Items filtered by date: March 2024

Runner's toenail, also known as black toenail, is a common ailment among runners that can cause discomfort and hinder performance. Symptoms of runner’s toenail include soreness or discoloration in one or more toenails, often accompanied by swelling underneath the nail. This condition is caused by repeated trauma to the toenail area, usually from the toes banging against the front or sides of the shoe, especially on hilly terrain. Ill-fitting footwear also increases the risk of developing subungual hematomas, where blood collects under the nail. Proper footwear selection, maintaining appropriate toenail length, and paying attention to foot hygiene are essential preventive measures. This can cause the toenail to appear black. Experts agree that it is important to address the appearance of black toenails promptly to prevent complications. If you're experiencing persistent soreness or discoloration in your toenails, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for personalized care and relief options. 

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.

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects individuals with psoriasis, causing inflammation in the joints. When it affects the feet and ankles, it can lead to various symptoms and complications. Common manifestations can include pain, swelling, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion in the affected joints. Psoriatic arthritis can also cause conditions such as toe deformities, that can include sausage toes or hammertoes, and changes in the alignment of the foot and ankle bones. These symptoms can significantly impair mobility and quality of life. In severe cases, psoriatic arthritis can damage the joints, leading to irreversible joint damage and disability. Additionally, inflammation in the tendons and ligaments surrounding the feet and ankles can occur, further exacerbating symptoms. If you have psoriatic arthritis and it is affecting your feet, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist promptly. Early diagnosis and management can control the progression of psoriatic arthritis and minimize its impact on foot and ankle function.

Osteoarthritis in the feet or ankles can be a painful and disabling condition that may interfere with your daily activities. If you have arthritis, 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 Osteoarthritis? 

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the protective layer of cartilage in the joints breaks down over time. This loss of cartilage causes the bones to rub together during movement, leading to pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is associated with aging, and often affects the small joints of the feet and ankles. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include: 

• Joint pain

• Joint stiffness

• Swelling in or around the joint

• Restricted range of motion

• Difficulty walking

Diagnosis

Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed through physical examination. You may also need to have an X-ray taken to assess the extent of the damage caused by arthritis. 

Treatment

Treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on reducing symptoms and improving the function of the affected joints. Conservative treatments include oral pain medications, orthotic devices, bracing or immobilizing the affected foot or ankle, steroid injections into the affected joint to reduce inflammation, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. 

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

Experiencing pain under the foot, often attributed to plantar fasciitis, can hinder daily activities. This condition is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that connects the toes to the heel. Symptoms of excessive strain include sharp pain, particularly during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged rest. Resting the foot, applying cold packs for inflammation, and wearing supportive shoes with cushioned soles or heel pads are ways of reducing the effect. A chiropodist may suggest specific stretching and strengthening exercises tailored to ease the condition. In cases of persistent pain, corticosteroid injections may offer temporary relief from inflammation. Ultimately, adopting a holistic approach to foot care, including regular check-ups with a chiropodist, can aid in managing pain under the foot and preventing future flare-ups. If you are experiencing pain in the bottom of your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist.

Plantar fasciitis can be painful and interfere with your daily activities. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain and believe you may be afflicted with plantar fasciitis, 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 Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Repetitive activities, such as running or jumping, can injure the plantar fascia over time. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by flat feet, high arches, pregnancy, and activities that put excessive pressure on your feet, like standing all day for work. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it causes pain and discomfort. 

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Stabbing pain near the heel

• Pain that is worst in the morning or after a period of rest

• Pain that increases after exercising

• Swelling

• Tightness in the Achilles tendon

Diagnosis

Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed via medical history and physical examination. 

Treatment

Treatments for plantar fasciitis include resting and icing the affected foot, stretching the foot, taking medications to reduce inflammation, and wearing orthotics. In severe cases where pain does not improve with conservative treatments, injections or surgery may be recommended. 

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.

Injuries such as ankle sprains are common on trails due to uneven terrain. Weakening of the ankle joint from previous injuries increases the risk of recurrent sprains. A simple single-leg balance test helps assess ankle strength and predict susceptibility to sprains. Prevention involves taping, bracing, and strengthening the ankle. Proper footwear, like neutral, low-profile trail shoes, can reduce instability. Recovery from a sprain includes rest, compression, and elevation while stretching and exercises maintain flexibility and strength. If you have sprained your ankle while trail running and are experiencing worsening pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and relief options.

When one or more ligaments in the ankle overstretch or tear due to injury, an ankle sprain occurs. If you would like to learn more about ankle sprains, 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 of an ankle sprain vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include: 

• Pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Tenderness

• Difficulty walking

• Ankle instability

• A reduced range of motion in the ankle 

Treatments for an ankle sprain may consist of: 

• Resting the injured ankle

• Applying ice

• Elevating the ankle

• Compressing the ankle

• Over-the-counter pain medications

• Ankle braces or other devices to take weight off of the ankle

• Ankle exercises 

• Surgery (in rare cases) 

It’s important for the sprained ankle to heal correctly and fully in order to avoid repeated injury. 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.