Foot pain can develop in individuals for any number of different reasons. In fact, foot pain and complications associated with the feet are so wide-ranging that an entire field of medicine is dedicated to this question. One often overlooked cause of foot pain is associated with low levels of Vitamin D. This vitamin is a fat-soluble vitamin. When the body’s levels of Vitamin D become too low, the human body will try to alert an individual by manifesting pain in the feet. Pain might also be felt in the ankles as well. As a result of diminished levels of Vitamin D, an individual can be at an increased risk of falling or suffering from tripping. If you think that this might describe you, consider contacting a chiropodist today who can help you manage any problems you might be having with your feet or ankles.

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 . 

The most common location of toe joint pain is in the big toe, also known as the hallux. This is likely because the big toe absorbs about 90% of the body’s weight with each step. The most common types of toe joint pain are gout, bunions, and hammertoes. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by having too much uric acid in the body. The uric acid forms crystals in the joints, and the big toe is often a target. The toe swells and reddens and becomes extremely painful. Bunions and hammertoes are bone deformities, believed to be caused by genetic factors. Wearing improperly fitting footwear is also a contributor. With a bunion, the bottom of the big toe pushes outward, forming a bump, while pushing the top part of the toe in the opposite direction. A bunion can be quite painful when walking and often causes other foot problems. Hammertoes result from an imbalance between the muscle and tendon, usually in the second or third toe. This causes the tip of the toe to curl under, while the middle joint rises. Pain is felt when the raised joint rubs against the inside of the shoe. For help with these types of toe pain, please consult a chiropodist. 

Toe pain is common and can have a variety of causes. Causes can range from a broken toe to an ingrown toenail. Many types of toe pain can be corrected, but any toe pain that inhibits your activities for an extended period should be discussed with a chiropodist. If you suffer from toe 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 feet.

Common Causes of Toe Pain 

• Trauma or fracture
• Cuts, sores, or bruises
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Turf Toe
• Morton’s neuroma
• Blisters
• Corns
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar warts
• Athlete’s Foot

Symptoms of Toe Pain

• Toe deformity
• Burning
• Numbness
• Toenail deformity
• Wart or ulcer
• Swelling
• Redness

When to See a Chiropodist

• Bleeding or severe swelling
• Trauma, such as a broken bone
• Discoloration or extreme swelling
• Inability to bear weight
• Persistent pain
• Wounds that won’t heal

Diagnosis of Toe Pain

A chiropodist can conduct a thorough examination of the painful toe or toes in order to determine the best course of treatment. The exam may include assessing the tenderness of the area, taking an X-ray or other diagnostic test, or assessing your gait and range of motion. A discussion of what led to the advanced pain issue may follow. Included will likely be a health history, as well as a list of medications you are taking and other previous injuries you may have sustained.

Treatment for Toe Pain

With such a wide range of possible causes for toe pain, treatment can be varied in scope and length. Sometimes, the chiropodist will recommend lifestyle and activity changes. In cases of trauma or other injuries, X-rays or imaging tests will likely be used to determine the severity of the problem, particularly if any bones have been broken. Treatment may also include injections of pain-relief medication or anti-inflammatory drugs. Certain injuries will require the splinting, bracing, or wrapping of injured toes. Orthotics or special shoes may be prescribed in cases of bone deformities and gait issues. Removal of warts, calluses, and corns may be needed. In other cases, such as with patients who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, ongoing treatment may be required to avoid more serious problems. 

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

Hammertoe is a condition of the foot that occurs when the middle joint of a toe juts upward, causing the toe to look like a hammer. Many patients who are struggling with hammertoe frequently ask their medical professionals how they can care for their hammertoe. The answer is complicated because there are many different potential treatments that someone may pursue. However, one way that a medical professional can recommend treating hammertoe is by performing certain exercises to mitigate the effects of the condition. Specifically, a person may try to strengthen their toe muscles by performing towel toe curls. This can be done by placing a towel on the floor and using the toes to scrunch up the towel. Contact a chiropodist today to learn about more ways in which patients living with hammertoe can perform beneficial exercises. 

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity in which one or more of the small toes bends downwards at the middle joint. Though it may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, this is not the case. Hammertoes can be uncomfortable, painful, and even debilitating in severe cases. If you suffer from hammertoe, 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

• One or more small toes bending downward at the middle joint
• Pain or irritation on the affected toes
• Corns and calluses
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Stiff toe joints
• Sores on the tops of the toes

Diagnosis

A chiropodist can typically diagnose hammertoes through physical examination. X-rays may need to be taken to see the extent of the damage.

Treatment

Hammertoes tend to progressively worsen with time, so getting prompt treatment is very important. In its early stages, the progression of hammertoe can be slowed down or stopped. Your chiropodist may suggest changes in your footwear. Wearing wide, comfortable shoes with a larger toe area and a low heel can help you avoid putting pressure on your toes. You may also be prescribed orthotics. Over-the-counter medications or corticosteroid injections may be used to relieve pain. If you have any corns or calluses, your chiropodist may suggest padding them to avoid further irritation. In advanced cases, surgery may be suggested. 

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

Arthritis in the feet is a condition that typically causes pain and discomfort. There are several kinds of arthritis, and the most common type is called osteoarthritis. It happens when the cartilage that is found between the bones and joints breaks down, which may lead to stiffness and a reduced range of motion. Gout can cause severe pain and is a form of arthritis. The pain often starts in the joints of the big toe and may radiate throughout the entire foot if prompt medical attention is not sought. It is caused by excess uric acid, causing crystals to form in the big toe. This may occur for several reasons including genetics or eating foods that have high levels of purines. The autoimmune disease that is known as lupus can affect the small joints of the feet and is classified as a type of arthritis. If you have foot pain, please confer with a chiropodist who can determine if it is caused by arthritis, and how to properly treat it.

Osteoarthritis in the feet or ankles can be a painful and disabling condition that may interfere with your daily activities. If you have arthritis, 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 Osteoarthritis? 

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the protective layer of cartilage in the joints breaks down over time. This loss of cartilage causes the bones to rub together during movement, leading to pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is associated with aging, and often affects the small joints of the feet and ankles. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include: 

• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Swelling in or around the joint
• Restricted range of motion
• Difficulty walking

Diagnosis

Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed through physical examination. You may also need to have an X-ray taken to assess the extent of the damage caused by arthritis. 

Treatment

Treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on reducing symptoms and improving the function of the affected joints. Conservative treatments include oral pain medications, orthotic devices, bracing or immobilizing the affected foot or ankle, steroid injections into the affected joint to reduce inflammation, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. 

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