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Pain is often the first sign your toe may be broken. A broken toe can be severe or mild, and there is generally bruising and swelling as well. The toe may break in one or more places, and may look displaced if it is severe. A popping sound may be heard, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to walk. A broken toe can happen as a result of dropping a heavy object on it, or from stubbing your toe on a piece of furniture. An X-ray is the most effective diagnostic test that can be performed, and this can determine the severity of the break. Mild fractures may be treated by using the buddy taping method. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, and this is often successful in providing the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. It is important to take proper measures when healing from a broken toe, which may possibly prevent osteoarthritis from developing. If you believe you have a mild or severe toe break, it is strongly advised that you speak to a chiropodist as quickly as possible who can offer you correct treatment options.

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.

A troublesome side effect of diabetes is the inability of foot wounds to heal quickly, largely the result of a decrease in blood flow to the extremities. In addition, nerve damage that causes numbness can set in, making it difficult for a diabetic to feel when there are minor sores, cuts, or cracks on the skin of the feet. This opens the door to infections, which if ignored can cause even more serious problems. For that reason, it is important that diabetics be vigilant and seek immediate care from a chiropodist as soon as a foot infection becomes noticeable. The chiropodist will likely examine, clean, and measure the wound. Measuring the size and depth of the wound sets a baseline for comparison at the next visit to determine the amount of healing that has taken place. A list of instructions for home foot care may be provided. For instance, it may be necessary to keep the foot elevated to reduce swelling. Wearing a protective foot covering, such as a cast or special shoe, may be recommended. If the wounded area worsens, please contact your chiropodist immediately.

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.

About one in three older adults sustain a fall at least once a year. Experts have identified several ways senior adults can help to prevent a fall. As most falls occur in the bedroom and bathroom, taking safety precautions in these locations is especially important. Similar measures should be taken to safety-proof the entire house. First, wear shoes and slippers with non-skid soles and remove loose rugs or carpeting. Install grab bars in the tub and shower. Use a walker or other assistive device if poor balance is an issue. Install adequate lighting in darkened areas and keep hallways clear of long cords and clutter. Always keep a phone within reach, especially at night. Check medications for side effects such as dizziness. Have your vision checked regularly and wear corrective lenses if needed. Please visit a chiropodist for further information regarding falls prevention and to have your feet inspected for any problems that may increase your risk of falling.

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.

There is a foot condition known as Sever’s Disease that affects children and young teenagers. Frequently children who participate in sporting activities experience this condition and it can cause intense heel pain. The medical term for Sever’s disease is calcaneal apophysitis and this name is derived after James Warren Sever, who detected this condition back in 1912. Sever’s disease can occur as a result of extreme force being placed on the growth plate of the heel. The heel bone in children and young teenagers may grow at a faster pace than the surrounding tissues and tendons, which may lead to overstretching. This can cause the heel to have a reduced range of motion and added pressure is placed on the heel plate. Healing can start with temporarily stopping the activity that caused the pain and it may be beneficial to elevate the affected foot as often as possible. If your child has heel pain, please consult with a chiropodist who can effectively diagnose and treat the problem. 

Sever’s disease typically affects young children and teenagers. If your child complains of 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. 

What Is Sever’s Disease? 

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It is typically caused by overuse due to repetitive activities such as running, jumping, and playing certain sports. This condition most frequently affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of Sever’s disease include: 

• Pain in the back or bottom of the heel

• Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed

• Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the heel

• Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in usual activities

• Fatigue 

Diagnosis

Sever’s disease is diagnosed by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, can help rule out other injuries like a fracture. 

Treatment

Sever’s disease typically heals without any long-term complications. Treatment involves resting the affected foot by reducing typical activities, wearing orthotics to support the foot, immobilizing the affected foot, taking medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and stretching the foot. 

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.

