Definition and Causes of Midfoot Arthritis

Arthritis in the midfoot, a condition marked by inflammation of the joints, can significantly impact one's mobility and overall foot health. This form of arthritis affects the intricate network of joints connecting the tarsal bones in the middle of the foot. The condition often manifests as pain, swelling, and stiffness, hindering the natural range of motion. As the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down over time, the bones may rub against each other, exacerbating discomfort. Causes of midfoot arthritis vary and include age-related wear and tear, previous injuries, or underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Understanding the definition of midfoot arthritis is pivotal for early detection and intervention. By recognizing the causes and symptoms, individuals can work with chiropodists to develop personalized strategies that alleviate pain and preserve the functionality of this part of the foot. If you have pain in your foot, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist who can accurately diagnose midfoot arthritis, and offer appropriate treatment options.

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

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Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Broken Ankles

Ankle fractures occur when one or more of the bones that make up the ankle are broken. This typically occurs following a sudden injury, such as stepping off a curb and severely twisting your ankle or suffering a strong impact while playing a sport. 

Symptoms of an ankle fracture can include pain at the site of the break, swelling, bruising, blistering, difficulty walking and bearing weight on the affected ankle, and ankle deformity. In the case of an open fracture, the broken bone pokes through the skin, increasing the likelihood of infection and further complications.

Ankle fractures require prompt medical treatment. They can be diagnosed through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays or bone scans. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the injury and may include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected ankle, immobilization of the ankle, and taking pain medications. Surgery may be necessary in more severe cases. If you have injured your ankle, please seek the care of a chiropodist.

What a Broken Ankle Truly Means

A broken ankle, a common injury, can bring excruciating pain and limited mobility. It typically occurs when one or more of the three main ankle bones consisting of the tibia, fibula, or talus are fractured. This injury is often the result of a traumatic event, such as a fall, twist, or impact. The symptoms of a broken ankle are hard to miss. Immediate pain and swelling around the ankle are typical, as well as bruising. Weight-bearing becomes almost impossible, and the ankle may appear deformed. The injured area can be tender to the touch. While the severity of a broken ankle can vary, it is essential to seek medical attention from a chiropodist who can provide a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This may involve casting, bracing, or surgery, depending on the extent of the injury. Understanding the implications of a broken ankle is the first step toward a successful recovery and restoration of normal function. If you have broken your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you confer with this type of medical professional who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition. 

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Differences Between Walking and Running Shoes

Running and walking are excellent activities to promote physical fitness and maintain mobility. But whether you are a runner or a walker, finding the right pair of shoes can be difficult. It can be helpful to review how running and walking shoes may differ and what kind of shoes each type of exercise needs. 

Runners need shoes that have adequate cushioning in the heel and forefoot. This is because while running, the runner’s feet impact the ground with three times their body weight with each step. When considering the heel of the running shoes, note the heel height and whether or not the heel is flared. Runners need a higher heel than walkers in order to provide them with stability. A flared heel can also help with this. Finally, running shoes need to be flexible. Most running shoes are flexible in the arch or midfoot region, but it’s also possible to find running shoes that are flexible in the forefoot. The best running shoes for you will depend on your gait. 

Walkers need shoes that are supportive but do not need the same level of cushioning as runners. The heels of walking shoes don’t need to be as high as those of running shoes, but a flared heel can help walkers with their foot stability as well. Walking shoes also need to be flexible. 

With all of this said, walking shoes may be more difficult to find on the market than running shoes. This begs the question: can you walk in running shoes? The answer is yes. However, you should not run in walking shoes. For more information about this topic, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Walking Shoes Versus Running Shoes

Selecting the appropriate footwear for your fitness routine is necessary for comfort and injury prevention. Walking and running shoes may appear similar at first glance, but they are designed with distinct purposes in mind. Walking shoes are tailored for heel to toe motion, offering flexibility in the forefoot and ample cushioning to absorb shock during each step. These shoes are great for casual walkers and provide comfort for long strolls. Running shoes, on the other hand, are engineered to endure the higher impact of running. They offer enhanced cushioning, stability, and support, with a design that encourages a midfoot or forefoot strike. The outsole typically has deeper treads for better traction. Wearing the wrong type of shoe can lead to discomfort and potential injuries. So, whether you are walking or running, choosing the right footwear can help to optimize your performance and safeguard your foot health. If you would like additional information about how to choose the appropriate shoes for your fitness regime, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist.

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.

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Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are small, fine cracks that can happen in the bones of the feet. Stress fractures occur when the affected bones are not able to bear the weight placed on them. They are often the result of repetitive overuse and injury from activities such as running, jumping, or dancing and are therefore common in athletes. Stress fractures are also more likely to occur in people who have other health conditions, such as osteoporosis, bunions, tendinitis, or abnormal foot biomechanics. 

