Cracked heels, or heel fissures, are a common condition where the skin on the heels becomes dry and thickened leading to discomfort and potential infection. The primary causes include prolonged standing, excessive pressure on the feet, and wearing open-back shoes that lack proper support. Dry skin, often worsened by cold or dry weather, can also contribute to the problem. It is essential to keep the feet moisturized by using thick, emollient creams designed for dry skin to find relief. Regular exfoliation can remove thickened skin and help to prevent cracks from deepening. Wearing supportive, well-fitting shoes and using orthotic inserts can reduce pressure on the heels. If your cracked heels are severe or show signs of infection, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for appropriate treatment.

Dry, cracked heels are more than a cosmetic inconvenience. For many people, they are uncomfortable, deep, painful, and may even bleed. If you suffer from cracked heels, 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

• Prolonged standing
• Wearing open-back shoes
• Wearing shoes that don’t cushion the heels
• Living in a cold or dry climate
• Taking long, hot showers
• Not moisturizing the heels
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Palmoplantar keratoderma
• Juvenile plantar dermatosis

Treatments

• Soaking the feet
• Exfoliating with a pumice stone
• Moisturizing the heels
• Wearing closed-back shoes that cushion heels
• Avoiding prolonged standing
• Taking warm, rather than hot, showers
• Treating underlying skin conditions 

While milder cases of cracked heels can be treated at home, some patients present with deep, painful, bleeding heel fissures that are at risk of becoming infected and may require medical care. Additionally, patients with diabetes or any other conditions that affect the immune system should be monitored by a chiropodist. 

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

Selecting the perfect pair of shoes for your toddler’s first steps is vital for their comfort and development. It is important to choose shoes with close-cropped soles to prevent tripping and ensure safety as they learn to walk. Adequate room for growth is also essential, as shoes should fit well but offer enough space for little feet to expand. Opt for lightweight and flexible soles that aid in natural movement and provide the support needed for toddlers to explore confidently. These features help promote proper foot development and encourage balanced walking. If you are seeking additional advice on what shoes your child should be wearing for proper foot development, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can provide with the information you are looking for.

If your child is experiencing foot or ankle 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. 

Common Causes of Foot Pain in Children

While children can experience many of the same foot problems as adults do, some foot problems may be more common during childhood. 

Causes of foot pain in children can include:

• Deformities that are present from birth, such as flat feet or clubfoot
• Sever’s disease, which is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone
• Various sports injuries, such as sprains and fractures
• Ingrown toenails
• Athlete’s foot
• Plantar warts

Prevention

It is important to look after the health of children’s feet in order to prevent future problems from arising. Keep your child’s feet clean and dry, trim their toenails regularly, ensure their shoes fit properly, and keep a watchful eye on any symptoms of foot pain, such as limping. If you notice any symptoms or if your child complains of foot pain, a chiropodist can help. 

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

Foot pain is a common issue that can arise from various causes, including overuse, injury, or underlying health conditions. Common causes include plantar fasciitis, which involves inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, Achilles tendonitis, which affects the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel, and stress fractures, which are small cracks in the bones due to repetitive force. Other causes are bunions, arthritis, or nerve-related conditions like neuropathy. When you visit a chiropodist for foot pain, they will first take a detailed medical history and ask about your symptoms. They will perform a physical examination checking for signs of swelling, tenderness, or deformities. The chiropodist may also assess your gait, foot alignment, and range of motion. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, MRI scans or ultrasounds may be ordered to identify fractures, soft tissue injuries, or other abnormalities. Based on their findings, the chiropodist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested you visit a chiropodist to determine the cause and obtain proper treatment.

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 . 

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, affects a significant portion of the population, with fungal toenail infections being more common than those of the fingernails. These fungal infections can cause discomfort and affect nail appearance. Common symptoms include nail discoloration, thickening, and fragility, along with separation from the nail bed. Fungal toenail infections are caused by various environmental fungi that enter through small nail or skin cracks. Certain factors, such as age, nail trauma, diabetes, weakened immunity, and poor circulation, increase the risks of fungal toenail infections. Diagnosis requires laboratory testing to differentiate fungal infections from other nail problems. Treatment usually involves prescription antifungal medication, which is most effective when started early. However, recurrence is possible, especially in individuals with predisposing conditions like diabetes. If you have developed symptoms of fungal toenails, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for 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 .