Items filtered by date: May 2023

Foot arch pain is a common complaint, particularly among athletes. The arch of the foot is located between the ball of the foot and the heel. It is made up of three separate arches that form a triangle, consisting of bones, ligaments, and tendons. While a direct blow to the arch can result in pain, having flat feet, high arches, or other structural abnormalities can also cause this pain. This type of pain can worsen with aging, repetitive overuse, or physical stress. Additionally, being overweight or having neurological conditions may lead to having this type of foot pain. Treatment ranges from rest and stretching to wearing night splints and braces. If you have arch pain and it persists or worsens, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist for an appointment. This health care provider is qualified to diagnose the problem and provide the best treatment for you.

Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have foot 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. 

When you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis. 

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:

• Stress fractures

• Sinus tarsi syndrome

• Extensor tendonitis

• Tibialis anterior tendonitis

• Gout

• Athlete’s foot

• Ganglion cysts

Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Foot cramps

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

• Plantar fibromatosis

• Posterior tibial tendonitis

• Stress fractures

• Flat feet

Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:

• Ankle sprain

• Cuboid syndrome

• Peroneal tendonitis

• Stress fractures

• Bunions

• Corns or calluses

• Posterior tibial tendonitis

Heel pain may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Achilles tendonitis

• Bone spurs

• Heel fractures

• Retrocalcaneal bursitis

• Sever’s disease 

Pain in the toes may be caused by:

• Gout

• Hammertoe

• Turf toe 

• Bunions

• Ingrown toenails

• Blisters 

• Arthritis

These and many more conditions can be treated by a chiropodist. 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.

Ingrown toenails are toenails that press or grow into the surrounding skin. This is especially likely to happen on the big toe. Babies and toddlers may develop ingrown toenails from nails that are cut too short or trimmed improperly. Shoes, socks, and onesies that are too tight may lead to ingrown toenails in children as well. This condition can cause a child pain and will often present itself with redness and swelling on the skin near the toenail. If a child is walking, an ingrown toenail may also cause them to limp to avoid discomfort. If your child has an ingrown toenail that is not getting better, it is suggested that you make an appointment to see a chiropodist so that an infection can be prevented.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, 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 an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include: 

• Pain

• Swelling

• Redness

• Warmth

• Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail. 

Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers. 

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 lack of an arch in the foot is a condition that is known as flat feet. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops in the teenage years. Adults who have flat feet may have experienced a foot injury, or it may happen from genetic reasons. The aging process may also cause flat feet, or if there are medical reasons such as tarsal coalition in which two or more bones are fused together. There are some patients who have consistent pain with flat feet and may benefit from performing specific stretches. Additionally, custom-made orthotics may be used, which can provide an arch while shoes are worn. In severe cases of flat feet, surgery may be necessary that can repair damaged tendons, or to fuse the joints into a normal position. If you have flat feet and would like to know more about your condition, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

Flat feet are a common foot condition. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to flat feet, 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 Are Flat Feet? 

Flat feet are feet that do not have a well-defined arch in the middle of the sole of the foot. Flat feet may be flexible or rigid. Flexible flat feet have an arch when there is no pressure put on the foot, such as when one is sitting, but the arch disappears upon standing. Rigid flat feet lack an arch regardless of whether one is standing or not. 

Causes

Flat feet can be present from birth or acquired over time due to a weakening of the ligaments in the arch. Sometimes flat feet are caused by illnesses, injuries, or pregnancy. 

Symptoms

Flat feet often cause no noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience pain and discomfort due to their flat feet. 

Symptoms associated with flat feet include:

• Pain in the arch, heel, ankle, or along the outside of the foot

• Overpronation of the foot

• Shin splints

• Aching or fatigue in the feet or legs

• Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back

Treatment 

In cases where flat feet cause symptoms, there are various treatments available. Wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes to provide more arch support, performing stretches, and taking medications may improve your symptoms. If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve pressure on the feet. In severe cases, surgery may be considered. 

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.

Some people can experience toe pain, which may affect different toes for various reasons. Gout is a form of arthritis and can cause debilitating pain in the big toe. It happens as a result of excess uric acid in the blood that may occur from the foods that are eaten. Additionally, having a bunion may cause toe pain. It is defined as a bony lump that develops on the side of the big toe, and often happens for genetic reasons. It may also happen from wearing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in. A broken or sprained toe can cause toe pain while walking, as can an ingrown toenail. Pain that happens between the third and fourth toes may be from a condition referred to as Morton's neuroma. The nerve that is found in this area can become compressed or irritated from an injury. Inflammation of connective tissues where the toe joint connects to the ball of the foot is known as capsulitis and can result in toe pain. If you have toe pain for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can determine what the cause is and offer you treatment solutions.

Toe pain is common and can have a variety of causes. Causes can range from a broken toe to an ingrown toenail. Many types of toe pain can be corrected, but any toe pain that inhibits your activities for an extended period should be discussed with a chiropodist. If you suffer from toe 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 feet.

Common Causes of Toe Pain 

• Trauma or fracture
• Cuts, sores, or bruises
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Turf Toe
• Morton’s neuroma
• Blisters
• Corns
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar warts
• Athlete’s Foot

Symptoms of Toe Pain

• Toe deformity
• Burning
• Numbness
• Toenail deformity
• Wart or ulcer
• Swelling
• Redness

When to See a Chiropodist

• Bleeding or severe swelling
• Trauma, such as a broken bone
• Discoloration or extreme swelling
• Inability to bear weight
• Persistent pain
• Wounds that won’t heal

Diagnosis of Toe Pain

A chiropodist can conduct a thorough examination of the painful toe or toes in order to determine the best course of treatment. The exam may include assessing the tenderness of the area, taking an X-ray or other diagnostic test, or assessing your gait and range of motion. A discussion of what led to the advanced pain issue may follow. Included will likely be a health history, as well as a list of medications you are taking and other previous injuries you may have sustained.

Treatment for Toe Pain

With such a wide range of possible causes for toe pain, treatment can be varied in scope and length. Sometimes, the chiropodist will recommend lifestyle and activity changes. In cases of trauma or other injuries, X-rays or imaging tests will likely be used to determine the severity of the problem, particularly if any bones have been broken. Treatment may also include injections of pain-relief medication or anti-inflammatory drugs. Certain injuries will require the splinting, bracing, or wrapping of injured toes. Orthotics or special shoes may be prescribed in cases of bone deformities and gait issues. Removal of warts, calluses, and corns may be needed. In other cases, such as with patients who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, ongoing treatment may be required to avoid more serious problems. 

The winter months can cause the skin on the feet to become dry and cracked. Many people apply skin care routines to their face and hands, and the feet should be no exception. In fact, they often need extra care which may prevent potential foot conditions from developing. Using a pumice stone can be beneficial in scraping dead skin away from the heels. This can be followed by using a good moisturizer which keeps the skin soft and smooth. Many people enjoy having regular foot massages performed during the winter months to help improve blood circulation and reduce muscle tension. Applying a foot mask occasionally may aid in retaining hydration in the skin and can help the overall body to feel good. If you would like additional information about how to maintain proper foot care during the cold, winter months, it is suggested that you consult with a chiropodist who can provide you with helpful tips.

Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, 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. 

There are many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including: 

• Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly

• Washing the feet daily with soap and water

• Drying the feet thoroughly

• Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet

• Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly 

• Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises 

A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. 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.