Corns and calluses can range from being unsightly minor nuisances to painful, more serious medical conditions. This is particularly true for those with diabetes. Pressure or rubbing from shoes or socks that do not fit correctly can cause a callus or corn to form in an effort to protect the underlying soft tissue. The pain is caused by the pressure that is placed on the tissue while wearing shoes. Corns and calluses are similar because they are hardened areas of the skin. Corns are smaller and rounder and have hard inner cores. Additionally, corns can have a softer, rubbery texture when they develop in between toes. In rare cases, corns can even form under a toenail which is referred to as subungual corn. Trying to remove a callus or corn at home is dangerous, especially for those with diabetes. Contact a chiropodist if you have a painful corn or callus. They can safely treat the area while relieving pain and preventing the corn or callus from getting worse.

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 Niagara Falls, ON . 

You are on a run and you begin to lose the feeling in your toes. You may think, how is it possible that my toes are numb while I am exercising? The answer is that sometimes the nerve synapses in your feet get caught in a traffic jam and tell your toes to fall asleep.  The first thing to examine is your shoes. They may be too small for your feet, thereby squeezing the toes. Or they may be too tightly laced, entrapping the nerves on the top of the foot. Also, check your socks. They may be too thin in the winter or too heavy in the summer. It might be a good idea to have different shoes and socks for each season. Next, look at your stride. If you spend too much time with your feet on the ground, your feet may be reacting to shock absorption overload. Changing your pace may help. Finally, numbness could be caused by a nerve problem that starts in the hips and fails to deliver a message to the feet. If numbness in the feet during your runs becomes more frequent or worsens, it may be time to consult a chiropodist for a thorough examination, diagnosis and discussion of treatment options.  

Although running is a wonderful exercise to keep you in shape, it can wreak havoc on your feet and ankles if you don’t take preventive measures. If you have sustained a foot and ankle injury from running, 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. 

Some common running injuries include:

• Achilles tendonitis
• Shin splints
• Ankle sprains
• Stress fractures
• Plantar fasciitis
• Bursitis 

What causes injuries? 

These injuries are usually caused by overtraining, wearing the wrong shoes, running on hard surfaces, having tight and inflexible muscles, or having biomechanical issues in the feet or ankles. 

What can I do to prevent injuries? 

• Train slowly and gradually
• Give yourself plenty of time to recover following a run
• Wear shoes that fit properly and support your foot
• Avoid running on hard surfaces, like concrete
• Stretch and strengthen the muscles of your lower legs
• Warm-up prior to a run
• Have your gait analyzed and your feet examined by a chiropodist to determine if there are any biomechanical problems that need to be treated 

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

Heel spurs are bony growths made from calcium deposits under the heel bone or at the back of the heel. They are frequently associated with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot. On their own, heel spurs typically don’t cause any symptoms. They are usually found incidentally during an X-ray done for other purposes. When heel spurs are symptomatic, they cause heel pain, particularly while walking or running and when taking the first few steps in the morning or after resting for a period of time. Heel spurs that cause pain respond well to conservative treatments like resting and icing the foot and wearing more comfortable shoes. For more information about heel spurs, please consult with a chiropodist.

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 Niagara Falls, ON .