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It is quite common for women to experience swelling and other changes in the feet during pregnancy. In most cases, these symptoms go away after delivery. Weight gain and a buildup of fluids in the feet can cause them to swell. Extra fluid in the body tends to collect in the ankles and feet. Swelling, or edema, may increase as the pregnancy advances. Edema may cause a woman’s foot size to change during pregnancy. Redness and itching may occur in the feet, as a result of hormonal changes. Most experts recommend that pregnant women keep their feet and legs elevated as often as possible. It is also suggested that they avoid standing for long periods. Wearing shoes with ample support and cushioning can help to maintain a level of comfort. If swelling or other foot ailments become more serious, it is a good idea to check in with a chiropodist for an examination.

Pregnancy can affect your feet in many ways, often causing pain or discomfort, as well as reduced mobility. If you are pregnant and experience 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. 

During pregnancy, your belly isn’t the only part of your body swelling. The whole body may experience swelling, especially in the feet and ankles. Since they carry the weight of both your body and the baby’s, caring for your feet during pregnancy is very important. 

Common Foot Conditions During Pregnancy

Various foot conditions can develop during the course of a pregnancy, including: 

• Swelling of the feet and ankles

• Fallen arches, leading to acquired flat feet

• Plantar fasciitis 

• Aching, sore feet

• Changes in the toenails

Caring for the Feet During Pregnancy

Some things that you can do to help maintain the health of your feet during pregnancy include: 

• Wearing comfortable shoes

• Resting and elevating your feet

• Icing sore areas, such as the arch

• Keeping your toenails trimmed

• Soaking and massaging the feet

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.

Riding an exercise bike has the benefit of burning calories, getting in shape, and improving cardiovascular health. This type of exercise is low-impact and puts less strain and pressure on bones and joints. However, it does have the potential to cause foot pain. By positioning the feet properly and riding the bike at a moderate pace, this pain can be avoided and even help in recovering from foot injuries. Wearing well-fitting, properly ventilated footwear with hard soles can provide cushioning of the foot from pressure from the pedal, as well as prevent overheating. Riding in a gear and with resistance that is appropriate for one’s fitness level will help manage pressure on the feet as well. The feet should be positioned so that the pedals are under the balls of the feet for a good neutral starting position. Depending on the length of a person’s legs, sliding the feet backward or forward can help make the ride more comfortable. An exercise bike can be good for recuperating from a foot injury too. A recumbent exercise bike is particularly good for rehabilitation. If you want to know more about preventing foot pain while riding an exercise bike or using this machine for rehabilitating an unrelated foot injury, contact a chiropodist for further 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.

Pain is often the first sign your toe may be broken. A broken toe can be severe or mild, and there is generally bruising and swelling as well. The toe may break in one or more places, and may look displaced if it is severe. A popping sound may be heard, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to walk. A broken toe can happen as a result of dropping a heavy object on it, or from stubbing your toe on a piece of furniture. An X-ray is the most effective diagnostic test that can be performed, and this can determine the severity of the break. Mild fractures may be treated by using the buddy taping method. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, and this is often successful in providing the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. It is important to take proper measures when healing from a broken toe, which may possibly prevent osteoarthritis from developing. If you believe you have a mild or severe toe break, it is strongly advised that you speak to a chiropodist as quickly as possible who can offer you correct treatment options.

A broken toe typically occurs following either a sudden, traumatic injury, like dropping a heavy piece of furniture on the toe. The impact causes the bone to fracture and produces a variety of painful symptoms. If you suspect that you’ve broken your toe, 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

• Throbbing pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Cracking sound at the time of injury

• Difficulty bearing weight on the toe

• Difficulty walking

• Toe resting at an unnatural angle

Diagnosis

Your chiropodist can diagnose a broken toe through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays. 

Treatment

The main goals of treatment are to ensure that the bone heals properly, as a toe fracture that doesn’t heal properly can lead to osteoarthritis. You will typically need to rest the affected toe. You may be prescribed a splint to immobilize the toe while it heals. Icing the affected toe and taking over-the-counter medications can help reduce pain. In cases of severe fractures, surgery may be necessary to reset the broken bones and make sure that they heal correctly.  

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.

A troublesome side effect of diabetes is the inability of foot wounds to heal quickly, largely the result of a decrease in blood flow to the extremities. In addition, nerve damage that causes numbness can set in, making it difficult for a diabetic to feel when there are minor sores, cuts, or cracks on the skin of the feet. This opens the door to infections, which if ignored can cause even more serious problems. For that reason, it is important that diabetics be vigilant and seek immediate care from a chiropodist as soon as a foot infection becomes noticeable. The chiropodist will likely examine, clean, and measure the wound. Measuring the size and depth of the wound sets a baseline for comparison at the next visit to determine the amount of healing that has taken place. A list of instructions for home foot care may be provided. For instance, it may be necessary to keep the foot elevated to reduce swelling. Wearing a protective foot covering, such as a cast or special shoe, may be recommended. If the wounded area worsens, please contact your chiropodist immediately.

