Blog

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and swelling. Common causes include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, or toe injuries. Risk factors include poor foot hygiene, curved toenails, and certain genetic traits. Symptoms may involve tenderness, infection, or drainage surrounding the nail. Left untreated, the condition can worsen and impact daily activities. A chiropodist can provide expert care by relieving pain, addressing the cause, preventing recurrence through proper foot care education, and, if needed, minor procedures. If you are experiencing discomfort or notice signs of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can effectively treat this uncomfortable condition.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists 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.

Diabetic patients can develop symptoms in their feet, such as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, slow-healing sores, or changes in skin color and temperature. These signs may indicate nerve damage or poor circulation, both common complications of diabetes. Proper care includes daily foot checks, gentle washing and drying, moisturizing dry areas, and wearing well-fitted shoes to prevent pressure points. Additionally, avoid walking barefoot to reduce the risk of injury. A chiropodist plays a key role in monitoring foot health, treating wounds, and managing nail or skin conditions to prevent serious complications. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you schedule regular visits with a chiropodist to ensure your feet remain healthy and protected from diabetes-related damage.

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 one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists 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.

Proper foot placement is key to running efficiency and injury prevention. Runners benefit from keeping their feet parallel rather than angled outward, which promotes better alignment and balance. A midfoot landing, rather than a heel strike, distributes force more evenly and reduces strain on joints. Straight leg heel strikes may slow momentum and increase the risk of injury. A chiropodist can assess gait, recommend improvements, and provide orthotics to support proper alignment. If you have sustained a foot injury or have experienced discomfort or inefficiency during running, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist who can guide you toward improved technique and better performance. 

The biomechanics of your feet play an important role in your foot health. To learn more, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists 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.

Toenail problems can develop from infection, injury, or poor foot care, and they often result in pain, discoloration, or changes in nail shape. Common toenail issues include fungal infections, which cause nails to thicken, yellow, or crumble. They usually require prescription antifungal medication, or, in some cases, nail removal. Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often due to trimming the nail too short or wearing tight shoes. These may be treated by gently lifting the nail or removing a portion of it. Trauma from stubbing the toe or repetitive pressure, such as from running, can cause dark discoloration, bleeding under the nail, or detachment. Split or torn toenails may need to be trimmed to prevent further damage. Discoloration from nail polish or dyes usually resolves as the nail grows out.  If you have painful toenail problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for expert 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 one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists 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. 

Babies do not need shoes until they begin walking on their own outdoors. Before this stage, bare feet or soft booties are best to help their feet develop naturally and strengthen. When it is time for shoes, they should be lightweight, flexible, and have non-skid soles to provide support and prevent slipping. Proper fit is essential, allowing room for growth without being too loose or tight. Shoes that restrict natural movement can affect balance and foot development. A chiropodist can assist by evaluating your baby’s foot structure, checking for any abnormalities, and offering advice on the best shoe options. If you notice any abnormalities in your child’s feet, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer additional guidance on choosing proper footwear.

If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists 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.

Heel discomfort in children is often blamed on growing pains, but there are several reasons this pain can appear. While one common cause involves irritation in the heel’s growth area during active growth periods, and it is not the only explanation. Children may also develop pain from strained tendons, inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot, or even minor bone stress. Wearing shoes that lack support or suddenly increasing physical activity can also play a role. The source of heel pain can vary widely based on age, activity level, and foot structure. A one-size-fits-all approach may not provide relief. Each case deserves a closer look to find out the cause. If heel pain is affecting movement or does not improve with rest, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for a careful evaluation and a targeted treatment plan.

Heel pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you suffer from heel pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

When it comes to heel pain, the exact location and type of pain are important to note. Some of the conditions that may cause heel pain include: 

• Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot; it causes a stabbing pain under the heel that is at its worst when taking your first few steps after a long rest and while standing on your tiptoes or climbing stairs

• Achilles tendonitis - An inflammation of the tendon in the back of the calf; it causes pain in the back of the heel that is at its worst after resting, as well as ankle and calf stiffness, swelling, and tenderness 

• Bone spurs - Bony lumps on the back of the heel bones that cause sharp pain upon first standing up; the pain becomes dull and achy over time 

• Heel fractures - A break or crack in the heel bone that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking

• Retrocalcaneal bursitis - Swelling of the small, fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone; it causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the back of the heel

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Compression of the posterior tibial nerve which causes a pins and needles sensation in the heel, foot, and calf 

Your chiropodist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and prescribe the right treatments for you. 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. 

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection affecting the skin on the feet, often beginning between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments and causes itching, burning, peeling, and cracked skin. Redness and flaking may also occur. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes, sweating excessively, walking barefoot in communal areas, and having a weakened immune system. This condition is contagious and can spread through direct contact or by sharing towels or shoes. A chiropodist can provide expert diagnosis and treatment, including antifungal therapies, skin care advice, and preventive education tailored to individual needs. If you notice signs of athlete's foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for prompt care and effective relief. 

Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating this condition, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Athlete’s Foot? 

Athlete’s foot refers to an infection of the skin on the feet that is caused by a fungus. This fungus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments. It is often spread in common areas such as public pools, locker rooms, and showers. It can also spread when sharing personal items, like shoes or towels, with an infected person. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of athlete’s foot may include: 

• Itching, stinging, or burning of the skin on the feet

• Cracking or peeling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles of the feet

• Scaly, red rash on the foot

• Blisters 

• Foul odor

Treatment

Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves using over-the-counter topical antifungal medications on the feet. When over-the-counter options are ineffective, you may need to take prescription oral medications or topical antifungal drugs, or a combination of both. 

Prevention

Preventing athlete’s foot places an emphasis on good foot hygiene practices. 

You can prevent athlete’s foot by:

• Washing and drying your feet thoroughly every day

• Wearing shoes when walking in public areas

• Not sharing personal items, like shoes or socks, with others

• Wearing shoes and socks made out of breathable materials

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.