A simple misstep can result in a sprained ankle. It happens when the ligaments stretch beyond their normal limits. It is a common injury, and can happen to people from all walks of life. The symptoms that are generally associated with this type of injury include immediate swelling, and bruising, and it can be difficult to walk. Prompt treatment is often necessary to ensure the ankle heals correctly, and it is important to maintain mobility and full range of motion. A lateral ankle sprain happens when the foot rolls inward, and the ligaments are damaged on the outer ankle. There are three grades of ankle sprains that can occur. When the ankle is overstretched slightly, a grade one sprain has occurred. It is often possible to walk with this type of sprain. The symptoms of a grade two sprain include moderate pain, tenderness, and the ankle can be swollen. Walking can be painful, and there is often a loss of range of motion. A grade three sprain consists of a full rupture, and it is impossible to walk. If you have sprained your ankle, please visit a chiropodist as quickly as possible who can determine what the best treatment is for your grade of ankle sprain. 

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 . 

Athlete’s foot got its name because athletes sweat a lot and can develop the foot fungus called Tinea Pedis. However, anyone whose feet are subject to warm, wet conditions can get athlete’s foot. This fungus grows under and between the toes. The skin can crack, flake, itch, or burn, and it can be painful to walk. Those who walk barefoot around pools, in locker rooms, or in public showers are more prone to athlete’s foot. It is important to keep the feet clean and dry. The shoes worn should permit air to circulate so moisture does not become trapped. Socks should be made of fibers that absorb perspiration. Fungus-killing powders, creams, or lotions may be applied to feet after showers. If you suffer from this condition or need help preventing recurrences, see a chiropodist who can treat your feet and restore them to health.

Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating this condition, 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 Athlete’s Foot? 

Athlete’s foot refers to an infection of the skin on the feet that is caused by a fungus. This fungus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments. It is often spread in common areas such as public pools, locker rooms, and showers. It can also spread when sharing personal items, like shoes or towels, with an infected person. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of athlete’s foot may include: 

• Itching, stinging, or burning of the skin on the feet
• Cracking or peeling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles of the feet
• Scaly, red rash on the foot
• Blisters
• Foul odor

Treatment

Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves using over-the-counter topical antifungal medications on the feet. When over-the-counter options are ineffective, you may need to take prescription oral medications or topical antifungal drugs, or a combination of both. 

Prevention

Preventing athlete’s foot places an emphasis on good foot hygiene practices. 

You can prevent athlete’s foot by:

• Washing and drying your feet thoroughly every day
• Wearing shoes when walking in public areas
• Not sharing personal items, like shoes or socks, with others
• Wearing shoes and socks made out of breathable materials

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

When you walk or jump, you put repeated force on your heels as they strike the ground time after time. This chronic trauma to your heels can cause blood vessels in the muscles and surrounding tissue to become quite bruised. This leads to bleeding underneath the skin's surface and bruising in the heel. Bruised heels are also known as heel contusions. Although they may be painful, heel bruises can be treated by a chiropodist. They will start off by examining you and running imaging tests, if necessary, to make sure you do not have another type of injury that causes heel pain, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, arthritis, or a heel bone fracture. If they verify that you do have a heel bruise they may treat it using a variety of treatments including prescription medications, rest, and orthotics. Additionally, they may suggest some gentle stretches and massage therapy to get blood flowing and to ease tension in your muscles. 

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, 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. 

Common Injuries Among Athletes: 

• Achilles tendon injuries
• Ankle strains or sprains
• Plantar fasciitis
• Fractures
• Turf toe
• Joint dislocations
• Sever’s disease
• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

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

Foot pain is common among older people. As one ages, the padding under the heel and ball of the foot gets thinner, the arches flatten and become less flexible, and the joints become stiffer. Additionally, the foot can get wider and longer. These natural changes can cause foot pain. Older people are also more apt to have foot pain if they have a chronic disease. Foot pain can lead to balance issues, reduced mobility, and an increased risk of falling. Beyond changes, which occur as the normal result of aging, one of the main causes of foot pain comes from shoes that are too small, narrow, or provide insufficient support. Having footwear evaluated, tending to basic foot care, and wearing non-binding socks, can all help maintain healthy foot care. Elderly people can also avoid walking barefoot, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising regularly for good foot health. As one ages, regular visits with a chiropodist are suggested to diagnose any foot ailments that might arise and to provide an appropriate treatment plan.

Foot problems can become increasingly common as we age, making everyday foot care especially important. To learn more about maintaining proper foot health, 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. 

Common Foot Problems

Certain foot problems may be more likely to affect older adults. 

Some examples of foot conditions that can be common in older adults include: 

• Dry, cracked skin
• Calluses and corns
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Deformities such as bunions or hammertoes
• Fungal infections
• Plantar warts

Systemic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, are also more likely to affect older people and manifest symptoms in the feet and ankles. 

Daily Foot Care Tips

Having a daily foot care routine can help detect problems early on and prevent future issues. 

Things that you can do at home to care for your feet include: 

• Washing the feet daily with warm water, drying them thoroughly, and then applying a moisturizer
• Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails
• Performing daily foot exercises to improve foot strength and mobility
• Wearing shoes when walking to avoid injury
• Inspecting the feet daily for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities and seeking prompt treatment if any problems are discovered 

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