Diabetes can cause serious problems in the lower limbs if proper preventive measures are not taken and diabetic wound care is not performed. If you would like to learn more about caring for diabetic feet, 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. 

Diabetes can lead to a host of foot and ankle complications, including: 

• Poor circulation

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers

• Infection 

• Corns and calluses

• Dry, cracked skin

• Nail disorders 

• Hammertoes 

• Bunions

• Charcot foot

If you have diabetes, you must be vigilant of any changes in your foot health. This is best done through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you if necessary, look for any: 

• Cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds

• Bruising or discoloration 

• Swelling

• Rash

• Foul odor

• Nail changes 

• Hair loss 

• Warmth and inflammation

• Deformities 

• Lower limb pain

• Strange sensations (numbness, tingling, burning, pins, and needles)

If you detect anything unusual, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. 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.

About one in three older adults sustain a fall at least once a year. Experts have identified several ways senior adults can help to prevent a fall. As most falls occur in the bedroom and bathroom, taking safety precautions in these locations is especially important. Similar measures should be taken to safety-proof the entire house. First, wear shoes and slippers with non-skid soles and remove loose rugs or carpeting. Install grab bars in the tub and shower. Use a walker or other assistive device if poor balance is an issue. Install adequate lighting in darkened areas and keep hallways clear of long cords and clutter. Always keep a phone within reach, especially at night. Check medications for side effects such as dizziness. Have your vision checked regularly and wear corrective lenses if needed. Please visit a chiropodist for further information regarding falls prevention and to have your feet inspected for any problems that may increase your risk of falling.

Falls are a major cause of injury among the elderly. To learn more about preventing falls or to get treatment following a foot or ankle injury caused by a fall, 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. 

Falling is one of the leading causes of injury among the elderly. It is said that about 50% of falls that result in hospitalization occur in the home. Fortunately, there are steps that you can implement to reduce your risk of falling in the home. 

Tips to Prevent Falls at Home:

• In the bathroom - Place non-slip mats in the shower or tub, install grab bars near the toilet and bath, and wipe up any moisture or spills as soon as possible. 

• In the living rooms and bedroom - Remove loose wires, cords, or other objects that may be an obstacle to moving around safely. Make sure that you have good lighting throughout the home so that you can always see where you are going. Get rid of any rugs or mats that are not firmly anchored or that may cause you to trip. When walking around the home, move slowly. 

• In the kitchen - Store food and supplies in easily accessible areas, store heavy items in lower cupboards, and wipe up any spills immediately to prevent slipping. 

• On the stairs - Make sure that the stairs are well-lit and have secure handrails. Walk slowly when ascending or descending the stairs.  

• Outside - Keep walkways well-lit and clear of snow, ice, leaves, and man-made tripping hazards.

Maintaining your overall health, including the health of your feet, can also help to prevent falls. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and wear well-fitted, comfortable, and supportive shoes. If you have a mobility device, such as a cane, use it while walking.  

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.

There is a foot condition known as Sever’s Disease that affects children and young teenagers. Frequently children who participate in sporting activities experience this condition and it can cause intense heel pain. The medical term for Sever’s disease is calcaneal apophysitis and this name is derived after James Warren Sever, who detected this condition back in 1912. Sever’s disease can occur as a result of extreme force being placed on the growth plate of the heel. The heel bone in children and young teenagers may grow at a faster pace than the surrounding tissues and tendons, which may lead to overstretching. This can cause the heel to have a reduced range of motion and added pressure is placed on the heel plate. Healing can start with temporarily stopping the activity that caused the pain and it may be beneficial to elevate the affected foot as often as possible. If your child has heel pain, please consult with a chiropodist who can effectively diagnose and treat the problem. 

Sever’s disease typically affects young children and teenagers. If your child complains of 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. 

What Is Sever’s Disease? 

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It is typically caused by overuse due to repetitive activities such as running, jumping, and playing certain sports. This condition most frequently affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of Sever’s disease include: 

• Pain in the back or bottom of the heel

• Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed

• Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the heel

• Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in usual activities

• Fatigue 

Diagnosis

Sever’s disease is diagnosed by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, can help rule out other injuries like a fracture. 

Treatment

Sever’s disease typically heals without any long-term complications. Treatment involves resting the affected foot by reducing typical activities, wearing orthotics to support the foot, immobilizing the affected foot, taking medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and stretching the foot. 

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.

Patients who experience ankle pain often have difficulty in completing daily activities. There are various reasons why ankle pain can occur, including an injury, stepping off of a curb unexpectedly, or possibly from muscle weakness. There are noticeable symptoms that often accompany ankle pain. These consist of difficulty in putting weight on the affected foot, swollen calves, and pain that may gradually become worse. Ankle pain may be a result of an ankle sprain or a broken foot, and immediate medical attention is often sought for relief. Many patients use an elastic bandage that can help to stabilize the ankle until a chiropodist is contacted. It is beneficial to refrain from bearing any weight on the ankle, and crutches are often used for mobility. There may be specific stretches that can be performed, and this may depend on the reason for the ankle pain. If you have this type of pain, please consult with a chiropodist who can effectively determine the cause and offer correct treatment options. 

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.