Ingrown toenails occur when the nail, usually of the big toe, grows into the skin surrounding it. Improper toenail care and shoes that don’t give the toe ample room are thought to be the main causes. Other causes include repetitive toe trauma, such as kicking a ball, and an inadvertent injury to the nail, such as stubbing the toe. Ingrown toenails are more common among men than in women, who are more likely to have pedicures. Non-surgical treatment of ingrown toenails helps to reduce the severity and pain. Such treatment includes correcting inappropriate footwear, as well as soaking the toe, and then applying a mid- to high-potency topical steroid. Sometimes, a piece of cotton ball is placed beneath the nail to separate it from the skin and allow the nail to grow out. In other cases, a type of splint is inserted between the nail and the nail bed. If you have trouble with ingrown toenails, it is wise to consult a chiropodist for treatment options.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, 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 an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include: 

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail. 

Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers. 

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

A bony bump that develops on the side of the foot may be referred to as a bunion. The feet change as the aging process occurs therefore the toes may lean toward each other causing a bunion to form. Additionally, a bunion can be caused by wearing shoes that do not have ample room for the toes to move freely in, and the side of the big toe may rub against the shoe. This can cause the other toes to shift, allowing more room for the bony protrusion. A bunion develops gradually and relief may be found by wearing shoes that fit correctly. Genetics may also contribute to the development of a bunion. Bunions tend to be more prevalent in women and this may be due to women having weaker connective tissue in their feet, in addition to wearing high heels with a narrow toe box. If you have developed a bunion, it is strongly advised that you consult with a chiropodist who can guide you toward relief methods, which may include surgery in severe cases, for permanent removal. 

Bunions progressively worsen over time and may cause walking in your shoes to become difficult. To learn more about bunions, 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 Are Bunions? 

A bunion is a bony bump that protrudes from the base of the big toe. Bunions are caused due to a misalignment of the first metatarsal. The characteristic bump of a bunion forms when the metatarsal shifts outwards from its proper position. Bunions develop slowly over time and progressively worsen without treatment. The skin over the bunion may develop calluses due to the friction from shoes. Eventually, a bunion can make walking uncomfortable or even painful. Bunions are one of the most common foot deformities and are especially common in women and older adults.

Symptoms

A bunion appears as a bulging bump on the outside of the base of the big toe.

The bunion may also: 

• Be swollen, red, or sore
• Develop corns or calluses over it
• Cause pain
• Limit the big toe’s range of motion

Treatment

There are several different treatments available for bunions. Conservative treatment options include wearing shoes with a wider toe box, cushioning the bunion with a specialized pad, wearing shoe inserts, icing the bunion if it becomes inflamed, and taking medications to relieve pain. In more severe cases, more invasive procedures may be done. This may involve removing the swollen tissue around the bunion, straightening the big toe, realigning the bones at the front of the foot, or a combination of these procedures. 

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

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 .