Flat feet refer to feet that have little to no visible arch in the middle of the foot and lie flat against the floor when standing. This can occur from an early age due to genetics or be acquired due to the arch collapsing over time. Generally, there are two types of flat feet: flexible and rigid. Flexible flat feet have a visible arch when the feet are not bearing weight, but disappear when standing. Rigid flat feet have no visible arch and are often caused by certain bone or joint disorders. Flat feet can be asymptomatic, or they can cause pain and discomfort, especially while walking or standing. If you have flat feet that are causing pain it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for proper treatment. 

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 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma refers to the thickening of the nerve tissue between the third and fourth toes. This thickening is caused by compression and irritation of the nerve. If left untreated, the nerve may become permanently damaged. Morton’s neuroma can develop from wearing shoes that are too tight in the toes and from shoes that have high heels. Running or other activities that involve repetitive irritation to the ball of the foot can also lead to Morton’s neuroma. Symptoms of this condition can include tingling, burning, numbness, and pain in the foot. Some have described the unique sensation of Morton’s neuroma as feeling like a pebble is stuck in the ball of the foot or like there is something stuck in their shoe like a scrunched-up sock. Symptoms typically begin gradually and may worsen over time. For more information about Morton’s neuroma, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Morton's neuroma can be highly uncomfortable. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Morton's neuroma, 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 a Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a condition in which a nerve located in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes thickens due to compression or irritation. Common causes of Morton’s neuroma include wearing shoes with high heels or narrow toe boxes, participating in running or court sports, an injury or trauma to the area, or pressure being placed on the nerve from foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. Left untreated, Morton's neuroma may result in permanent nerve damage.  

Symptoms

Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma often start gradually and worsen over time. Typical symptoms  include: 

• Foot pain
• Tingling, burning, or numbness in the affected foot
• The unique sensation that something is inside the ball of the foot or that there is something stuck in your shoe while walking

Treatment

Non-surgical treatments for this condition may include padding or icing the affected foot, wearing an orthotic device, modifying activities or shoes to reduce pressure on the foot, and taking medications or getting injections to reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery may be needed if non-surgical treatments are ineffective. 

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.

Ingrown toenails are a common condition in which the outer edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This typically occurs on the big toe and can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area. Ingrown toenails can be caused by wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes, shoes with pointed toes, and shoes with high heels, which can compress the toes and force the toenails to curve into the skin. Trimming the toenails improperly can also cause them to grow into the skin. Toenails should be trimmed straight across, without rounding the edges of the nail. Injury to the toenail, fungal infections, taking certain medications, and having an irregular nail shape can also lead to ingrown toenails. If you suffer from painful ingrown toenails or are prone to them, it is recommended that you seek the care of a chiropodist.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, 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 an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include: 

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail. 

Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers. 

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.