Foot health depends heavily on good hygiene, especially when it comes to avoiding infections that thrive in warm, damp environments. Ringworm, a fungal skin infection, can affect the feet and appear as red, scaly patches, often spreading between the toes or along the sole. Hookworm, more common in areas with poor sanitation, can enter through the skin, usually when walking barefoot on contaminated soil, leading to itchy rashes and skin irritation. Other hygiene-related problems include athlete’s foot, fungal nail infections, unpleasant odor, and bacterial skin infections, all of which are more likely when feet are not washed and dried properly or are confined in tight, sweaty shoes. Regular cleaning, wearing breathable footwear, and protecting feet in communal areas can reduce the risk of infection. If you notice skin irritation, rashes, or other persistent foot symptoms, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for evaluation and appropriate care.

Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, 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. 

There are many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including: 

• Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly
• Washing the feet daily with soap and water
• Drying the feet thoroughly
• Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet
• Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly
• Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises 

A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. 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 heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the underside of the heel bone, often caused by repeated stress and strain on the foot. It is commonly linked to inflammation and microtears of the plantar fascia, the tissue that supports the foot arch. Causes include prolonged standing, excessive running, or wearing unsupportive footwear. Risk increases with age, flat feet, and intense physical activity. Symptoms may include sharp heel pain, especially during the first steps in the morning. A chiropodist can diagnose heel spurs through examination and imaging, and offer treatments such as custom orthotics, exercises, and supportive care. If heel pain is affecting your mobility, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a chiropodist for expert relief and prevention.

Heel spurs are bony outgrowths from calcium deposits. They occur at the back of the heel bone or underneath the heel bone and usually form in response to chronic irritation of the Achilles tendon or plantar fascia. They are often asymptomatic, but if you are suffering 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. 

Symptoms of Heel Spurs

• Tenderness
• Heel pain
• Pain when walking
• No symptoms

Diagnosis

Since heel spurs are often asymptomatic, they are usually only diagnosed when they are found on the heels incidentally during an X-ray taken for another reason. Nevertheless, if you have heel pain, and particularly if you have plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, it may be worth it to see if you have heel spurs too. 

Treatment

Unless they are causing symptoms, heel spurs typically don’t require any treatment. When they are symptomatic, treatments are typically conservative. They may include resting and icing the affected foot, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing orthotics or supportive footwear, especially while exercising. 

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.

Wearing improper running shoes can lead to a variety of foot and ankle injuries that affect daily comfort and mobility. Shoes that lack support or do not fit correctly can increase the risk of ankle sprains by causing instability. Tight or narrow shoes may contribute to the development of bunions, leading to joint pain and difficulty wearing certain styles of shoes. Unsupportive shoes can also strain the Achilles tendon, resulting in Achilles tendinitis and heel discomfort. A chiropodist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend proper footwear, and provide treatments to relieve pain and prevent further injury. If you enjoy running, and are experiencing foot or ankle pain from wearing ill-fitting shoes, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for expert care and long-term relief.

Finding the right shoes can sometimes be a major hassle, especially if you intend to work out in them. There are shoes on the market designed specifically for running and walking, but it can be difficult to differentiate between the two and find the right shoes for you. If you’re having trouble finding the right shoes, 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 the differences between running and walking shoes? 

These two types of shoes vary along several parameters.

• Cushioning: Runners need more cushioning in the heel and forefoot areas of the shoe, while walkers can get away with less cushioning.
• Heel height: Runners need a higher heel to provide them with stability, but the ideal height of the heel for runners varies depending on their running gait. Walkers generally don’t need a built-up heel.
• Heel flare: Flared heels can help provide extra stability for runners with certain gaits, while walkers may benefit from a flared heel to control the motion of their foot.
• Flexibility: Both runners and walkers need shoes that are flexible. 

For more information about the differences between walking and running shoes, and to figure out which shoes may be right for you, please consult with a chiropodist. Feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.