While stress fractures can occur in any bone in the foot, they are most common in the metatarsal bones, the calcaneus bone, and navicular bone. The metatarsal bones are in the center of the foot and connect the toes to the rest of the midfoot region. The second and third metatarsal bones, which connect the second and third toes to the midfoot, are the most likely bones to incur a stress fracture. The calcaneus, or heel bone, is located at the back of the foot and is the second most common site of stress fractures in the feet. The navicular bone is located near the top of the foot. 

The symptoms of a stress fracture include pain, tenderness, weakness, bruising, and swelling. This can lead to difficulty putting weight on the affected foot, which may change your gait or manner of walking. Symptoms usually have a gradual onset and become progressively worse over time. Without treatment, a stress fracture may progress to a full fracture, in which the bone breaks completely. The affected bone can also move out of proper alignment, causing more pain. 

Stress fractures are diagnosed through a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as X-rays, bone scans, ultrasounds, or MRIs may be needed to confirm the diagnosis or to rule out other causes for your symptoms. Treatment for a stress fracture depends on the severity of the injury. You may be asked to cease certain weight-bearing activities and to rest, ice, compress, and elevate the affected foot to help it heal. Protective footwear, a cast, or crutches may be provided to protect and stabilize your foot while it heals. Surgery may be necessary if the stress fracture has occurred in an area that does not typically heal well through non-surgical means, such as the sesamoid bones. 

If you are experiencing the symptoms of a stress fracture in your foot, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Vulnerability and Definitions of Foot Stress Fractures

Foot stress fractures, often seen in athletes and military personnel, are tiny cracks or breaks in the bones of the foot, typically caused by repetitive stress and overuse. Unlike acute fractures resulting from sudden injuries, stress fractures develop over time due to the cumulative impact of activities like running or jumping. Those at higher risk include athletes engaging in high-impact sports, dancers, and individuals with sudden increases in physical activity. Female athletes, in particular, can be prone to stress fractures, often linked to factors such as hormonal changes and inadequate nutrition, affecting bone health. Additionally, those with certain medical conditions, low bone density, or wearing improper footwear may also face an increased risk. Understanding foot stress fractures, their causes, and risk factors is vital for preventing these painful injuries, ensuring the safety and well-being of those most susceptible. If you have developed a foot stress fracture, it is strongly suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can help you with appropriate treatment, and guide you toward effective prevention techniques.

A stress fracture often requires medical attention as it can progress and worsen over time. 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. 

A stress fracture refers to a fine crack in a bone. This type of fracture is especially common in the feet, as they often endure repetitive pressure from daily activities such as walking or running. Stress fractures occur when the affected bone can not support the load being placed on it. Stress fractures in the foot can occur in any bone, but often affect the metatarsal bones which connect the toes to the rest of the foot, the heel bone, or the navicular bone on the top of the foot. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of a stress fracture may include: 

  • Deep, dull pain

  • Sharp, localized pain

  • Intermittent pain

  • Tenderness 

  • Weakness

  • Swelling

  • Bruising 

  • Changes in the biomechanics of the foot

Diagnosis

Stress fractures in the foot are diagnosed via medical history and a physical exam. You may also need to have diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, bone scans, or an ultrasound performed to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out any other problems.  

Treatment

Nonsurgical treatment options include resting, icing, compressing and elevating the affected foot, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications, modifying your footwear, wearing a cast, and using crutches. Certain types of foot fractures, such as navicular fractures, respond poorly to nonsurgical treatment and may need surgery to fully heal. 

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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Broken Toe

Broken toes are a serious injury that requires prompt medical care. A toe bone can fracture following a sudden, traumatic injury, such as dropping a piece of furniture on the toe or stubbing it. If a toe bone has broken, you may hear a cracking sound at the time of injury. Shortly afterward, you will likely experience throbbing pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected toe. In more severe cases, the broken bone may be displaced and resting at an odd angle, or it may be poking through the skin. A severe injury requires immediate medical care. 

A chiropodist can diagnose a toe fracture by taking your medical history, examining the toe, and taking an X-ray. The right treatment for you will depend on the severity of the injury. Less severe fractures are usually treated conservatively. You will likely be asked to rest the affected foot. The chiropodist may buddy tape your broken toe to the toe right next to it in order to keep the broken toe in the right position for healing. Icing the affected toe and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce pain. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to reset the bones. Sometimes, medical hardware like pins or screws is needed to help the toe heal properly. 

Proper healing is very important, as a broken toe that does not fully heal or that doesn’t heal correctly can cause osteoarthritis later on in life. Your toe will likely be tender and swollen for several weeks following the injury. You will typically need to rest the toe for one to two months before resuming your usual activities. If you suspect that you may have broken your toe, please schedule an appointment with a chiropodist near you. 

 

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