Keeping Feet Healthy All Summer

Warm weather invites more time outdoors, whether at the pool, beach, or park. While sandals and bare feet may feel freeing, they can also leave feet vulnerable to burns, cuts, and infections. Choosing protective footwear helps prevent injuries from sharp objects, hot pavement, or slippery pool decks. Keeping feet clean and dry is equally important since bacteria and fungus thrive in moist environments. Daily washing, thoroughly drying between the toes, and changing out of damp socks or shoes reduces risk. Moisturizing can prevent cracked heels, while sunscreen on the tops of the feet helps avoid painful sunburns. Checking feet regularly for blisters, sores, or discoloration can catch small problems before they worsen. If any pain, swelling, or persistent skin issues arise during the summer, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a chiropodist for expert guidance and care.

Summer is the season for many foot and ankle issues. If you’re suffering from a foot or ankle problem, 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. 

Common Summer Foot Problems 

  • Athlete’s foot
  • Toenail fungus
  • Plantar warts
  • Foot and ankle injuries
  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Heel pain
  • Cracked heels
  • Sunburns
  • Blisters

Prevention

  • Wear supportive shoes and avoid flip-flops
  • Maintain good foot hygiene
  • Exfoliate and moisturize the heels
  • Apply sunscreen to the feet and ankles
  • Wear shoes in public areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Niagara Falls, ON

Read more about Spring

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Causes and Risk Factors for Stress Fractures

Stress fractures in the feet often result from repetitive strain on the bones, especially during sports or high-impact activities. A common cause of stress fractures is a sudden increase in activity, such as running longer distances or exercising more frequently without giving the feet time to adjust. Shifting from softer surfaces like grass to harder areas like concrete can also increase pressure on the bones. Foot conditions, such as bunions or blisters, may change how the foot moves, causing people to shift weight and place stress on different bones. Poor technique and wearing  improper footwear can further add to the problem. Shoes that are worn out, too stiff, or lacking support do not protect the foot properly, increasing the chance of injury. While stress fractures are often linked to athletes, they can also occur in people who spend long hours walking on hard or uneven surfaces. A chiropodist can help by examining the injured foot to determine the best treatment approach. If you experience foot pain after a sports activity or other reasons, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for expert advice and guidance.

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 Niagara Falls, ON

Read more about Stress Fractures

Managing Heel Pain

Heel pain can affect daily comfort and mobility, often starting as a small ache that becomes more persistent over time. One of the most common causes is plantar fasciitis, although heel spurs, tendon issues, and bursitis can also be to blame. The pain may feel sharp with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of standing. Managing heel pain begins with rest and reducing strain on the foot. Wearing supportive shoes, cushioned insoles, and gentle stretching exercises can help relieve pressure and improve flexibility. Custom orthotics may provide lasting support. If pain continues or worsens, a chiropodist may recommend further treatment, such as targeted exercises or other interventions. If your heel pain is limiting your movement or daily activities, it is suggested you see a chiropodist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Heel pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you suffer 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. 

When it comes to heel pain, the exact location and type of pain are important to note. Some of the conditions that may cause heel pain include: 

  • Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot; it causes a stabbing pain under the heel that is at its worst when taking your first few steps after a long rest and while standing on your tiptoes or climbing stairs
  • Achilles tendonitis - An inflammation of the tendon in the back of the calf; it causes pain in the back of the heel that is at its worst after resting, as well as ankle and calf stiffness, swelling, and tenderness
  • Bone spurs - Bony lumps on the back of the heel bones that cause sharp pain upon first standing up; the pain becomes dull and achy over time
  • Heel fractures - A break or crack in the heel bone that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking
  • Retrocalcaneal bursitis - Swelling of the small, fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone; it causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the back of the heel
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Compression of the posterior tibial nerve which causes a pins and needles sensation in the heel, foot, and calf 

Your chiropodist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and prescribe the right treatments for you. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Niagara Falls, ON

Read more about Heel Pain

Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

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