Achilles tendon pain is a modern day problem, especially for physically active people. Those who participate in soccer, volleyball, track and field events, and racquet sports are particularly susceptible to Achilles tendon injury. The Achilles tendon, one of the body’s longest tendons, is a tough band of tissue that connects the heel to the leg. Its main job is to allow you to walk, run, and push up onto your toes. For that reason, it is at risk of injury when playing sports that require those actions, even more so as you age. When the Achilles tendon becomes painful, it is usually because of repetitive action, causing inflammation. In the worst case scenarios, the Achilles tendon can tear partially or rupture, that is tear completely. This is usually the result of a trauma to the ankle, such as stopping too quickly or pivoting while changing direction. This will be immediately noticeable by severe pain and difficulty bearing weight. If you believe you have sustained an Achilles tendon injury, please consult a chiropodist for an exam, diagnosis, and course of treatment.

Achilles tendonitis is a common injury of the Achilles tendon, a band of fibrous tissue that runs along the back of the lower leg. The Achilles tendon can also rupture, making it impossible to lift the foot. If you are suffering from heel or calf 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. 

Causes of Achilles tendon injuries include: 

• Repetitive stress or overuse
• Sudden increase in activity levels
• High impact injury
• Calf muscle tightness or weakness
• Altered foot biomechanics
• Heel bone spurs
• Underlying medical conditions that weaken the tendon

Symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury include: 

• Heel and calf pain that worsens following exercise
• Chronic heel and calf pain
• Sudden pain in the back of the ankle or calf
• A popping or snapping sensation
• Thickened lump in the Achilles tendon
• Ankle and calf stiffness
• Decreased range of motion in the affected foot
• Swelling
• Difficulty walking 

Treatment

• Resting the affected leg
• Applying ice
• Compressing the foot and ankle
• Elevating the injured leg
• Wearing orthotics
• Low impact exercises
• Stretches
• Strengthening exercises
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Cortisone injections
• Surgery, if the tendon is ruptured 

Achilles tendon injuries can be very painful and lead to reduced mobility if left untreated. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

There are different types of foot afflictions that negatively impact the joints of the feet. These afflictions can be detrimental to the health of your feet and your overall well being. Gout is one such foot ailment, and it can be helpful for you to make yourself aware of the different causes of gout so that you can try to prevent its development. Gout is a kind of arthritis that primarily affects the joint in the big toe, which is referred to as the metatarsophalangeal joint. This is due to a buildup of uric acid in the body. Gout attacks can be very painful in some individuals. Sometimes taking certain medications can increase your risk of gout if the medication increases uric acid levels in the body. Also, excessive alcohol consumption can put you at a heightened risk of developing gout because alcohol inhibits your body’s ability to effectively remove uric acid from the body. Lastly, if you have been exposed to significant amounts of lead, you might also be at risk of developing gout. Gout is no joking matter – see a chiropodist if you think that you might be at risk of developing gout.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. 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 Gout?

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. This type of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid crystallizes in a joint, often the joint of the big toe, it can bring about a gout attack. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of gout include: 

• Sudden and severe pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Joint stiffness
• Joint deformity

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will ask questions about your personal and family medical history, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout. A sample of fluid taken from your joint can show whether it contains uric acid. 

Treatment

Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Patients with chronic gout can also use behavioral modifications such as diet, exercise, and decreased intake of alcohol to help minimize the frequency of gout attacks. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided since purines are converted in the body to uric acid. If left untreated, this painful condition can leave your joint permanently damaged and swollen.  

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

Many foot problems affect the bones and inner workings of the feet, but it is also important to protect the skin and soft tissues of your feet from injury. Studies show that problems with the skin and fat pads in the feet are common in around 80 percent of adults. It is important to protect skin in three areas: the outer layer of the skin from chafing and irritation, the underlying layers from undue pressure and force, and the fat pads of the heel, the ball of the foot, and the bottom of the toes. After the age of 30, the fat pads of the foot start to break down offering less protection from pounding and stress. This adds to the soreness of the feet at the end of the day. By age 50, the skin of the foot also becomes thin. This leaves your feet more vulnerable to blisters, cuts, bruises, and other types of skin damage. It is suggested that you check your feet each day for any lesions or unusual sores. Keep your feet clean and moisturized daily. Make sure toenails are cut straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. Wear moisture-wicking padded socks and avoid walking around barefoot. Wear shoes that fit properly and alternate pairs of shoes every day. If you are experiencing foot pain regularly but are unsure of the cause, please see a chiropodist for an exam and treatment options. 

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 . 

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that appears in about half of all diabetic patients. It develops gradually, as a result of having uncontrolled high levels of blood sugar for long periods and is common in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves that supply the extremities are damaged, commonly affecting the lower legs and the feet. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include numbness, dizziness when standing, sweating, muscle weakness, and difficulty with balance. Among the causes are damage to blood vessels, high blood pressure, excessive alcohol use, smoking, and side effects from certain medications. Because of numbness and an inability to detect extremes in temperature, the feet can be seriously affected by neuropathy. Sores and cuts can turn into ulcers if not attended to in a timely fashion. Ulcers on the legs and feet can turn into gangrene, if ignored. Neuropathy is not reversible, but it can be managed with the proper care. If you have diabetes, it is highly suggested that you seek the regular care of a chiropodist to monitor your condition and offer treatment solutions as potential problems arise. 

Neuropathy can cause permanent nerve damage if left untreated. If you are experiencing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, 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 Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that damages the nerves of the peripheral nervous system, which provide sensation to the limbs. The feet are often affected. Peripheral neuropathy can have many different causes, but it is most commonly associated with diabetes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Pain
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Burning sensations
• Weakness
• Loss of balance

Diagnosis

Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed based on medical history and physical examination. Various tests performed during physical examinations can help determine the type of peripheral neuropathy you may have and what is causing it. 

Treatment

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy will depend on what is causing it. For example, if your peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes, then managing your blood sugar, exercising regularly to strengthen the legs and feet, and taking pain medications may be recommended as treatments. 

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