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Common Causes of Toenail Pain

Toenail pain can be caused by wearing shoes that don’t fit properly or as a side effect of an underlying condition, such as arthritis. However, the most common causes of toenail pain are traumatic injury, ingrown toenails, and fungal infection. Pain from trauma may be caused by dropping a heavy object on the toe, stubbing the toe on a hard object, and repetitive exercises, like running. Depending on the severity, the toenail may change to a reddish black color caused by bruising, or the nail may become separated from the bed. An ingrown toenail forms when the nail grows into the skin surrounding it. This can be extremely painful and in some cases becomes infected. Part or all of the nail may need to be removed. Toenail fungal infections are caused by coming into contact with a fungus, which is extremely contagious. In some cases, such as with athlete’s foot, itching and redness result, and in other cases the nail becomes discolored and brittle. If you have continual toenail pain or notice an abnormality, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for an exam and treatment options.

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. 

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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.

Sources of Foot Pain

Foot pain is common, which makes sense given that they bear all our weight when standing and walking. Pain can be mild to severe and acute or chronic. Foot pain occurs for a variety of reasons, including lifestyle choices, medical conditions, and injury. Lifestyle choices that cause foot pain include wearing ill-fitting or high-heeled shoes. Those with medical conditions, such as arthritis can suffer from foot pain. Foot pain can result from overuse or injury, such as fractures and tendinitis. The first course of treating foot pain is to stop the activity that might have caused it and rest. If your foot pain is persistent or worsens, or if you have sustained a foot injury, it is suggested that you consult with a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have foot 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 you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis. 

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:

  • Stress fractures

  • Sinus tarsi syndrome

  • Extensor tendonitis

  • Tibialis anterior tendonitis

  • Gout

  • Athlete’s foot

  • Ganglion cysts

Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Foot cramps

  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome

  • Plantar fibromatosis

  • Posterior tibial tendonitis

  • Stress fractures

  • Flat feet

Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:

  • Ankle sprain

  • Cuboid syndrome

  • Peroneal tendonitis

  • Stress fractures

  • Bunions

  • Corns or calluses

  • Posterior tibial tendonitis

Heel pain may be caused by:

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Achilles tendonitis

  • Bone spurs

  • Heel fractures

  • Retrocalcaneal bursitis

  • Sever’s disease 

Pain in the toes may be caused by:

  • Gout

  • Hammertoe

  • Turf toe 

  • Bunions

  • Ingrown toenails

  • Blisters 

  • Arthritis

These and many more conditions can be treated by a chiropodist. 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.

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What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot, which is an infection of the skin, can form from various types of fungus, and generally affects the area between the toes. The medical term for this is tinea pedis. The most common symptom occurs when the soles of the feet may begin to itch. This condition is considered to be contagious, and the fungus that causes it is found in warm and moist environments. These types of places can include public swimming pools, locker rooms, and shower room floors. There are effective prevention methods that can be implemented which may help to stop or slow the spread of athlete’s foot. These can consist of wearing appropriate shoes, such as flip flops or water shoes, and refraining from sharing shoes, towels, and socks. There are various treatment methods for athlete's foot, and it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist who can determine which one is best for you.

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.

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My Child’s Foot Falls Asleep

Anyone’s foot can fall asleep at times. It may feel heavy and have a pins and needles sensation, or it may have lost feeling. It can seem like the blood supply is cut off to the feet, but it really has more to do with the nerves. Nerves are like tiny threads that run throughout the body and carry messages back and forth from the brain to the body. If a child sits on their feet or tucks their feet underneath them, there will be an interference in the nerve message system. When the nerves are no longer compressed, the connection returns to normal. This is not a serious problem. If your child’s feet fall asleep when they are not in positions that compress the nerves, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment.

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.

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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.

