including: 

• Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly
• Washing the feet daily with soap and water
• Drying the feet thoroughly
• Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet
• Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly
• Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises 

A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

Corns on the feet can be painful and frustrating, making every step a challenge. These thickened, hardened areas of skin are our body's response to pressure and friction, and there are various types and underlying causes of corns. Hard corns are typically found on the tops or sides of toes, and appear as small, concentrated patches of thick skin with a hard center. Corns that are found between the toes are referred to as soft corns. They are white and generally have a rubbery texture as a result of moisture retention. Corns that form on the ball or heel of the foot are known as seed corns. The majority of corns develop by wearing tight or narrow shoes that create pressure points, causing friction. When high heels are frequently worn, the elevated heels shift weight to the toes, increasing friction. Prevention, including wearing comfortable shoes and using protective pads, is crucial to managing corns. For persistent or painful corns, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for proper assessment and care.

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

Poor foot circulation, also known as peripheral artery disease or PAD, arises when blood flow to the feet and legs is compromised. This condition is often triggered by the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, leading to narrowed blood vessels. As a result, individuals may experience cramping, numbness, or weakness in their feet and legs, particularly during physical activity. Treatment for PAD includes lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, adopting a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise which can improve circulation. When lifestyle changes are not sufficient, medications may also be prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and control blood pressure. If you are suffering from the effects of peripheral artery disease and your feet are affected, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for specialized advice on managing your foot health and preventing complications related to poor circulation.

Poor circulation refers to a lack of adequate blood flow in the body. The feet and ankles are frequently affected by poor circulation. If you have symptoms of poor circulation, 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. 

What causes poor circulation?

Poor circulation is typically caused by a buildup of a fatty substance called plaque in the arteries that supply the lower limbs. When plaque accumulates, it causes the blood vessels to narrow and harden, making it harder for blood to move through them. Without an adequate blood supply, the lower limbs do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients to stay healthy. This can produce a variety of symptoms, especially as the condition progresses. 

For some people, there are no noticeable symptoms. If symptoms do arise, they can include 

• Muscle cramps
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Pain that gets worse with physical activity
• Balance problems
• Difficulty walking
• Wounds that heal poorly
• Hair loss
• Discoloration
• Coldness

Other causes of poor circulation include blood clots, varicose veins, diabetes, obesity, and Raynaud’s disease. 

Screening

Your chiropodist can perform a variety of simple, safe, and noninvasive screenings to assess the circulation in your lower limbs. One common vascular test is the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test. During an ABI, the chiropodist measures your blood pressure in your arms and ankles and compares the two numbers to derive a ratio. The ratio is then used to determine your risk of having poor circulation. Another screening measure is a Doppler ultrasound, where sound waves are used to image the blood flow in the lower limbs. 

Who is at risk?

Those most at risk of having poor circulation are older adults and people with a personal or family history of cardiovascular disease. If you are at risk, it’s suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist. 

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

Ignoring an ankle sprain is likely to result in an increased chance of having a chronically weakened ankle joint. For that reason, following a rigid treatment plan for recovery is essential. The first step to a healthy ankle after a sprain is decreasing the pain and swelling by staying off the injured foot. If the ankle is extremely swollen or cannot bear weight, it is important to see a chiropodist immediately. The foot will be tested for stability and range of motion to determine the extent of the injury. An X-ray may be taken to rule out a broken bone or other abnormality. In many cases, the ankle may be put into a brace or other immobilizing device to keep it stable. Eventually, stretching and strengthening exercises will begin as a way to rehabilitate the injured ligament and its supporting muscles. Range of motion exercises will follow. Healing from an ankle sprain can take up to several months to complete. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for recovery options.

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 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 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 Toronto, ON .