Patients who experience ankle pain often have difficulty in completing daily activities. There are various reasons why ankle pain can occur, including an injury, stepping off of a curb unexpectedly, or possibly from muscle weakness. There are noticeable symptoms that often accompany ankle pain. These consist of difficulty in putting weight on the affected foot, swollen calves, and pain that may gradually become worse. Ankle pain may be a result of an ankle sprain or a broken foot, and immediate medical attention is often sought for relief. Many patients use an elastic bandage that can help to stabilize the ankle until a chiropodist is contacted. It is beneficial to refrain from bearing any weight on the ankle, and crutches are often used for mobility. There may be specific stretches that can be performed, and this may depend on the reason for the ankle pain. If you have this type of pain, please consult with a chiropodist who can effectively determine the cause and offer correct treatment options. 

Ankle pain is a common symptom of many lower limb problems. If you are experiencing 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. 

The ankle is composed of a number of muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. There are many conditions which may cause ankle pain. 

Causes

• Ankle strains or sprains

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Fractures

• Bursitis

• Arthritis

• Gout

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Symptoms

If you have ankle pain, you may also experience a variety of other symptoms depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Some of these symptoms may include ankle swelling, bruising, redness, numbness or tingling, instability, and difficulty walking.

Diagnosis

The underlying cause of ankle pain can be diagnosed by a chiropodist. Diagnoses are typically made based on your medical history, a physical examination of the affected ankle, and imaging studies such as X-rays. 

Treatment

Treatment for your ankle pain will depend on its underlying cause. Often, the chiropodist will recommend that you rest the affected ankle. You might also need to ice, compress, and elevate the ankle, wear an orthotic device, or take medications to reduce pain and inflammation. 

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.

Arthritis is an overall term that means joint inflammation. There are around 100 types of arthritis with the most common being osteoarthritis. Because the foot is made up of about 26 bones and 30 joints, arthritis of the foot and ankle is common. The joints most likely to become arthritic are in the ankle, midfoot/heel, and big toe. Symptoms include pain or tenderness, difficulty walking, swelling, and stiffness in the joint. Non-surgical treatment of foot and ankle arthritis includes losing weight, using a cane or walker, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and steroid injections. If you believe you may have arthritis in the foot or ankle, it is a good idea to consult a chiropodist who will begin by asking for your medical history, and then ask questions about the source of the pain and what may have caused it. A test called a gait analysis may be conducted, and X-rays may be taken. A chiropodist will then have the information needed to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Osteoarthritis in the feet or ankles can be a painful and disabling condition that may interfere with your daily activities. If you have arthritis, 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 Osteoarthritis? 

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the protective layer of cartilage in the joints breaks down over time. This loss of cartilage causes the bones to rub together during movement, leading to pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is associated with aging, and often affects the small joints of the feet and ankles. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include: 

• Joint pain

• Joint stiffness

• Swelling in or around the joint

• Restricted range of motion

• Difficulty walking

Diagnosis

Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed through physical examination. You may also need to have an X-ray taken to assess the extent of the damage caused by arthritis. 

Treatment

Treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on reducing symptoms and improving the function of the affected joints. Conservative treatments include oral pain medications, orthotic devices, bracing or immobilizing the affected foot or ankle, steroid injections into the affected joint to reduce inflammation, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. 

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 variety of different fungi can cause a skin infection known as athlete’s foot. It can be quite uncomfortable and may have symptoms that consist of itching, red, and dry skin. The medical name for athlete’s foot is referred to as tinea pedis which lives in warm and moist environments. These can include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and locker rooms. It is suggested to wear appropriate shoes while in these types of areas as this may help to avoid getting athlete’s foot. Additionally, other effective prevention methods can consist of trimming the toenails correctly and avoiding wearing shoes or socks that are not made of breathable materials. The feet will feel better when they are kept dry and cool, and it is beneficial to air out any shoes that are worn approximately every other day. Athlete’s foot can be difficult to treat and may be recurring. If you are afflicted with this condition, it is advised that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can prescribe the necessary medication.

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.