Alcohol consumption can have several effects on the feet, leading to discomfort and potential health concerns. One common issue is foot and leg swelling, caused by fluid retention and poor circulation. Alcohol can lead to dehydration, which disrupts the balance of fluids in the body and contributes to swelling in the lower extremities. Many people experience a sensation of heavy limbs after drinking, making movement feel sluggish and unsteady. Alcohol can also trigger gout, a form of arthritis that causes severe pain and inflammation in the joints, particularly in the big toe. This occurs due to increased uric acid levels in the bloodstream, which form sharp crystals in the joints. If you have foot pain or have developed any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can treat various foot conditions and educate you on the effects alcohol may have on the feet.

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your 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. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

• Plantar fasciitis
• Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes
• Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet
• Arthritis
• Flat feet
• Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

• Heel pain
• Arch pain
• Toe pain
• Ball of foot pain
• Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality
• Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

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.

An ingrown toenail is a condition where the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain and potential infection. This commonly affects the big toe and can worsen if not properly managed. Causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes that put pressure on the toes, genetic factors, or injury to the toenail. Repeated stress from activities such as running or kicking can also contribute to the problem. Symptoms often include redness, swelling, tenderness, and discomfort along the nail border. If an infection develops, there may be pus, increased pain, and warmth in the affected area. Ingrown toenails can be painful and may become serious if infected. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you promptly consult a chiropodist who can effectively treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, 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 an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include: 

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail. 

Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers. 

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 high heels may enhance a woman’s appearance, but prolonged use can negatively impact her foot health. High heels shift the body's weight forward, increasing pressure on the forefoot and altering posture. This unnatural positioning forces the lower body forward and the upper body backward, leading to muscle strain and discomfort. The higher the heel, the greater the stress placed on the bones, tendons, and joints. Gait is also affected, as the foot is prevented from rolling naturally from heel to toe, causing additional strain on the knees, hips, and lower back. Over time, these changes can contribute to foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas, as well as conditions like Achilles tendonitis and osteoarthritis. High heels also reduce stability, increasing the chances of a sprained ankle or fall. A chiropodist can assess your foot structure, provide guidance on supportive footwear, and recommend treatments for pain or deformities caused by high heels. If you have foot pain from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.

High heels have been in style for centuries, but unfortunately, they have also been damaging feet for centuries. If you would like to learn more about how high heels can hurt your 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. 

High heels can cause a variety of problems, including:

• Foot and ankle pain
• Foot and ankle injuries
• Toe pain and deformities
• Gait abnormalities
• Achilles tendonitis
• Changes in posture
• Difficulty balancing
• Leg, hip, and back pain

If you are reluctant to abandon your high heels, you can still wear them, but should take measures to minimize damage to your feet: 

• Wear shoes with heels no higher than 2 inches
• Choose properly fitted shoes
• Choose shoes with a wide toe box
• Wear high heels infrequently
• When wearing high heels, take them off periodically to stretch and relax your feet 

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.