Corns are hardened lumps of skin that are caused by excess friction. When wearing shoes or socks that don’t fit properly, the skin can become irritated from the shoes rubbing against them, or from squished toes rubbing against each other. This can lead to the development of a corn. Corns are usually benign, but they can sometimes cause discomfort or even pain. In those cases, seeking the care of a chiropodist is suggested.
There are three types of corns. Hard corns are commonly found on the tops of toes. They are characterized by a hard core surrounded by dry, irritated skin. Soft corns are typically found between the toes. They are soft due to continuous exposure to sweat. Seed corns are tiny and typically found on the soles of the feet. They usually do not cause any symptoms. Generally speaking, corns can be uncomfortable or painful when excess pressure is applied to them while standing, walking, or wearing poorly-fitted shoes or socks.
The best way to prevent corns is to wear shoes and socks that fit properly. Pain from a corn can be relieved by using over-the-counter corn pads, soaking your feet in lukewarm water, exfoliating and moisturizing the skin of the feet, and wearing comfortable shoes and socks. If these measures don’t help, then you may want to consult with a chiropodist for more treatment options.
Corns are small circles of thickened skin on the feet with a hard center that can be painful, affecting your comfort with each step you take. Corns commonly develop on the top or side of the toes, and sometimes on the sole of the foot. Wearing ill-fitting shoes takes the lead in causing corns. Footwear that is too loose permits your foot to slide and rub. Meanwhile, high-heeled shoes exert undue pressure on specific foot areas, which can foster corn development. These issues intensify on bony feet that lack natural cushioning, making them more susceptible to corns. Further, corns may indicate an underlying foot problem, such as bunions or hammer toes. Addressing these root issues is important for effective corn treatment, as the thickened skin will not improve until the source of pressure is eliminated. View corns as symptoms, rather than isolated problems. Self-treatment is only advisable when the cause is understood and discussed with a chiropodist. Simple solutions like corn plasters are available, but caution is needed. Individuals with diabetes, circulation problems, or fragile skin should consult a chiropodist for tailored treatment options. Treating corns means more than managing symptoms. It is also about addressing underlying causes for lasting relief. If you are uncertain about the best course of action in managing painful corns on the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.
Corns are small bumps or dry, hardened skin that can arise on the feet, usually in response to friction. Corns can be asymptomatic, or they can be uncomfortable or painful. If you have corns that are bothering you, 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 three types of corns:
Hard corns
Often occur on the tops of toes
Feature a hard core surrounded by dry, irritated skin
Can be painful
Soft corns
Often occur in between the toes
Soft due to constant exposure to sweat
Can be painful
Seed corns
Tiny
Often occur on the soles of the feet
Usually asymptomatic
Corns can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit properly. They are typically benign and don’t require medical treatment. However, if your corns are causing you pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to a chiropodist near you for treatment options. 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.
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves of the lower limbs become damaged.
The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include tingling, numbness, and unusual sensations in the feet, weakness, and burning pain. This problem often co-occurs with diabetes, but can also be caused by viral infections, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and genetic disorders.
Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, and specific tests that may assess your reflexes, and ability to feel touch or vibration in your lower limbs. Treatment for peripheral neuropathy will depend on the underlying cause. For example, if your peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes, then controlling your blood sugar levels will be emphasized. For peripheral neuropathy pain, you may be prescribed oral medications. For preventing complications from peripheral neuropathy, your chiropodist may recommend wearing properly fitted, comfortable shoes and inspecting your feet daily for any abnormalities.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment.
Common peroneal nerve dysfunction, also known as common fibular nerve dysfunction, results from damage to the peroneal nerve. This condition causes loss of movement and sensation in the foot and leg. The peroneal nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve, is responsible for lower leg, foot, and toe function. Causes of dysfunction include fibula fractures, long-term leg constriction, habitual leg crossing, or pressure during deep sleep. It is more common in individuals with anorexia nervosa, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and alcohol misuse. Symptoms include a decreased sensation or tingling in the leg, foot drop, toe dragging, and walking difficulties. Diagnosis involves physical exams, electromyography, nerve conduction tests, an MRI, and a nerve ultrasound. Recovery depends on the severity of nerve damage, and severe cases may lead to permanent disability. If you suffer nerve damage symptoms as described above, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist as quickly as possible which may help to prevent further complications.
Neuropathy can cause permanent nerve damage if left untreated. If you are experiencing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, 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 Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that damages the nerves of the peripheral nervous system, which provide sensation to the limbs. The feet are often affected. Peripheral neuropathy can have many different causes, but it is most commonly associated with diabetes.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:
Pain
Numbness or tingling sensation
Burning sensations
Weakness
Loss of balance
Diagnosis
Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed based on medical history and physical examination. Various tests performed during physical examinations can help determine the type of peripheral neuropathy you may have and what is causing it.
Treatment
Treatment for peripheral neuropathy will depend on what is causing it. For example, if your peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes, then managing your blood sugar, exercising regularly to strengthen the legs and feet, and taking pain medications may be recommended as treatments.
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.
Foot biomechanics is an area of foot care that examines the structure, function, and motion of the feet. When these factors are carefully examined, they can provide more information about potential causes of foot and ankle pain and help your chiropodist find the best treatments for the unique needs of your feet.
The study of biomechanics dates back to ancient times but became more well known in modern history when findings claimed that changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and foot can lead to positive clinical outcomes when treating various foot and ankle conditions.
