March 2022

Running, while an excellent form of exercise, can lead to a variety of foot and ankle injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and ankle sprains. Fortunately, there are preventative measures that you can take to reduce your risk of injury. When running, it’s important to avoid overtraining. Running too many miles, too often, and too quickly is a recipe for overuse injuries. When running, increase the mileage, duration, and intensity of your runs slowly over time. It’s also important to wear the right shoes. Running shoes should fit properly, cushion and support the feet, and be replaced when they become worn out. Stretching and strengthening the legs and feet can help prevent injury as well. To learn more about how to avoid running injuries, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Although running is a wonderful exercise to keep you in shape, it can wreak havoc on your feet and ankles if you don’t take preventive measures. If you have sustained a foot and ankle injury from running, 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. 

Some common running injuries include:

• Achilles tendonitis

• Shin splints

• Ankle sprains

• Stress fractures

• Plantar fasciitis

• Bursitis 

What causes injuries? 

These injuries are usually caused by overtraining, wearing the wrong shoes, running on hard surfaces, having tight and inflexible muscles, or having biomechanical issues in the feet or ankles. 

What can I do to prevent injuries? 

• Train slowly and gradually

• Give yourself plenty of time to recover following a run

• Wear shoes that fit properly and support your foot

• Avoid running on hard surfaces, like concrete

• Stretch and strengthen the muscles of your lower legs

• Warm-up prior to a run

• Have your gait analyzed and your feet examined by a chiropodist to determine if there are any biomechanical problems that need to be treated 

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.

The sesamoids are two small, pea-shaped bones located beneath the big toe joint in the ball of the foot. These tiny bones help the big toe with movement. Sesamoiditis occurs when the sesamoids and surrounding tendons are injured or inflamed, usually due to overuse in repetitive running, walking, or jumping activities. Symptoms of sesamoiditis include dull, long-term pain beneath the big toe joint that varies in intensity based on the activities you do and the shoes that you wear. Treatments for sesamoiditis can include padding, strapping, taping, or immobilizing the affected area, as well as taking oral medications or wearing orthotic devices in the shoes to help cushion the feet. If you are experiencing the symptoms of sesamoiditis, it is recommended that you seek the care of a chiropodist. 

Sesamoiditis can be painful and prevent you from participating in certain activities. To learn more about 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 Sesamoiditis? 

Sesamoiditis refers to an injury of the sesamoids (two small, pea-shaped bones located beneath the big toe joint) or the tendons and/or surrounding tissue in the joint.

Causes

Sesamoiditis is typically the result of an overuse injury caused by activities that put repetitive pressure on the sesamoid bones and the tendons involved with those bones. These activities can include basketball, football, running, ballet, and tennis. People who have high foot arches and those who frequently wear high-heeled shoes are also at an increased risk of developing sesamoiditis. 

Symptoms

Common symptoms of sesamoiditis include: 

• Dull, longstanding pain under the big toe joint

• Swelling

• Bruising 

• Difficulty straightening or bending the big toe

• Pain during movement

Diagnosis

Sesamoiditis can be diagnosed by physical examination and X-rays. Sometimes other imaging studies, such as a bone scan, MRI, or ultrasound may be needed if damage to the area surrounding the sesamoid bones is suspected. 

Treatment

Treatment options include conservative measures, such as padding, strapping, taping or immobilizing the affected foot, taking oral medications or getting steroid injections to reduce pain and swelling, and wearing orthotic devices. Surgical treatment may be necessary if conservative measures are not effective. 

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.

Working in a standing position all day can cause a variety of foot problems. A combination of working on your feet for prolonged periods of time, standing on hard floors, and wearing poorly fitted shoes can cause foot conditions such as calluses, corns, flat feet, blisters, and sprains. Existing foot conditions, such as arthritis, may also be worsened by these factors. To prevent foot ailments related to working on your feet, it is essential to wear comfortable and supportive shoes and socks. If possible, sit down during break times. You can also stretch the calf muscles, feet, and ankles while you work to reduce strain. If you work in a standing position and are experiencing foot and ankle issues, a chiropodist can treat your condition and offer strategies to prevent foot problems in the future.  

