Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, often felt most sharply with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. It occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated or overstretched, leading to inflammation where it attaches to the heel bone. While the pain may ease with movement, it often returns without proper treatment. Managing plantar fasciitis involves reducing strain on the foot while supporting healing. Rest and targeted stretching can help relieve symptoms early on. Wearing supportive footwear with good arch support and cushioning is key. Many people also benefit from custom orthotics to offload pressure from the heel and improve alignment. If pain continues, treatments may include splints worn at night, or advanced options such as shockwave therapy. For ongoing or worsening symptoms, it is suggested you see a chiropodist for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your needs.

Plantar fasciitis can be painful and interfere with your daily activities. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain and believe you may be afflicted with plantar fasciitis, 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 Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Repetitive activities, such as running or jumping, can injure the plantar fascia over time. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by flat feet, high arches, pregnancy, and activities that put excessive pressure on your feet, like standing all day for work. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it causes pain and discomfort. 

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Stabbing pain near the heel
• Pain that is worst in the morning or after a period of rest
• Pain that increases after exercising
• Swelling
• Tightness in the Achilles tendon

Diagnosis

Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed via medical history and physical examination. 

Treatment

Treatments for plantar fasciitis include resting and icing the affected foot, stretching the foot, taking medications to reduce inflammation, and wearing orthotics. In severe cases where pain does not improve with conservative treatments, injections or surgery may be recommended. 

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

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common condition caused by various types of fungi, including dermatophytes, molds, and yeasts. Dermatophytes are the most frequent culprits, often affecting the toenails more than the fingernails. Infected toenails may turn yellow, green, or brown and appear thickened, brittle, or crumbly. In some cases, the nail may separate from the skin underneath, emit an unpleasant odor, or cause pain when walking or wearing shoes. Different subtypes of infection exist depending on the area of the nail affected, such as the tip, base, or surface. Risk factors include walking barefoot in public areas, wearing tight shoes, nail trauma, and medical conditions that lower immunity. A chiropodist can examine the affected toenail, determine if it is fungal, and suggest appropriate topical treatment. If you have developed a fungal toenail infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for appropriate treatment. 

Toenail fungus can be uncomfortable and unsightly. If you have diabetes or a compromised immune system, it may also be dangerous. To learn more about treatment options, 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 Does Toenail Fungus Look Like? 

A fungal infection of the toenail may cause the affected nail to become thickened, brittle, crumbly, and yellowish or brown in color. Sometimes the toenail may separate from the nail bed, become deformed, emit a foul odor, or cause pain or discomfort. 

What Causes Toenail Fungus? 

Toenail fungus is caused by a fungus that infects the nail bed. The fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments and is also contagious. Athlete’s foot, which is a fungal infection of the skin, may spread to the nails and cause toenail fungus. 

What Treatments Are Available? 

Potential treatments for toenail fungus may include oral antifungal medications, topical antifungal medications, such as medicated nail polishes that are applied directly to the affected nail, and laser therapy. Sometimes, a combination of treatments is prescribed. 

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

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, usually due to a sudden twist or fall. Causes include sports injuries, uneven surfaces, or improper footwear. Ankle sprains are graded by severity, with Grade 1 being mild stretching, Grade 2 involving partial tears, and Grade 3 representing complete tears and instability. Risk factors include weak ankles, poor balance, and previous sprains. A chiropodist can assess the injury, recommend appropriate care such as bracing or exercises, and help prevent future sprains through strengthening and balance training. If you experience ankle pain, swelling, or difficulty walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can guide you toward appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

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 . 

Proper foot care is vital for individuals with diabetes to prevent serious complications. Keeping the skin soft with a gentle moisturizer helps avoid cracks that can lead to infections. Daily foot inspections are important for spotting blisters, cuts, or redness early. Washing feet with mild soap and drying them thoroughly, especially between the toes, helps maintain cleanliness and reduces moisture buildup. A chiropodist plays a key role by providing routine foot exams, managing calluses or nail care, and offering guidance on footwear and skin health. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can help you to manage this serious condition. 

Diabetes can cause serious problems in the lower limbs if proper preventive measures are not taken and diabetic wound care is not performed. If you would like to learn more about caring for diabetic feet, 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. 

Diabetes can lead to a host of foot and ankle complications, including: 

• Poor circulation
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers
• Infection
• Corns and calluses
• Dry, cracked skin
• Nail disorders
• Hammertoes
• Bunions
• Charcot foot

If you have diabetes, you must be vigilant of any changes in your foot health. This is best done through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you if necessary, look for any: 

• Cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds
• Bruising or discoloration
• Swelling
• Rash
• Foul odor
• Nail changes
• Hair loss
• Warmth and inflammation
• Deformities
• Lower limb pain
• Strange sensations (numbness, tingling, burning, pins, and needles)

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