April 2022

Anyone with diabetes may be at a higher risk of developing foot ulcers. They are usually caused by sores or wounds that do not heal properly and spread beneath the skin to the soft tissue and muscle sheaths below. A diabetic who has developed peripheral neuropathy often loses the feeling in the toes and feet. Because a sore or minor cut can’t always be detected, particularly if it is on the bottom of the foot, it may form an ulcer. Symptoms of diabetic ulcers include discoloration of the skin or toenails, pain and redness, swelling, pus or fluid discharge, and a foul odor coming from the foot. The most common treatment is debridement, a process that removes dead tissue. It is strongly suggested that you not do this on your own, but consult a chiropodist, who can conduct the process in a safe and hygienic way. Afterward, you may be directed to wear special shoes or use crutches or a wheelchair until the wound heals completely. It is also suggested to avoid walking barefoot and make sure the wounded area is kept clean. 

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.

A blister is a pocket of fluid that forms on the skin, including the skin of the feet. There are many causes of foot blisters. They generally arise from rubbing or friction from poor fitting shoes or socks or long periods of being on the feet – walking, standing, or exercising. Foot blisters can become painful and interfere with daily functioning. Typically, one can treat a blister at home by simply covering it with a Band-aid to help protect the sore. It should eventually harden and disappear. Long-term, make sure to wear shoes and socks that fit properly and do not rub or constrict the foot in any way. If a blister on your foot does not heal in a relatively short period of time, or if you develop other symptoms (such as a fever, nausea, and chills), it is wise to consult with a chiropodist to make sure it has not become infected and to obtain suggestions for proper treatment protocols.

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

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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS) is similar to the more well-known Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), in that it is an inflammatory condition caused by repetitive or high-impact movement and stress but in the latter, to the feet. Those who use their feet a lot – whether in work, sports, or daily life are more apt to suffer from this condition. Symptoms of TTS are pain – in the feet, ankles, Achilles tendon, shins, hips, or back - numbness in ankles and feet, swelling of ankles, slowing of gait, redness, and/or a hot feeling in the affected area. If one has a number of these symptoms, it may be TTS, but all these symptoms can also be caused by other things or underlying health conditions, like diabetes or arthritis. Given the myriad of possibilities causing foot problems and the potential for worsening of the problems, one should see a Chiropodist at the first sign of something out of the ordinary for a proper diagnosis and suggestions for treating whatever may be going on. 

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause pain and progress over time. If you are experiencing any symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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 Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the posterior tibial nerve, which is located within a structure called the tarsal tunnel on the inside of the ankle, is squeezed. Compression of the posterior tibial nerve can be caused by injuries, such as ankle sprains, systemic diseases like diabetes or arthritis, strain on the tarsal tunnel due to flat feet, or an enlarged structure like a cyst squeezing the nerve. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear suddenly and are generally worsened by physical activity. 

Common symptoms include: 

• Tingling, burning, or electrical shock sensation on the inside of the ankle or bottom of the foot

• Numbness

• Shooting pain 

Diagnosis

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed through physical examination. If initial treatment is ineffective, imaging or nerve studies may also be necessary. 

Treatment

Nonsurgical treatments for tarsal tunnel syndrome include resting and icing the foot, bracing or immobilizing the foot, wearing an orthotic device, modifying your footwear, and taking medications to relieve pain. Surgery may be needed if nonsurgical treatments are ineffective.  

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 broken toe generally happens if it is stubbed against a piece of furniture, or if a heavy object is dropped on it. Many patients can hear a snap or pop as the toe is fractured, and it can become immediately bruised. Other symptoms can include swelling and pain when walking or moving the toe. A broken toe is diagnosed by having an X-ray taken, and this is necessary in determining what the best course of treatment is. Many patients use the buddy taping method which is taping the broken toe to the toe next to it. This is an effective method in providing the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. It is beneficial to elevate the foot as often as possible, which can help to reduce a portion of the swelling. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can effectively manage this condition.

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.