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Most people experience some form of foot pain in the course of their lives. A trip to the chiropodist often leads to treatment that works to ease the pain. But in certain cases, foot pain can indicate a deeper medical problem, the main examples of which are arterial disease, arthritis, and diabetes. Millions of people develop peripheral artery disease, or PAD, as plaque builds up in the walls of their blood vessels. This constricts the flow of blood to the lower extremities and can seriously affect the feet. High blood pressure, cholesterol, and overuse of alcohol and tobacco are contributors to PAD, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, also may lead to pain that begins in the toes and spreads to the feet and ankles. Joint damage caused by RA can change the shape of the feet and present other problems. Numbness and tingling in the toes and feet may be the result of diabetes, caused by high levels of sugar in the blood. Damage to the nerves that serve the feet can result in the inability to feel pain or notice cuts and sores on the feet. If these are ignored, they can become ulcerated and put one at risk for other serious problems. For help, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who is trained to deal with these foot-related conditions.

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot pain, 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. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

• Plantar fasciitis

• Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes

• Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet

• Arthritis

• Flat feet

• Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

• Heel pain

• Arch pain

• Toe pain

• Ball of foot pain

• Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality

• Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

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.

Choosing the right running shoe is essential for improving performance and preventing injuries while running. But this is not necessarily easy to do because a number of factors must be considered before making a purchase. Among these are running surfaces, gait or foot biomechanics, weight, and performance goals. Running shoes fall into five classifications to fit your specific needs. For instance, if you are a sprinter, lightweight shoes are a good choice. On the other end of the spectrum, a trail runner benefits from shoes that offer more support, stability, and protection. Stability shoes are a good choice for runners with few arch or pronation issues because they offer ample arch cushioning and support. Motion control shoes are helpful to runners who overpronate, as they are rigid and have a wider sole. Finally, cushioned shoes offer shock absorption features designed to account for supination problems. For help with determining which running shoe is best for your feet, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist.  

The right running shoes can sometimes be difficult to find. With so many options on the market, it’s important to know the unique needs of your feet prior to buying running shoes. If you require assistance, 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 looking for running shoes, take into consideration:

• The type of running you will be doing

• The terrain you plan to run on

• Your gait or running pattern

• Your arch type 

• Other unique foot needs

A chiropodist can help by examining your feet and your gait to determine what types of shoes may be best for you. Some runners may require motion control shoes, which prevent your foot from rolling too far inward while you run. Others may need stability shoes, which offer more balance, cushioning, and support. When shopping for shoes, make sure that they are the right size, fit comfortably, and are made of breathable materials. 

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.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that, while highly contagious, is generally not detrimental. Anyone who comes into direct contact with the tinea fungus can get athlete’s foot. This fungus thrives in a warm, moist atmosphere frequently found in gym locker rooms, public showers, and swimming pools. For that reason, wearing appropriate shower shoes or flip-flops in such areas is recommended. Because the fungus also can be transmitted simply by using a towel of someone who is infected, sharing towels should be avoided. An athlete’s foot infection causes itchy blisters to form between the toes or on the bottom of the feet. Sometimes, they may ooze or crack the skin, leaving the area more vulnerable. A number of antifungal creams, lotions, sprays, or powders are available to fight off the fungal infection. However, it is suggested that you seek the help of a chiropodist if your foot is red, hot, and painful, which may be signs of a more serious infection. If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, a visit to the chiropodist is also strongly suggested. 

Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating this condition, 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 Athlete’s Foot? 

Athlete’s foot refers to an infection of the skin on the feet that is caused by a fungus. This fungus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments. It is often spread in common areas such as public pools, locker rooms, and showers. It can also spread when sharing personal items, like shoes or towels, with an infected person. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of athlete’s foot may include: 

• Itching, stinging, or burning of the skin on the feet

• Cracking or peeling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles of the feet

• Scaly, red rash on the foot

• Blisters 

• Foul odor

Treatment

Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves using over-the-counter topical antifungal medications on the feet. When over-the-counter options are ineffective, you may need to take prescription oral medications or topical antifungal drugs, or a combination of both. 

Prevention

Preventing athlete’s foot places an emphasis on good foot hygiene practices. 

You can prevent athlete’s foot by:

• Washing and drying your feet thoroughly every day

• Wearing shoes when walking in public areas

• Not sharing personal items, like shoes or socks, with others

• Wearing shoes and socks made out of breathable materials

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.

The ankle joint is a complex combination of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. For that reason, there are many causes of ankle pain. The most common is a sprain, which happens when a ligament is stretched beyond its normal range and tears or ruptures. Another cause of ankle pain is stress fractures, which are hairline cracks in the bones that are caused by the type of repetitive pounding that occurs while running or playing sports. Other causes of ankle pain include arthritis, gout, and Achilles tendonitis. Gout is an inflammatory condition related to the overabundance of uric acid in the body. Crystals can form within the ankle joint and cause extreme pain. Achilles tendonitis is largely the result of overuse in the tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the heel. Resting the ankle is the first on the treatment list, but if bearing weight on the injured foot is difficult or impossible, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for help.

