Items filtered by date: June 2023

Active children and young teenagers with heel pain may need to be checked for Sever’s disease. This foot condition affects the heel's growth plate and can cause difficulty while walking. Noticeable signs can include parents noticing their child walking on their tiptoes or limping. The heel and surrounding area may also be red. Treatment can begin with temporarily stopping the activity that caused this condition, and it is beneficial to perform specific stretches which can provide flexibility and strength. When these are practiced several times per day, the recovery may be accelerated, ranging from two weeks to two months. Additionally, elevating and resting the affected foot may aid in recovery. If your child is active and has heel pain, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist who can offer a proper diagnosis for Sever’s disease and offer effective treatment methods.

Sever’s disease typically affects young children and teenagers. If your child complains of foot 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 Sever’s Disease? 

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It is typically caused by overuse due to repetitive activities such as running, jumping, and playing certain sports. This condition most frequently affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of Sever’s disease include: 

• Pain in the back or bottom of the heel

• Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed

• Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the heel

• Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in usual activities

• Fatigue 

Diagnosis

Sever’s disease is diagnosed by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, can help rule out other injuries like a fracture. 

Treatment

Sever’s disease typically heals without any long-term complications. Treatment involves resting the affected foot by reducing typical activities, wearing orthotics to support the foot, immobilizing the affected foot, taking medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and stretching the foot. 

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.

Getting older has so many benefits, such as wisdom and retirement, but the toll that aging takes on the body can be disheartening. The feet are the foundation of the body, and take us through life, making it possible to get from place to place, while maintaining quality of life. With aging, results of wear and tear on the feet can show up in a variety of concerns that can threaten mobility and independence. The most frequent complaints among the elderly regarding their feet have to do with the skin, connective tissues, joints, nails, and blood circulation. As one ages, the fatty layer that cushions the soles and heels become thinner. Dry skin on the soles of the feet can cause cracked heels and fissures. With age, the feet tend to flatten, and this can cause pain in the mid-foot area along with swelling in the inner ankle and arch. Toenails can become thicker and brittle with age as a result of slow nail growth from decreased hormones. Arthritis and circulatory problems are more common among older people, and can wreak havoc with the feet and ankles. The list goes on. If you are older or taking care of an elderly person, it is suggested that you include a chiropodist among your health care providers. This professional can help you learn how to properly care for your feet as well as recognize any concerns as they arise.

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.

The feet are the foundation of the body and are responsible for having us walk, run, and maintain balance in the body. Additionally, they serve as shock absorbers and can propel the body forward, as well as in other directions. Each foot is composed of 26 bones, and several ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The foot bones work together as the ligaments hold them in place, and the muscles and tendons orchestrate the movement of the feet. While walking, the heel hits the ground first, and the impact is absorbed by the layer of fatty tissue that lies underneath the heel. As the foot rolls forward, the weight of the body moves to the plantar fascia. This is the band of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. The weight then moves to the ball of the foot, causing the ability to push off on the toes. There are several foot conditions that patients can be born with, or may develop after incurring a foot injury. If you would like additional information about the biomechanics of the feet, it is suggested that you speak with a chiropodist who can answer any questions you may have.

The biomechanics of your feet play an important role in your foot health. To learn more, 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. 

Foot biomechanics refers to the study of the structure, function, and motion of the feet. The feet and ankles are a complex system consisting of many bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that work together to move your feet. Understanding the unique biomechanics of your own feet can help you and your chiropodist make informed decisions about your foot health care. This includes decisions about the best preventive measures to avoid foot pain, the best treatment options for various foot problems, and finding the best shoes for your feet. 

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.

People who enjoy running are often prone to injuries. Plantar fasciitis can be a common injury among runners, and they may choose to wear custom-made orthotics. They are defined as inserts that are placed inside the shoes, and can offer additional support and cushioning that may be needed for maximum comfort. People who have abnormal foot structures such as high arches or flat feet may also be candidates for orthotics. They may be a solution for people who have suffered a foot injury so walking and running can resume to a normal level. Custom-made orthotics are designed for a patient's specific needs, and it is important they fit perfectly to ensure any discomfort is eliminated. If you are interested in learning about orthotics, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can answer any questions you may have.

Orthotics are devices that are typically inserted into shoes to treat a variety of foot and ankle problems. If you would like to learn more, 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. 

What Are Orthotics Used For? 

Orthotics are used for the treatment of a variety of foot and ankle problems. These can include biomechanical issues, gait abnormalities, foot pain, injuries, arthritis, deformities, and other medical conditions that affect the lower limbs. Orthotics can be bought in a store or custom-made and prescribed by a chiropodist. 

Types of Orthotics 

• Rigid - Made from carbon fiber or other hard material and designed to ease foot pain and strain

• Soft - Made from flexible materials like foam and designed to cushion and support the foot

• Full shoe inserts

• Half shoe inserts

• Heel cups

• Heel pads

• Night splints

• Braces

• And more

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.