Items filtered by date: April 2025

Playing pickleball several days each week on hard asphalt courts can put strain on your feet, potentially leading to or worsening plantar fasciitis. The constant impact from quick stops, sudden pivots, and rapid starts can stress the band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot. Over time, this strain may result in inflammation, causing pain at the heel that sometimes wraps around to the inside of the ankle. The repetitive pressure can disrupt the normal mechanics of your foot, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility. To help prevent further damage, choose well-cushioned, supportive footwear and consider using orthotic inserts. Incorporating rest, regular stretching, and strengthening exercises for the calves and feet can also relieve tension. If you continue to experience pain or notice worsening symptoms, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for a thorough evaluation and care.

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.

Black toenails in individuals with diabetes can result from several underlying causes, often indicating more serious health concerns. Peripheral arterial disease may lead to poor circulation, reducing blood flow to the toes and causing tissue damage or discoloration. Neuropathy, or nerve damage, may reduce sensation, making individuals unaware of injuries or pressure that can lead to bruising or infections. Fungal infections are also common in diabetics and can cause thickened, discolored, or darkened nails. Trauma, even minor, may go unnoticed due to decreased sensation and lead to bleeding under the nail. Monitoring foot health is vital in diabetic patients, as black toenails may signal complications that require prompt medical attention. If  you have diabetes and have developed black toenails, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist as soon as possible for help in managing this serious 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.

A foot blister is a fluid-filled sac that forms on the skin due to friction, pressure, or irritation. It acts as a protective barrier, cushioning the underlying skin from further damage. Common causes include wearing ill-fitting shoes, excessive moisture from sweat, and prolonged walking or running. Heat and burns can also contribute to blister formation. Most blisters heal on their own, but some may become infected if bacteria enter through a break in the skin. Signs of an infected blister include increased redness, warmth, swelling, and pus drainage. Pain may worsen, and fever can develop in severe cases. Keeping blisters clean, avoiding unnecessary popping, and covering them with a protective bandage help prevent infection. If you have a foot blister that has become infected, it is suggested that you promptly contact a chiropodist who can offer safe and sterile treatment solutions, and guide you on effective prevention methods.

Blisters can usually be treated at home, however, if you have recurring blisters or experience significant discomfort or 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 a Blister? 

A blister is a small pocket of fluid in the upper skin layers and is one of the body’s natural responses to injury or pressure. Blisters can also result from burns, fungal or viral skin infections, and the feet are particularly prone due to ill-fitting footwear and friction. Friction on the skin causes the upper layer of skin to separate from the lower layers. The space that this separation creates then becomes filled with a liquid called serum, which protects the lower layers of skin. 

Treatment 

If you notice a blister on your foot, you can cover it with a soft bandage or dressing to protect it. Popping the blister is discouraged. Doing so exposes the raw skin underneath it to bacteria and also raises the risk of infection. If a blister pops naturally, let it drain before covering it with a bandage. Blisters usually heal on their own or with home treatment, however, if your blister is recurring, very painful, or appears infected, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can help to prevent blisters by wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes. Keep your feet dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks and dust your feet with talcum powder if they tend to get sweaty. If you have areas on your feet that are more susceptible to blisters, you might be able to prevent the blister from forming by covering it with a pad. 

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.

Tendonitis of the foot and ankle occurs when the tendons in these areas become inflamed due to overuse, injury, or strain. This condition can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty with movement. Different types of tendonitis affect specific areas of the foot and ankle. Posterior tendonitis involves the tibialis posterior tendon, which supports the arch and can become strained from excessive activity or flat feet. Medial tendonitis affects the tendons on the inner side of the foot, often due to repetitive stress. Lateral tendonitis impacts the tendons on the outer side of the foot, commonly caused by ankle instability. Additionally, dorsal tendonitis occurs on the top of the foot and may develop from wearing tight footwear or overuse. If you have chronic foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain is a common symptom of many lower limb problems. If you are experiencing 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. 

The ankle is composed of a number of muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. There are many conditions which may cause ankle pain. 

Causes

• Ankle strains or sprains

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Fractures

• Bursitis

• Arthritis

• Gout

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Symptoms

If you have ankle pain, you may also experience a variety of other symptoms depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Some of these symptoms may include ankle swelling, bruising, redness, numbness or tingling, instability, and difficulty walking.

Diagnosis

The underlying cause of ankle pain can be diagnosed by a chiropodist. Diagnoses are typically made based on your medical history, a physical examination of the affected ankle, and imaging studies such as X-rays. 

Treatment

Treatment for your ankle pain will depend on its underlying cause. Often, the chiropodist will recommend that you rest the affected ankle. You might also need to ice, compress, and elevate the ankle, wear an orthotic device, or take medications to reduce pain and inflammation. 

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.

Big toe pain can stem from various causes, including injuries, structural issues, and inflammatory conditions. Sudden trauma, such as turf toe, occurs when the joint is hyperextended, leading to ligament sprains. Chronic conditions like osteoarthritis and gout can result in joint stiffness, swelling, and pain due to cartilage degeneration or uric acid crystal buildup. Bunions, caused by joint misalignment, often worsen over time, creating discomfort and difficulty wearing certain footwear. Lesser-known conditions like sesamoiditis, involving inflammation of small bones under the big toe, can cause pain when walking. Fractures and sprains are also common sources of toe pain, often resulting from high-impact activities or accidents. A chiropodist can assess the underlying cause of your big toe pain and recommend footwear modifications, orthotics, or methods to reduce pain and restore function. If you are experiencing pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for professional advice.

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.