November 2022

Heel pain is generally considered an overuse injury, most commonly caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or arthritis. Other causes include heel bursitis, stress fractures,  and tarsal tunnel syndrome. Plantar fasciitis, the most common form of heel pain, is frequently caused by wearing shoes that lack support or proper cushioning while running or jumping on hard surfaces. Other causes include flat feet, high arches, aging, and being overweight. These conditions can cause the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that connects the toes to the heel, to get overstretched and become inflamed. Achilles tendonitis is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the leg bones to the heel. Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, sacs of fluid behind the heel. Stress fractures can be caused by heavy pounding on the heel, during certain sports activities or running. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by a pinched nerve. Aging can cause the fat pads in the heel to thin out, resulting in less natural cushioning. Obesity places extra pressure on the heel, even during normal daily activities. Please consult a chiropodist for help with any heel pain you may be experiencing.

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. 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful and debilitating autoimmune disease that grows worse with age. It is caused by an inflammation of the capsule around a joint, particularly in the hands and feet. Women are more likely to have RA than men. Other risk factors include being between 40 and 50 years old, being a smoker, and genetic factors. Among the most common symptoms of RA are painful, swollen, and warm joints of the feet. These joints are often stiff upon awakening or after long periods of activity. As the disease progresses, the joints may erode, leading to joint damage and deformity. While there is no definitive cure for rheumatoid arthritis, it can be managed through medication, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and certain immunosuppressants. It has been shown that eating particular foods can help to reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis. Fish and other seafood that is packed with omega-3 fats are recommended. Avoiding foods that are high in saturated fats and sugar is also thought to be helpful. For more information on treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in the feet, please consult a chiropodist.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own otherwise healthy joint lining or synovium. While RA can affect any joint in the body, it often affects the small joints of the feet and the ankle joint. If you’re dealing with RA in your lower limbs, 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 of RA primarily affect the joints of the feet and may include:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Stiffness 

• Redness

• Warmth

• Difficulty walking

• Gait changes

• Bunions

• Hammertoes 

Treatment

While there is no cure for RA, your chiropodist can help you manage the health of your feet and maintain your mobility while living with this condition. Possible treatments include wearing orthotics, doing foot and ankle exercises, resting the feet, taking anti-inflammatory medications, getting steroid injections, and wearing braces for foot and ankle pain. In advanced cases of RA, joint replacement surgery may be helpful for mobility. Bunions, hammertoes, and other deformities can be corrected with surgery as well. 

If you have RA, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sprained ankles are thought to be the most common sports-related injury. The ankle joint consists of three bones that are held together by several ligaments. These bands of soft tissue give the ankle stability when you walk, run and jump. When a ligament is overstretched or torn, it is referred to as a sprain. There are three main types of sprains in the ankle joint: lateral, medial, and high. Lateral sprains, which account for about 85 percent of sprained ankle injuries, affect the outer part of the joint. They occur when the foot turns inward, causing the ankle joint to push outward. Basketball, volleyball, and soccer players are most likely to be at risk, as these sports call for quick changes in direction. A medial sprain involves ligaments on the inside of the ankle. This sprain often accompanies other injuries, including fractures of the tibia bone of the leg. A medial sprain can be caused by your foot being forced outward or by direct trauma. A high sprain involves ligaments that connect the leg bones above the ankle joint. It is usually caused by a sudden twisting, turning, or cutting motion while running, jumping, or skiing. If you believe you have sprained your ankle, immediate and proper treatment from a chiropodist is important.

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

Research has shown that eating specific types of foods may have an impact on foot pain. Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that can cause extreme discomfort, and walking may become difficult. It is defined as an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is located on the sole of the foot. Its job is to connect the heel to the toes, and plays a crucial role in walking and running. There are studies that have been performed which shows that certain types of foods can cause inflammation, and this may affect the plantar fascia. When more anti-inflammatory foods are consumed, the amount of inflammation may be reduced, and this may deter plantar fasciitis from developing. Eating leafy, green vegetables is known to possibly prevent chronic diseases. These types of foods have elevated levels of vitamins K and D, which may help to reduce inflammation. Foods that are suggested to be avoided can consist of sugar, processed foods, and saturated fats. If you would like more information about what types of foods to eat that may help or prevent plantar fasciitis, please consult with a chiropodist who can answer any questions you may have.

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 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 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.

It is quite common for women to experience swelling and other changes in the feet during pregnancy. In most cases, these symptoms go away after delivery. Weight gain and a buildup of fluids in the feet can cause them to swell. Extra fluid in the body tends to collect in the ankles and feet. Swelling, or edema, may increase as the pregnancy advances. Edema may cause a woman’s foot size to change during pregnancy. Redness and itching may occur in the feet, as a result of hormonal changes. Most experts recommend that pregnant women keep their feet and legs elevated as often as possible. It is also suggested that they avoid standing for long periods. Wearing shoes with ample support and cushioning can help to maintain a level of comfort. If swelling or other foot ailments become more serious, it is a good idea to check in with a chiropodist for an examination.

Pregnancy can affect your feet in many ways, often causing pain or discomfort, as well as reduced mobility. If you are pregnant and experience 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. 

During pregnancy, your belly isn’t the only part of your body swelling. The whole body may experience swelling, especially in the feet and ankles. Since they carry the weight of both your body and the baby’s, caring for your feet during pregnancy is very important. 

Common Foot Conditions During Pregnancy

Various foot conditions can develop during the course of a pregnancy, including: 

• Swelling of the feet and ankles

• Fallen arches, leading to acquired flat feet

• Plantar fasciitis 

• Aching, sore feet

• Changes in the toenails

Caring for the Feet During Pregnancy

Some things that you can do to help maintain the health of your feet during pregnancy include: 

• Wearing comfortable shoes

• Resting and elevating your feet

• Icing sore areas, such as the arch

• Keeping your toenails trimmed

• Soaking and massaging the 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.