Blog

Foot Injuries Caused by Wearing the Wrong Shoes

Wearing improper running shoes can lead to a variety of foot and ankle injuries that affect daily comfort and mobility. Shoes that lack support or do not fit correctly can increase the risk of ankle sprains by causing instability. Tight or narrow shoes may contribute to the development of bunions, leading to joint pain and difficulty wearing certain styles of shoes. Unsupportive shoes can also strain the Achilles tendon, resulting in Achilles tendinitis and heel discomfort. A chiropodist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend proper footwear, and provide treatments to relieve pain and prevent further injury. If you enjoy running, and are experiencing foot or ankle pain from wearing ill-fitting shoes, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for expert care and long-term relief.

Finding the right shoes can sometimes be a major hassle, especially if you intend to work out in them. There are shoes on the market designed specifically for running and walking, but it can be difficult to differentiate between the two and find the right shoes for you. If you’re having trouble finding the right shoes, 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. 

What are the differences between running and walking shoes? 

These two types of shoes vary along several parameters.

  • Cushioning: Runners need more cushioning in the heel and forefoot areas of the shoe, while walkers can get away with less cushioning.

  • Heel height: Runners need a higher heel to provide them with stability, but the ideal height of the heel for runners varies depending on their running gait. Walkers generally don’t need a built-up heel.  

  • Heel flare: Flared heels can help provide extra stability for runners with certain gaits, while walkers may benefit from a flared heel to control the motion of their foot. 

  • Flexibility: Both runners and walkers need shoes that are flexible. 

For more information about the differences between walking and running shoes, and to figure out which shoes may be right for you, please consult with a chiropodist. Feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Differences Between Walking and Running Shoes

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Broken Toe Facts

A broken toe often results from stubbing the toe, dropping something heavy on the foot, or direct trauma during sports or physical activity. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, pain when walking, and visible deformity. Some people may mistake a break for a sprain, but a proper diagnosis is essential. A chiropodist can assess the injury through a clinical exam and imaging such as X-rays to confirm the severity. Treatment may involve splinting, wearing protective footwear, and follow-up care to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. Early attention helps avoid long-term discomfort or misalignment. If you suspect a broken toe, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist for a professional evaluation and a personalized treatment plan.

A broken toe typically occurs following either a sudden, traumatic injury, like dropping a heavy piece of furniture on the toe. The impact causes the bone to fracture and produces a variety of painful symptoms. If you suspect that you’ve broken your toe, 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. 

Symptoms

  • Throbbing pain

  • Swelling

  • Bruising

  • Cracking sound at the time of injury

  • Difficulty bearing weight on the toe

  • Difficulty walking

  • Toe resting at an unnatural angle

Diagnosis

Your chiropodist can diagnose a broken toe through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays. 

Treatment

The main goals of treatment are to ensure that the bone heals properly, as a toe fracture that doesn’t heal properly can lead to osteoarthritis. You will typically need to rest the affected toe. You may be prescribed a splint to immobilize the toe while it heals. Icing the affected toe and taking over-the-counter medications can help reduce pain. In cases of severe fractures, surgery may be necessary to reset the broken bones and make sure that they heal correctly.  

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.

Read more about Broken Toe

When Your Feet Hurt It Is Time to Pay Attention

Foot pain can develop from many causes, but it rarely happens without reason. Whether it comes on suddenly or grows gradually over time, this type of discomfort often points to an underlying issue with how your foot is moving or what it is being asked to support. With each foot containing dozens of bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments, small imbalances or injuries can lead to pain that affects your entire stride. The body reacts to strain, pressure, or inflammation by sending pain signals, and the foot is especially vulnerable due to the daily forces it absorbs. Pain may originate from soft tissue injuries, overuse, nerve irritation, or systemic conditions like poor circulation or joint problems. Even something as simple as wearing ill-fitting shoes can create long-term stress on the structure of the foot. If symptoms persist or interfere with movement, it is suggested you consult a chiropodist for a professional evaluation and care plan.

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

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.

Read more about Foot Pain

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Symptoms and Risk Factors of an Ingrown Toenail

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.

Read more about Ingrown Toenails

Recognizing and Caring for Diabetic Feet

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.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Care

The Importance of Foot Placement in Runners

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.

Read more about Biomechanics of the Feet

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Causes and Treatment of Toenail Problems

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. 

Read more about Toe Pain

Connect With Us