Items filtered by date: December 2021

Athletes can be at an increased risk for sustaining injuries to their feet and ankles. Many football players sustain an injury called turf toe, in which the plantar ligament and metatarsophalangeal joint of the toe are disrupted. This can cause joint instability, pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight and pushing off of the toe. Ankle sprains are extremely common among athletes and typically occur when the athlete “rolls” the ankle. This is caused by an overstretching or tearing of the ligaments that hold the ankle bones together. Ankle sprains vary in severity from mild to severe and can cause pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the affected ankle. Stress fractures are another common athletic injury, especially in runners. These occur when a small crack develops in a bone due to overuse. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, and aching at the site of injury. Left untreated, the stress fracture can progress to a full fracture or heal slowly. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while playing a sport, a chiropodist can help treat your injury and get you back on your feet.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch 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 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cuboid syndrome is generally caused by an injury to the joint and ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone in the middle of the foot. This occurs when the cuboid bone moves down and out of alignment with the other (calcaneus) bone in the same joint. Cuboid syndrome is also known as cuboid subluxation, meaning one of the bones in a joint has moved, but not fully out of place. Symptoms often include pain on the outside of the foot that worsens when bearing weight, difficulty walking, swelling, a reduced range of motion in the foot and ankle, and sensitivity on the bottom of the foot. Cuboid syndrome usually results from overuse or injury. It tends to be common among athletes and dancers, although it can affect anyone. If you are experiencing any symptoms of cuboid syndrome it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis. 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joint and ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone in the foot become injured. If you think that you may have cuboid syndrome, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Causes

The cuboid bone is one of the seven tarsal bones located in the foot. Cuboid syndrome develops when the cuboid bone moves down and out of alignment with the other bone (calcaneus bone) in the joint of the foot. Cuboid syndrome can be the result of a sudden injury like an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly over time from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures. 

Symptoms

The most common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain on the outside of the foot which may worsen with activity. 

Other possible symptoms include: 

• Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot

• Swelling

• Sensitivity on the bottom of the foot

• Reduced range of motion  

Diagnosis

A chiropodist can diagnose cuboid syndrome based on your medical history and a physical examination of the foot. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, often fail to show the dislocated cuboid. 

Treatment

Treatment often includes resting, icing, compressing and elevating the affected foot, taping, wearing orthotic inserts, and taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain. The chiropodist may also be able to manipulate the dislocated bone back into alignment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition in which the plantar fascia, a ligament that stretches along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. It is often caused by overuse or repeated impact on the heel, which occurs when we walk, run, or stand. The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp pain near the heel that is typically at its worst first thing in the morning or after exercising. Plantar fasciitis can be treated through activity modifications, wearing orthotics, and regularly stretching the feet. For more information about plantar fasciitis, please consult with a chiropodist today. 

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 Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch 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 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The ankle is a joint made up of many components, such as leg and foot bones, ligaments, nerves, cartilage, tendons, and muscles. As a complex joint that is responsible for the foot’s up-and-down movement, it is prone injury in various ways, often causing pain. Ankle sprains and strains are the most common form of ankle pain. Other possible reasons for ankle pain include Achilles tendonitis, a ruptured Achilles tendon, nerve damage, a tumor, and different forms of arthritis—such as gout, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Along with pain, you may experience redness, bruising and numbness, or tingling, and your ankle may feel weak or stiff. You may also have difficulty putting weight on the ankle. Chiropodists frequently deal with all matters of ankle pain, so it may be wise to make an appointment if you are experiencing any of these symptoms in order to get the proper diagnosis treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch of West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, chiropodists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about ankle pain

Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease that is caused by degeneration of cartilage, a layer of tissue that lines the ends of bones and helps them move smoothly. When the cartilage is worn away, the bones begin to rub directly against each other as they move, leading to pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Osteoarthritis often affects the joints in the feet and ankles. In addition to the symptoms of arthritis itself, this condition can also cause other foot problems, such as bunions, hallux rigidus, and corns and calluses. Osteoarthritis is associated with aging and tends to affect people over age 45. People who are overweight or obese, have a family history of osteoarthritis, or have a medical history of rheumatoid arthritis or gout are most at risk. If you are experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis in your feet or ankles, please consult with a chiropodist.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch of West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. Our chiropodist   can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a chiropodist immediately. Your clinician will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about arthritic foot care