Items filtered by date: November 2023

Your feet often undergo substantial stress and strain. This constant pressure, coupled with friction from ill-fitting footwear or intense physical activities, can result in the formation of painful blisters. These fluid-filled sacs, ranging in size, can impede your ability to stand and walk comfortably. One of the most common causes of blisters on the feet is Ill-fitting shoes, whether too loose or too tight. Friction from sandals, boots, or shoes that rub against your skin may lead to the development of blisters. Likewise, shoes with a narrow toe box or excessive tightness can irritate your foot skin. A number of other factors may cause blisters to form on the feet. Engaging in strenuous activities, such as athletics, running, or hiking, can subject your feet to increased stress and friction, making them more susceptible to blister formation. Prolonged exposure to cold, even above-freezing temperatures, can freeze tissues beneath the skin, resulting in blister formation. Dampness and exposure to a chilly wind can make it worse. Diabetics, particularly those with neuropathy, may experience non-inflammatory sores resembling burn blisters that appear on the feet. Whether it's choosing proper footwear or managing underlying medical conditions, if you are having continual problems with blisters on the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist.

Blisters can usually be treated at home, however, if you have recurring blisters or experience significant discomfort or pain, 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 a Blister? 

A blister is a small pocket of fluid in the upper skin layers and is one of the body’s natural responses to injury or pressure. Blisters can also result from burns, fungal or viral skin infections, and the feet are particularly prone due to ill-fitting footwear and friction. Friction on the skin causes the upper layer of skin to separate from the lower layers. The space that this separation creates then becomes filled with a liquid called serum, which protects the lower layers of skin. 

Treatment 

If you notice a blister on your foot, you can cover it with a soft bandage or dressing to protect it. Popping the blister is discouraged. Doing so exposes the raw skin underneath it to bacteria and also raises the risk of infection. If a blister pops naturally, let it drain before covering it with a bandage. Blisters usually heal on their own or with home treatment, however, if your blister is recurring, very painful, or appears infected, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can help to prevent blisters by wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes. Keep your feet dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks and dust your feet with talcum powder if they tend to get sweaty. If you have areas on your feet that are more susceptible to blisters, you might be able to prevent the blister from forming by covering it with a pad. 

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.

Toe fractures are a common injury. These fractures frequently occur due to direct trauma, such as stubbing a toe or crushing injuries, but they can also result from indirect forces like hyperextension or stress fractures. While the first and fifth toes are commonly involved, fractures of the lesser digits are more frequent. The most typical site for a fracture is the proximal phalanx, or second toe bone, largely because it is longer than other toe bones. The types of toe fractures vary and can include simple, compound, avulsion, comminuted, intra-articular, and dislocation fractures. Each type presents its own set of challenges for diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in weight-bearing. Additionally, the affected toe may appear deformed and exhibit limited range of motion. If you believe you have broken a toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist who can verify the diagnosis and provide treatment options.

A broken toe typically occurs following either a sudden, traumatic injury, like dropping a heavy piece of furniture on the toe. The impact causes the bone to fracture and produces a variety of painful symptoms. If you suspect that you’ve broken your toe, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Symptoms

• Throbbing pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Cracking sound at the time of injury

• Difficulty bearing weight on the toe

• Difficulty walking

• Toe resting at an unnatural angle

Diagnosis

Your chiropodist can diagnose a broken toe through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays. 

Treatment

The main goals of treatment are to ensure that the bone heals properly, as a toe fracture that doesn’t heal properly can lead to osteoarthritis. You will typically need to rest the affected toe. You may be prescribed a splint to immobilize the toe while it heals. Icing the affected toe and taking over-the-counter medications can help reduce pain. In cases of severe fractures, surgery may be necessary to reset the broken bones and make sure that they heal correctly.  

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.

With every year, the effects of aging on the feet becomes more apparent, leading to various problems. The aging process causes a loss of springiness, strength, and resilience in the feet. With age, the tendons in the feet lose their stretch, reducing the foot's ability to absorb impacts. Additionally, wear and tear can develop in the joints between the bones, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis. The bones in your feet also tend to thin with age, making them more fragile. Conditions like osteoporosis can exacerbate this thinning, along with factors such as smoking, lack of exercise, and poor vitamin D intake. The padding under the balls of the feet may shift over time, especially in individuals who frequently wear high heels or have rheumatoid arthritis, resulting in conditions like metatarsalgia and callus formation. Dry skin can also occur due to the reduced fatty layer, leading to cracked heels and calluses. Toenails often become thicker and more brittle as they grow older, primarily due to a slowing of their growth. Further, the aging process can affect the blood supply to the feet, reducing the foot's ability to quickly repair minor injuries. For help with any of the foot-related problems that may affect you as you age, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist.

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 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 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 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Playing soccer demands a great deal from the feet. Players run, kick, pivot, and jump, all of which can lead to various foot-related conditions. One common ailment is plantar fasciitis which is characterized by inflammation of the thick band of tissue, known as the plantar fascia, that runs across the foot's bottom and connects the heel bone to the toes. Soccer players, particularly those who may not wear shoes offering proper arch support, can experience stabbing pain, especially after prolonged activity or when taking their first steps after resting. Another concern arising from playing soccer is the development of stress fractures, particularly in the foot's metatarsal bones. These tiny fractures can be a result of repetitive activities and impacts. If left unchecked, the pain can become more persistent, potentially sidelining the player. Lastly, the Achilles tendon, necessary for running and jumping, can also become a pain point. Soccer players may develop Achilles tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel. It often arises from tight calf muscles or a sudden increase in play intensity without an adequate warm-up. If a player starts to feel pain at the back of their heel, especially when stretching their foot or standing on their toes, it may be a sign of an Achilles tendon injury. Ignoring these signs and continuing rigorous play can lead to more severe complications, including the dreaded Achilles tendon rupture. If you play soccer and experience foot or Achilles tendon pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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.