Items filtered by date: April 2023

Cold feet can come on from it simply being a cold day. When the body is in a colder climate, blood vessels in the extremities will constrict, and blood flow to these areas will be reduced. While this helps keep more important parts of the body warmer, the feet will be cold. With a continued reduction in blood flow, oxygen to tissues decreases and they take on a bluish color. They will return to their normal color when the cold is reduced. A condition known as Raynaud’s phenomenon can happen when exposure to cold temperatures or high stress can cause limited blood circulation, resulting in cold or numb toes. When one is highly stressed or anxious, they might also get cold feet. A natural response to this condition is to pump adrenaline into the bloodstream, which in turn causes blood vessels to constrict and decreases blood flow to the extremities. Using a heating pad or foot baths to warm the feet, wearing socks and slippers, moving around, and trying to reduce stress can greatly help. If the weather is normal and one has cold feet, it could be a symptom of underlying health issues, including circulation problems, diabetes, or thyroid issues. If you have persistent cold feet and you cannot find relief, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for an examination and treatment.

The winter months can bring about new or worsening foot and ankle problems. If you’re suffering from foot or ankle pain, 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. 

Winter Foot Problems

• Cracked heels - Dry, cracked skin on the heels of the feet that is associated with cold, dry weather

• Athlete’s foot - A fungal infection on the skin of the feet

• Blisters - Fluid-filled bubbles of skin that usually form in response to friction 

• Fractures - Broken bones in the feet or ankles 

• Metatarsalgia - General foot pain

• Chilblains - Spasming of the small blood vessels in the toes in response to exposure to cold weather 

• Raynaud’s disease - Numbness, pain, and color changes in the toes due to cold weather 

Prevention

• Wear warm socks and shoes

• Avoid prolonged exposure to the cold

• Moisturize the heels regularly

• Keep your feet clean and dry 

• Walk carefully in areas that may be icy 

• Wear non-slip shoes 

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.

Many people tend to ignore the condition of their feet until summer has arrived. This is the time when flip-flops and sandals are worn, and the feet are exposed for the world to see for several months. There are simple steps that can be done to make the feet feel and look better. A daily foot care routine can begin with washing and drying the feet, followed by applying a good moisturizer. It is common for people to have regular pedicures, where the toenails can be trimmed properly, and expertly polished. Having regular foot massages performed can help the feet to feel better physically while having positive effects on the overall body. If you would like additional tips on how your feet can look their best in the summer months, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

Summer is the season for many foot and ankle issues. If you’re suffering from a foot or ankle problem, 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. 

Common Summer Foot Problems 

• Athlete’s foot

• Toenail fungus

• Plantar warts

• Foot and ankle injuries

• Bunions

• Hammertoes

• Heel pain

• Cracked heels 

• Sunburns

• Blisters

Prevention

• Wear supportive shoes and avoid flip-flops

• Maintain good foot hygiene

• Exfoliate and moisturize the heels

• Apply sunscreen to the feet and ankles

• Wear shoes in public areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers 

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.

A fungal infection causes the foot condition known as athlete's foot. The symptoms can be unpleasant and unsightly and can be accompanied by severe itching. Additionally, flakey patches may develop between the toes, and the skin may crack and bleed. Athlete’s foot is contagious, and if prompt medical attention is not received, it may spread to the toenails. It is essential to learn about effective prevention methods. These can consist of refraining from sharing shoes and towels. Wearing clean socks daily may help prevent this uncomfortable condition, and wearing appropriate shoes while near public swimming pools and similar areas. Permanent relief may be found when a chiropodist is seen, who can treat this condition by prescribing medicated creams. If you have developed athlete's foot, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can guide you toward the correct treatment.

Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating this condition, 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 Athlete’s Foot? 

Athlete’s foot refers to an infection of the skin on the feet that is caused by a fungus. This fungus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments. It is often spread in common areas such as public pools, locker rooms, and showers. It can also spread when sharing personal items, like shoes or towels, with an infected person. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of athlete’s foot may include: 

• Itching, stinging, or burning of the skin on the feet

• Cracking or peeling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles of the feet

• Scaly, red rash on the foot

• Blisters 

• Foul odor

Treatment

Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves using over-the-counter topical antifungal medications on the feet. When over-the-counter options are ineffective, you may need to take prescription oral medications or topical antifungal drugs, or a combination of both. 

Prevention

Preventing athlete’s foot places an emphasis on good foot hygiene practices. 

You can prevent athlete’s foot by:

• Washing and drying your feet thoroughly every day

• Wearing shoes when walking in public areas

• Not sharing personal items, like shoes or socks, with others

• Wearing shoes and socks made out of breathable materials

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.

Dedicated runners know that some form of injury to the foot, toe, or ankle is in their future. Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and ankle sprains are the most common running injuries. Preventing any of these becomes an important part of the runner’s daily practice. Experts believe that warming up before a run is essential to preventing injury. This can be done by taking an easy jog and performing a series of stretches. It is also thought wise to increase the time, distance, and intensity of a run gradually, limiting increases to about 10 percent a week. Running through the pain of an injury is frowned upon and can lead to more serious problems and chronic pain. Resting the foot or ankle, stopping the activity, and following a treatment plan are suggested by experts. Running on softer surfaces is a good safeguard against injury to the many joints in the toes, feet, and ankles, which absorb the force of your weight with each step. If you have sustained a running injury, is it suggested that you consult a chiropodist for an examination before resuming activity.

Although running is a wonderful exercise to keep you in shape, it can wreak havoc on your feet and ankles if you don’t take preventive measures. If you have sustained a foot and ankle injury from running, 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. 

Some common running injuries include:

• Achilles tendonitis

• Shin splints

• Ankle sprains

• Stress fractures

• Plantar fasciitis

• Bursitis 

What causes injuries? 

These injuries are usually caused by overtraining, wearing the wrong shoes, running on hard surfaces, having tight and inflexible muscles, or having biomechanical issues in the feet or ankles. 

What can I do to prevent injuries? 

• Train slowly and gradually

• Give yourself plenty of time to recover following a run

• Wear shoes that fit properly and support your foot

• Avoid running on hard surfaces, like concrete

• Stretch and strengthen the muscles of your lower legs

• Warm-up prior to a run

• Have your gait analyzed and your feet examined by a chiropodist to determine if there are any biomechanical problems that need to be treated 

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.