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 . 

An injury that is common to dancers, runners, and athletes involved in high-impact sports is stress fractures. A stress fracture is a hairline crack in a bone, often located in the feet. The majority of stress fractures occur in the metatarsals, but can also be felt in the heel and sometimes the ankle. At first, it may feel like a minor pain or ache in a specific area of the foot. Usually, no visible sign of an injury is present, possibly making it easy to dismiss. Over time, however, pain from a stress fracture will escalate, especially when the activity that has caused it is continued. Eventually, the pain becomes so great that the ability to stand or move becomes inhibited. The main cause of stress fractures is repeated pressure on the affected bone or bones. Other reasons stress fractures can happen include starting a new activity, increasing the intensity of a workout, or changing workout surfaces. Overuse stress fractures occur when a weight-bearing movement is repeated so often that the bones and their supporting muscles do not have enough time to recover between workouts. If you believe you are experiencing pain from stress fractures of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist.

A stress fracture often requires medical attention as it can progress and worsen over time. 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. 

A stress fracture refers to a fine crack in a bone. This type of fracture is especially common in the feet, as they often endure repetitive pressure from daily activities such as walking or running. Stress fractures occur when the affected bone can not support the load being placed on it. Stress fractures in the foot can occur in any bone, but often affect the metatarsal bones which connect the toes to the rest of the foot, the heel bone, or the navicular bone on the top of the foot. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of a stress fracture may include: 

• Deep, dull pain
• Sharp, localized pain
• Intermittent pain
• Tenderness
• Weakness
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Changes in the biomechanics of the foot

Diagnosis

Stress fractures in the foot are diagnosed via medical history and a physical exam. You may also need to have diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, bone scans, or an ultrasound performed to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out any other problems.  

Treatment

Nonsurgical treatment options include resting, icing, compressing and elevating the affected foot, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications, modifying your footwear, wearing a cast, and using crutches. Certain types of foot fractures, such as navicular fractures, respond poorly to nonsurgical treatment and may need surgery to fully heal. 

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