Many people suffer from the pain of plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tough band of tissue that runs beneath the foot. This tissue, called the plantar fascia, connects the heel to the base of the toes and helps support the arch. Plantar fasciitis, considered to be an overuse injury, can result from long bouts of standing or walking. It is also common among runners and other athletes who land on hard surfaces with their full weight for long periods. The first sign of plantar fasciitis usually occurs when standing up after a long rest, resulting in pain in the heel. Risk factors for developing plantar fasciitis include having flat feet or high arches, wearing shoes that do not provide ample cushioning in the heel and support for the arch, being overweight, and having tight calf muscles. Recovery from plantar fasciitis can take months, so it should not be ignored. If you are experiencing heel pain and think it might be caused by plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for a diagnosis and treatment.

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 Niagara Falls, ON . 

Another word for toenail fungus is onychomycosis. It is a common fungus that causes the toenail to thicken, crumble, and become stained. Toenail fungus is more common among older adults, especially those older than 65. It is highly contagious and can easily spread just by touching the nail. It can also be transmitted by touching a surface that has been contaminated by the fungus through spores that are shed from the infected nail. Toenail fungus can be caused by too many dermatophytes or too much yeast in the nail. Fungal spores rapidly multiply and thrive in moist, warm conditions like sweaty feet, damp socks, and wet shoes. Any sore or opening in the skin can invite the fungus in, where it feeds off the nail and burrows underneath it. Eventually, the nail will rise above the nail bed. The nail can never reattach, but can eventually grow out if treated. If left untreated, a toenail infection can spread to other toenails or body parts. For help in eliminating toenail fungus, please contact a chiropodist. 

Toenail fungus can be uncomfortable and unsightly. If you have diabetes or a compromised immune system, it may also be dangerous. To learn more about treatment options, 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 Does Toenail Fungus Look Like? 

A fungal infection of the toenail may cause the affected nail to become thickened, brittle, crumbly, and yellowish or brown in color. Sometimes the toenail may separate from the nail bed, become deformed, emit a foul odor, or cause pain or discomfort. 

What Causes Toenail Fungus? 

Toenail fungus is caused by a fungus that infects the nail bed. The fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments and is also contagious. Athlete’s foot, which is a fungal infection of the skin, may spread to the nails and cause toenail fungus. 

What Treatments Are Available? 

Potential treatments for toenail fungus may include oral antifungal medications, topical antifungal medications, such as medicated nail polishes that are applied directly to the affected nail, and laser therapy. Sometimes, a combination of treatments is prescribed. 

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

Foot pain can ruin an otherwise normally good day. When it hurts to walk, one can feel helpless and overwhelmed. The good news is that the source of pain is likely to be manageable and short-lived with the right treatment. Foot pain can emanate from a variety of sources, from injuries to bones and ligaments to ingrown toenails. Frequent culprits of foot pain include big toe pain from arthritis or bunions, heel pain from plantar fasciitis, or pain on the ball of the foot from a Morton’s Neuroma or metatarsalgia. Regardless of its source, if home remedies and rest do not resolve foot pain, seeing a chiropodist, who is an expert in feet and ankles, can help you get to the root of the problem and restore you to normal functioning in the shortest time possible.

Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have foot 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 you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis. 

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:

• Stress fractures
• Sinus tarsi syndrome
• Extensor tendonitis
• Tibialis anterior tendonitis
• Gout
• Athlete’s foot
• Ganglion cysts

Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Foot cramps
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fibromatosis
• Posterior tibial tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Flat feet

Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:

• Ankle sprain
• Cuboid syndrome
• Peroneal tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Bunions
• Corns or calluses
• Posterior tibial tendonitis

Heel pain may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Bone spurs
• Heel fractures
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis
• Sever’s disease 

Pain in the toes may be caused by:

• Gout
• Hammertoe
• Turf toe
• Bunions
• Ingrown toenails
• Blisters
• Arthritis

These and many more conditions can be treated by a chiropodist. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Niagara Falls, ON .