The advent of modern technology, such as computer analysis, has continued to expand on these discoveries and helps medical professionals make informed decisions about patient care. Understanding the biomechanics of the feet can help in the diagnosis of various conditions and prescribing targeted treatments that reduce or eliminate pain. For example, a chiropodist can analyze your gait, or walking pattern, and determine if there are any abnormalities that can be treated with custom orthotics or footwear modifications.
Foot pain, a nuanced tapestry of discomfort, can emanate from various structures within the foot, leading to a spectrum of problems. The plantar fascia, a band of tissue supporting the arch, may ignite pain when strained, giving rise to conditions like plantar fasciitis. Achy joints and inflammation often signal arthritis, affecting the foot's intricate network of bones and ligaments. Nerve entrapment, as seen in conditions like Morton's neuroma, generates sharp, localized pain. Bunions, a result of misalignment in the joint at the base of the big toe, cause persistent pain and deformity. Toe deformities such as hammertoes, can contribute to discomfort due to irregular pressure on joints. Stress fractures are microcracks in bones and are often triggered by repetitive impact, which can manifest as localized pain during activity. Understanding the structures involved in foot pain equips individuals to identify and address specific foot problems promptly. If you have foot pain, and would like to know more about the anatomy of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.
The biomechanics of your feet play an important role in your foot health. 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.
Foot biomechanics refers to the study of the structure, function, and motion of the feet. The feet and ankles are a complex system consisting of many bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that work together to move your feet. Understanding the unique biomechanics of your own feet can help you and your chiropodist make informed decisions about your foot health care. This includes decisions about the best preventive measures to avoid foot pain, the best treatment options for various foot problems, and finding the best shoes for 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.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
The plantar fascia is a thick ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, typically due to overuse, it can cause a condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by a sharp, stabbing heel pain, arch pain, and pain that is at its worst when taking your first steps after a long resting period, such as when you first wake up in the morning. You may also notice swelling on the bottom of the heel.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot ailments, and one of the most common causes of heel pain. Besides overuse from activities such as running or jumping, wearing shoes that do not have adequate cushioning and support, standing for prolonged periods of time, being obese, or having flat feet can all increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
Fortunately, there are many treatments for this condition. Your chiropodist may recommend stretching exercises, activity and footwear changes, and icing the affected foot to help relieve pain. If pain persists after several weeks, your chiropodist may prescribe custom orthotics, pad, tape, strap, or immobilize the affected foot, or inject a corticosteroid into the area to reduce pain.
For more information about plantar fasciitis, please consult with a chiropodist.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that occurs when the fibrous attachment that connects the toes to the heel becomes irritated and inflamed. This band of tissue is medically known as the plantar fascia and is essential in supporting the foot's arch and biomechanics during activities, such as walking and running. Excessive tension and stress can lead to damage and inflammation of the plantar fascia. The primary cause of plantar fasciitis is overuse, resulting from daily activities or intense physical exertion. This overuse can lead to inflammation, which causes swelling, tenderness, and pain primarily in one foot, though both feet can be affected simultaneously. Contributing factors to plantar fasciitis can include a sudden increase in physical activity, prolonged standing on hard surfaces, and walking barefoot. In addition, inadequate foot support from ill-fitting shoes, certain medical conditions, and rheumatoid arthritis may result in plantar fasciitis. Further, obesity, flat or high-arched feet, and lack of warmups before exercise may be factors. Regular use of high-heeled shoes, and wearing worn-out footwear are also known causes. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis. Overweight individuals experiencing heightened pressure on the plantar fascia ligaments are more susceptible. Wearing unsupportive footwear, such as high heels, further elevates the risk. To reduce or eliminate the pain of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can offer treatment options.
Plantar fasciitis can be painful and interfere with your daily activities. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain and believe you may be afflicted with plantar fasciitis, 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 Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Repetitive activities, such as running or jumping, can injure the plantar fascia over time. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by flat feet, high arches, pregnancy, and activities that put excessive pressure on your feet, like standing all day for work. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it causes pain and discomfort.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
Stabbing pain near the heel
Pain that is worst in the morning or after a period of rest
Pain that increases after exercising
Swelling
Tightness in the Achilles tendon
Diagnosis
Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed via medical history and physical examination.
Treatment
Treatments for plantar fasciitis include resting and icing the affected foot, stretching the foot, taking medications to reduce inflammation, and wearing orthotics. In severe cases where pain does not improve with conservative treatments, injections or surgery may be recommended.
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.
Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage located on the ends of joints deteriorates over time. Cartilage is very important, as it protects and cushions the bones during movement. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is associated with aging. It can affect any of the joints in the body, and frequently affects the joints of the feet and the ankles. Though rarer, osteoarthritis can also occur as a consequence of an injury, such as as a sprain or fracture, or as a result of abnormal foot biomechanics.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain and stiffness in the joints, swelling, and difficulty walking or bending the joints. In some cases, bony protrusions called bone spurs can develop on the affected joints. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, meaning that it worsens over time. Diagnosing the condition early allows for earlier treatment, which can help preserve the health and function of your joints.
A variety of treatment options are available for osteoarthritis. Pain can often be minimized by taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, getting steroid injections into the affected joints, and wearing orthotics. Bracing or immobilizing the affected foot or ankle may help reduce inflammation and prevent deformity of the joint. Doing specific exercises can help strengthen the muscles in the feet and ankles to prevent injuries. In cases where more conservative treatments have failed or in which arthritis has progressed significantly, surgery may be an option. If you have osteoarthritis in your feet or ankles, it is recommended that you consult with a chiropodist.
