Items filtered by date: September 2024

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and sometimes infection. This common condition typically affects the big toe and can be caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or injury to the toe. Genetics can also play a role, as some people have nails that naturally curve inward. To treat an ingrown toenail, start by soaking the foot in warm water several times a day to reduce swelling and soften the skin. Gently lifting the edge of the nail and placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss underneath can help guide the nail to grow outward. Mild pain relievers and antibiotic ointments can also help to manage discomfort and prevent infection. Prevention involves trimming nails straight across, avoiding cutting them too short, and wearing properly fitting shoes. If the condition worsens or becomes infected, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who may need to perform a minor procedure for partial nail removal. 

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.

Cracked heels, or heel fissures, are a common condition where the skin on the heels becomes dry and thickened leading to discomfort and potential infection. The primary causes include prolonged standing, excessive pressure on the feet, and wearing open-back shoes that lack proper support. Dry skin, often worsened by cold or dry weather, can also contribute to the problem. It is essential to keep the feet moisturized by using thick, emollient creams designed for dry skin to find relief. Regular exfoliation can remove thickened skin and help to prevent cracks from deepening. Wearing supportive, well-fitting shoes and using orthotic inserts can reduce pressure on the heels. If your cracked heels are severe or show signs of infection, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for appropriate treatment.

Dry, cracked heels are more than a cosmetic inconvenience. For many people, they are uncomfortable, deep, painful, and may even bleed. If you suffer from cracked heels, 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. 

Causes

• Prolonged standing

• Wearing open-back shoes

• Wearing shoes that don’t cushion the heels

• Living in a cold or dry climate

• Taking long, hot showers

• Not moisturizing the heels

• Eczema

• Psoriasis

• Palmoplantar keratoderma

• Juvenile plantar dermatosis

Treatments

• Soaking the feet

• Exfoliating with a pumice stone

• Moisturizing the heels

• Wearing closed-back shoes that cushion heels

• Avoiding prolonged standing 

• Taking warm, rather than hot, showers

• Treating underlying skin conditions 

While milder cases of cracked heels can be treated at home, some patients present with deep, painful, bleeding heel fissures that are at risk of becoming infected and may require medical care. Additionally, patients with diabetes or any other conditions that affect the immune system should be monitored 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.

Selecting the perfect pair of shoes for your toddler’s first steps is vital for their comfort and development. It is important to choose shoes with close-cropped soles to prevent tripping and ensure safety as they learn to walk. Adequate room for growth is also essential, as shoes should fit well but offer enough space for little feet to expand. Opt for lightweight and flexible soles that aid in natural movement and provide the support needed for toddlers to explore confidently. These features help promote proper foot development and encourage balanced walking. If you are seeking additional advice on what shoes your child should be wearing for proper foot development, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can provide with the information you are looking for.

If your child is experiencing foot or ankle 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. 

Common Causes of Foot Pain in Children

While children can experience many of the same foot problems as adults do, some foot problems may be more common during childhood. 

Causes of foot pain in children can include:

• Deformities that are present from birth, such as flat feet or clubfoot

• Sever’s disease, which is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone

• Various sports injuries, such as sprains and fractures 

• Ingrown toenails

• Athlete’s foot

• Plantar warts

Prevention

It is important to look after the health of children’s feet in order to prevent future problems from arising. Keep your child’s feet clean and dry, trim their toenails regularly, ensure their shoes fit properly, and keep a watchful eye on any symptoms of foot pain, such as limping. If you notice any symptoms or if your child complains of foot pain, a chiropodist can help. 

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.

Foot pain is a common issue that can arise from various causes, including overuse, injury, or underlying health conditions. Common causes include plantar fasciitis, which involves inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, Achilles tendonitis, which affects the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel, and stress fractures, which are small cracks in the bones due to repetitive force. Other causes are bunions, arthritis, or nerve-related conditions like neuropathy. When you visit a chiropodist for foot pain, they will first take a detailed medical history and ask about your symptoms. They will perform a physical examination checking for signs of swelling, tenderness, or deformities. The chiropodist may also assess your gait, foot alignment, and range of motion. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, MRI scans or ultrasounds may be ordered to identify fractures, soft tissue injuries, or other abnormalities. Based on their findings, the chiropodist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested you visit a chiropodist to determine the cause and obtain proper treatment.

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your 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. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

• Plantar fasciitis

• Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes

• Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet

• Arthritis

• Flat feet

• Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

• Heel pain

• Arch pain

• Toe pain

• Ball of foot pain

• Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality

• Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

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.