Items filtered by date: September 2023

Toe pain can be a persistent and uncomfortable issue, often affecting our daily activities and mobility. Various factors can lead to toe pain. One common culprit is wearing improper footwear, such as shoes that are too tight, narrow, or high heeled. Toe injuries, such as stubbing or jamming, can result in pain, swelling, or even fractures. Conditions including arthritis can lead to chronic toe pain, making it challenging to move comfortably. Ingrown toenails, often caused by improper toenail trimming or wearing tight shoes, can be excruciating. Bunions, corns, and calluses can also create toe discomfort. Fortunately, there are effective treatments for toe pain. Simple measures such as switching to comfortable, well-fitting shoes can provide relief, in addition to resting the affected toe if the injury is acute. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers can temporarily alleviate discomfort. For chronic conditions, wearing custom orthotics may be recommended. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be a necessary treatment to consider. To ensure long-term toe health, it is essential to identify the cause of your toe pain and seek appropriate medical advice. If you have toe pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can effectively provide you with relief and treatment options.

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. 

As the weather continues to warm up, it is tempting to think about switching to flip-flops and other open footwear. However, shoes that lack full foot coverage, like flip-flops, slides, mules, and slippers, alter the way your toes and feet function during walking. When you wear such shoes, your toes must work differently to keep them in place. This involves some toe bones curling up while others point down, potentially increasing pressure on certain areas of your feet and even raising the risk of fractures or foot issues like corns and calluses. Moreover, it can create tension in the front of your leg. To counteract this, try a top-of-the-foot stretching exercise. Additionally, incorporate a gait-specific calf stretch into your routine. If you are curious about how your toes adapt to these shoes, observe your walking pattern in slip-on footwear and feel how your toes naturally adjust to keep the shoes on. While summer shoes are appealing, consider options with back straps for better foot support to ensure comfort and pain-free long walks. If you would like more guidance on summer footwear, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist to discuss options that might meet your needs.

Flip-flops, though they may seem harmless, are bad for your foot health. If you would like to learn more about the many problems that can be caused by frequent flip-flop wear, 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. 

Flip-flops are the quintessential summer shoe, seemingly perfect for the beach or pool. Unfortunately, these flimsy shoes are not a good choice when it comes to keeping your feet healthy. 

Frequently wearing flip-flops is associated with: 

• Hammertoes

• Bunions

• Plantar fasciitis

• Heel spurs 

• Cracked heels

• Plantar warts

• Athlete’s foot

• Foot pain

• Foot and ankle injuries

• Gait changes

• Leg, hip, and back pain

The best way to avoid these issues is to swap your flip-flops for more protective and supportive shoes. If you must wear flip-flops, wear them only for short periods of time. 

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.

Ankle fractures, often misconceived as a single ailment, encompass a range of injuries affecting the bony structures around the ankle joint. These fractures occur when one or more of the bones in the ankle are broken, which are known as the tibia, fibula, or talus. Among the various types of fractures, the lateral malleolus fracture involves the fibula, while a medial malleolus fracture affects the tibia. Bi-malleolar fractures involve both bones, and tri-malleolar fractures encompass the tibia, fibula, and the posterior aspect of the tibia. The latter may require surgical intervention. Additionally, Pott's fracture, often the result of excessive twisting, affects both the fibula and tibia, causing the ankle joint to dislocate. High-impact injuries, falls, or trauma during sports can lead to these fractures. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to ensure optimal recovery and prevent long-term joint issues. It is beneficial to understand the diverse types of ankle fractures, which can help to determine a tailored medical plan for each patient. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you consult with a chiropodist who can accurately diagnose and treat ankle fractures.

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When it comes to diabetes management, diabetes foot care often takes center stage. The feet, vulnerable due to reduced blood flow and nerve damage, require meticulous attention. A daily foot inspection is paramount, searching for any redness, cuts, blisters, or calluses that may go unnoticed. Gentle cleansing with lukewarm water and mild soap followed by thorough drying can prevent infection. Hydration is key, and moisturizing should be focused on the tops and bottoms of the feet, avoiding the areas between the toes. Trim nails straight across and file gently to prevent ingrown nails. Opt for comfortable, well-fitting shoes to prevent friction and irritation, and consider wearing moisture-wicking socks. Regular exercise improves circulation, ultimately benefiting foot health. If you notice any concerning changes, consulting a chiropodist is vital. Prioritizing these steps in diabetic foot care can aid in maintaining optimal foot health and preventing potential complications. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of this type of health care professional who can help you to manage this condition.

Diabetes can cause serious problems in the lower limbs if proper preventive measures are not taken and diabetic wound care is not performed. If you would like to learn more about caring for diabetic feet, 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. 

Diabetes can lead to a host of foot and ankle complications, including: 

• Poor circulation

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers

• Infection 

• Corns and calluses

• Dry, cracked skin

• Nail disorders 

• Hammertoes 

• Bunions

• Charcot foot

If you have diabetes, you must be vigilant of any changes in your foot health. This is best done through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you if necessary, look for any: 

• Cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds

• Bruising or discoloration 

• Swelling

• Rash

• Foul odor

• Nail changes 

• Hair loss 

• Warmth and inflammation

• Deformities 

• Lower limb pain

• Strange sensations (numbness, tingling, burning, pins, and needles)

If you detect anything unusual, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. 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.