Ankle pain is a common symptom of many lower limb problems. If you are experiencing ankle pain, 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. 

The ankle is composed of a number of muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. There are many conditions which may cause ankle pain. 

Causes

• Ankle strains or sprains

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Fractures

• Bursitis

• Arthritis

• Gout

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Symptoms

If you have ankle pain, you may also experience a variety of other symptoms depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Some of these symptoms may include ankle swelling, bruising, redness, numbness or tingling, instability, and difficulty walking.

Diagnosis

The underlying cause of ankle pain can be diagnosed by a chiropodist. Diagnoses are typically made based on your medical history, a physical examination of the affected ankle, and imaging studies such as X-rays. 

Treatment

Treatment for your ankle pain will depend on its underlying cause. Often, the chiropodist will recommend that you rest the affected ankle. You might also need to ice, compress, and elevate the ankle, wear an orthotic device, or take medications to reduce pain and inflammation. 

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.

Blisters, shin splints, and swollen feet are just a few of the foot problems that can result from standing all day at work. There are various ways to take the load off your feet, during your working hours and after. Some of these include making sure to wear properly fitting, supportive, cushioned, close-toed, and comfortable shoes. Using anti-fatigue mats for repetitive tasks, doing exercises to strengthen the feet and legs for demanding work endurance, and taking regular breaks also help. Massaging your feet and soaking them after work may help relieve aches and pain. There are many other ways to prepare and take care of the feet when you must stand on them for prolonged periods. It is suggested that you visit a chiropodist to find out more.

If you stand all day, you may be at an increased risk of developing various foot conditions. If you are experiencing foot pain of any kind, 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 Foot Problems Are Caused by Standing?

Standing all day at work may increase your risk of developing foot or ankle problems.

Some common foot conditions that may arise from spending all day on your feet include: 

• Foot pain

• Blisters

• Corns and calluses

• Arthritis

• Flat feet

• Bunions

• Sprains 

• Athlete’s foot

Prevention

If you stand for prolonged periods of time for work, taking preventative measures to preserve the health of your feet is strongly recommended. 

Measures you can implement to help prevent foot problems include: 

• Wearing shoes that are comfortable and fit well - these shoes should be made of breathable materials and provide you with arch support and cushioning. It is best to avoid shoes that have heels or narrow toe boxes.

• Taking breaks to rest, walk, and stretch your feet throughout the day

• Maintaining good foot hygiene - wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day

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.

Some people find the elliptical machine to be an enjoyable and effective form of cardio fitness. These machines typically include an arm workout along with the movement of the legs. It is important to use these machines properly as repetitive stepping motion can cause foot pain. Heel pain is often a risk of using such machines in the wrong way. Some things to tend to when relying on this form of exercise include wearing running shoes that are comfortable and supportive, stretching the feet before embarking on a workout, and making sure feet are placed flat on the pedals of the machine rather than pushing off from the toes. If you use the elliptical machine as a form of exercise and would like to learn more about using it safely, it is suggested that you consult with a chiropodist for more advice.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, 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. 

Common Injuries Among Athletes: 

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Ankle strains or sprains

• Plantar fasciitis

• Fractures

• Turf toe 

• Joint dislocations

• Sever’s disease

• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

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.

Mildly cracked heels may feel better when a good moisturizer is applied daily. This is a foot condition that can happen for various reasons, including standing on hard surfaces for most of the day. It may also occur from wearing shoes that have an open back, such as flip flops, or possibly from washing the feet with harsh soaps. There may be existing medical conditions that can cause cracked heels to develop. This condition may be common for diabetic patients to get, who are often aware of the serious consequences if prompt medical attention is not received. Many people who are diabetic are unable to feel cuts on their feet, and cracked skin on the heels may rapidly become infected. Some people get cracked heels from a vitamin deficiency, or from a skin or thyroid disorder. If you have cracked heels, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can provide you with the correct treatment techniques.

Dry, cracked heels are more than a cosmetic inconvenience. For many people, they are uncomfortable, deep, painful, and may even bleed. If you suffer from cracked heels, 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. 

Causes

• Prolonged standing

• Wearing open-back shoes

• Wearing shoes that don’t cushion the heels

• Living in a cold or dry climate

• Taking long, hot showers

• Not moisturizing the heels

• Eczema

• Psoriasis

• Palmoplantar keratoderma

• Juvenile plantar dermatosis

Treatments

• Soaking the feet

• Exfoliating with a pumice stone

• Moisturizing the heels

• Wearing closed-back shoes that cushion heels

• Avoiding prolonged standing 

• Taking warm, rather than hot, showers

• Treating underlying skin conditions 

While milder cases of cracked heels can be treated at home, some patients present with deep, painful, bleeding heel fissures that are at risk of becoming infected and may require medical care. Additionally, patients with diabetes or any other conditions that affect the immune system should be monitored by a chiropodist. 

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.