Fungal toenails develop when fungus grows beneath the nail and spreads into the nail bed. Toenails are affected more often than fingernails because they spend more time in warm, moist shoes that do not allow enough airflow. Risk increases with age, diabetes, and poor circulation. Walking barefoot in public pools, showers, and changing rooms also increases exposure to fungus. Symptoms include white, yellow, or brown discoloration, thickened nails, and brittle or crumbling edges. In some cases, the toenail separates from the nail bed and causes pain when walking. The infection can begin after a damaged nail is exposed to the fungus. A chiropodist can assess the affected nails, arrange laboratory testing to confirm the diagnosis, and provide professional care to improve comfort and nail appearance. Regular monitoring also helps track healthy nail growth and response to treatment. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 . 

Flat feet, also called fallen arches, develop when the arch on the inside of the foot rests close to or against the ground while standing. Many people have flat feet without discomfort, but others experience pain in the feet, ankles, or lower legs. Some people also notice tired feet after activity or shoes that wear out unevenly. Flat feet can affect children and adults. Causes include family history, an injury, or changes in the supporting tissues of the foot. A chiropodist can examine your feet, identify the cause of your symptoms, and assess how your feet move while walking. Treatment includes custom orthotics to improve foot support, advice about choosing shoes that provide proper support, and professional care to reduce pain and improve comfort. Early assessment can also help lower stress on the feet and ankles while supporting better movement. If you have problems related to flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a diagnosis and effective relief and management tips.

Flat feet are a common foot condition. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to flat feet, 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 Are Flat Feet? 

Flat feet are feet that do not have a well-defined arch in the middle of the sole of the foot. Flat feet may be flexible or rigid. Flexible flat feet have an arch when there is no pressure put on the foot, such as when one is sitting, but the arch disappears upon standing. Rigid flat feet lack an arch regardless of whether one is standing or not. 

Causes

Flat feet can be present from birth or acquired over time due to a weakening of the ligaments in the arch. Sometimes flat feet are caused by illnesses, injuries, or pregnancy. 

Symptoms

Flat feet often cause no noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience pain and discomfort due to their flat feet. 

Symptoms associated with flat feet include:

• Pain in the arch, heel, ankle, or along the outside of the foot
• Overpronation of the foot
• Shin splints
• Aching or fatigue in the feet or legs
• Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back

Treatment 

In cases where flat feet cause symptoms, there are various treatments available. Wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes to provide more arch support, performing stretches, and taking medications may improve your symptoms. If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve pressure on the feet. In severe cases, surgery may be considered. 

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

Running places repeated stress on the feet and ankles, making injury prevention an important part of this activity. Good preparation includes choosing shoes that provide proper support, increasing training gradually, and performing stretching and strengthening exercises that improve flexibility and stability. Ignoring early foot or ankle pain can lead to more serious problems that affect running performance. A chiropodist can assess your foot structure, walking and running patterns, and pressure points that increase the risk of injury. They can also identify problems like flat feet, high arches, or limited joint movement that place extra strain on muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Treatment includes custom orthotics and guidance on exercises that support healthy foot function and help reduce injury risk. If you have sustained a running injury that affects your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 .