Filing the Toenails for Summer

The feet tend to be ignored during the winter months, and foot care often ceases. As the summer months approach, many people pay attention to skin and nail conditions on their feet. Pedicures become popular again, as the feet are soaked, scrubbed, and polished, often giving the feet a groomed appearance. People who choose to care for their toenails at home may achieve a similar result when the nails are filed straight across. It is important to make sure filing is performed on dry skin, in addition to ensuring all nail instruments are clean and hygienic. Applying a good moisturizer generally helps the skin to feel smooth, in addition to preventing unsightly conditions, such as cracked heels, from developing. When a foot care regime is routinely performed, the benefits can include having healthier and prettier feet. If you would like more information about successful foot care tips, it is suggested that you speak with a chiropodist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

Summer is the season for many foot and ankle issues. If you’re suffering from a foot or ankle problem, 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. 

Common Summer Foot Problems 

  • Athlete’s foot

  • Toenail fungus

  • Plantar warts

  • Foot and ankle injuries

  • Bunions

  • Hammertoes

  • Heel pain

  • Cracked heels 

  • Sunburns

  • Blisters

Prevention

  • Wear supportive shoes and avoid flip-flops

  • Maintain good foot hygiene

  • Exfoliate and moisturize the heels

  • Apply sunscreen to the feet and ankles

  • Wear shoes in public areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers 

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.

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Who Can Wear Orthotics?

Orthotics can either be custom-made or over-the-counter inserts meant to be worn inside shoes serving a variety of functions. Orthotics can mitigate pain, help treat foot conditions or even help correct deformities. Many patients often ask who can wear orthotics and who might be able to benefit from them. The answer is that many people can potentially benefit from wearing orthotic devices. Some individuals can certainly benefit more than others by wearing orthotics. For example, if a patient has an average weight and height, they might benefit from wearing orthotic devices, especially for heel pain. By wearing orthotics, a patient can potentially decrease the amount of pain they are feeling in their feet. Contact a chiropodist today for more information. 

 

Orthotics are devices that are typically inserted into shoes to treat a variety of foot and ankle problems. If you would like 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. 

What Are Orthotics Used For? 

Orthotics are used for the treatment of a variety of foot and ankle problems. These can include biomechanical issues, gait abnormalities, foot pain, injuries, arthritis, deformities, and other medical conditions that affect the lower limbs. Orthotics can be bought in a store or custom-made and prescribed by a chiropodist. 

Types of Orthotics 

  • Rigid - Made from carbon fiber or other hard material and designed to ease foot pain and strain

  • Soft - Made from flexible materials like foam and designed to cushion and support the foot

  • Full shoe inserts

  • Half shoe inserts

  • Heel cups

  • Heel pads

  • Night splints

  • Braces

  • And more

 

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.

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Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

How Peripheral Artery Disease Affects the Feet

When the blood flow to the feet is slowed, it is typically the result of a buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries serving the lower extremities. This blockage is known as peripheral artery disease or PAD. Risk factors for peripheral artery disease include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and aging. Telltale signs of PAD in the ankles and feet are sores or wounds that won’t heal, an absence of a pulse in the feet and toes, and cold or numb toes. One way to help prevent peripheral artery disease is to participate in physical exercise regularly. It is also imperative to stop smoking, because it not only increases the risk of PAD, it also makes any symptoms you may have worse. If you are predisposed to cholesterol or diabetes, they should also be monitored closely. If you need information on peripheral artery disease, it is a good idea to consult a chiropodist who can examine your feet and suggest appropriate treatment options.  

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a serious condition that can increase your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. If you have symptoms of PAD, 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 Peripheral Artery Disease?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the lower limbs narrow and harden due to a buildup of arterial plaque. PAD causes a reduction in blood flow to the legs and other extremities. 

Symptoms

Often, people with PAD experience no symptoms, especially in the early stages. If PAD continues to worsen, the first sign of PAD may be claudication, pain and cramping in the legs while walking, caused by the reduction of blood supply to the muscles of the legs. 

Other potential symptoms include: 

  • Numbness or weakness in the legs

  • Coldness in the legs or feet

  • Slow-healing sores or wounds

  • Skin discoloration or hair loss on the legs

  • Slow growth of toenails

Diagnosis

Most often chiropodists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to the blood pressure in your ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Vascular tests look at the blood flow in the legs and are generally painless and non-invasive. 

Treatment

Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help limit further arterial plaque buildup. Taking your prescribed medications can reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack. In some cases, surgery may be required to improve blood flow. 

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.

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