If you stand all day, you may be at an increased risk of developing various foot conditions. If you are experiencing foot pain of any kind, 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 Foot Problems Are Caused by Standing?

Standing all day at work may increase your risk of developing foot or ankle problems.

Some common foot conditions that may arise from spending all day on your feet include: 

• Foot pain

• Blisters

• Corns and calluses

• Arthritis

• Flat feet

• Bunions

• Sprains 

• Athlete’s foot

Prevention

If you stand for prolonged periods of time for work, taking preventative measures to preserve the health of your feet is strongly recommended. 

Measures you can implement to help prevent foot problems include: 

• Wearing shoes that are comfortable and fit well - these shoes should be made of breathable materials and provide you with arch support and cushioning. It is best to avoid shoes that have heels or narrow toe boxes.

• Taking breaks to rest, walk, and stretch your feet throughout the day

• Maintaining good foot hygiene - wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day

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.

Falls are the leading cause of serious injuries among the elderly. Fortunately, falls can be prevented by making small, meaningful modifications in the home environment and in your lifestyle. These modifications can include reducing clutter around the home, taking special care to make sure that the floor is clear of tripping hazards such as loose wires and cords, movable rugs, and any other obstacles. Make sure that your home is well lit so that you can always see where you’re walking. In the bathrooms, use non-slip mats around the tub or shower. If you have stairs in your home, make sure that you have secure handrails to help go up and down safely. Eating healthy meals, engaging in regular physical activity, wearing comfortable shoes, and using walking aids as needed can all help keep you on your feet. For more tips on how to prevent falls, consult with a chiropodist.  

Falls are a major cause of injury among the elderly. To learn more about preventing falls or to get treatment following a foot or ankle injury caused by a fall, 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. 

Falling is one of the leading causes of injury among the elderly. It is said that about 50% of falls that result in hospitalization occur in the home. Fortunately, there are steps that you can implement to reduce your risk of falling in the home. 

Tips to Prevent Falls at Home:

• In the bathroom - Place non-slip mats in the shower or tub, install grab bars near the toilet and bath, and wipe up any moisture or spills as soon as possible. 

• In the living rooms and bedroom - Remove loose wires, cords, or other objects that may be an obstacle to moving around safely. Make sure that you have good lighting throughout the home so that you can always see where you are going. Get rid of any rugs or mats that are not firmly anchored or that may cause you to trip. When walking around the home, move slowly. 

• In the kitchen - Store food and supplies in easily accessible areas, store heavy items in lower cupboards, and wipe up any spills immediately to prevent slipping. 

• On the stairs - Make sure that the stairs are well-lit and have secure handrails. Walk slowly when ascending or descending the stairs.  

• Outside - Keep walkways well-lit and clear of snow, ice, leaves, and man-made tripping hazards.

Maintaining your overall health, including the health of your feet, can also help to prevent falls. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and wear well-fitted, comfortable, and supportive shoes. If you have a mobility device, such as a cane, use it while walking.  

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.

Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. The uric acid can crystallize and build up in the joints of the foot, especially in the big toe, leading to gout. Sudden and intense pain, known as gout attacks, can make it feel as if the foot is on fire. Other symptoms may include swelling, stiffness, and warmth in the affected joint. It is said that gout is more likely to occur in older men and women, people who consume alcohol, and people who take certain medications, like diuretics and cyclosporine. Gout is also hereditary and may arise in people with conditions like kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, or sleep apnea. If you ignore the symptoms of gout and don't seek treatment, it can lead to arthritis. This condition could leave the joint permanently damaged or swollen. For more information about gout and to discuss potential treatment options, consult with a chiropodist today. 

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. 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 Gout?

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. This type of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid crystallizes in a joint, often the joint of the big toe, it can bring about a gout attack. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of gout include: 

• Sudden and severe pain

• Swelling

• Redness

• Warmth 

• Joint stiffness

• Joint deformity

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will ask questions about your personal and family medical history, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout. A sample of fluid taken from your joint can show whether it contains uric acid. 

Treatment

Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Patients with chronic gout can also use behavioral modifications such as diet, exercise, and decreased intake of alcohol to help minimize the frequency of gout attacks. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided since purines are converted in the body to uric acid. If left untreated, this painful condition can leave your joint permanently damaged and swollen.  

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.