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Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. The uric acid can crystallize and build up in the joints of the foot, especially in the big toe, leading to gout. Sudden and intense pain, known as gout attacks, can make it feel as if the foot is on fire. Other symptoms may include swelling, stiffness, and warmth in the affected joint. It is said that gout is more likely to occur in older men and women, people who consume alcohol, and people who take certain medications, like diuretics and cyclosporine. Gout is also hereditary and may arise in people with conditions like kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, or sleep apnea. If you ignore the symptoms of gout and don't seek treatment, it can lead to arthritis. This condition could leave the joint permanently damaged or swollen. For more information about gout and to discuss potential treatment options, consult with a chiropodist today. 

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. 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 Gout?

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. This type of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid crystallizes in a joint, often the joint of the big toe, it can bring about a gout attack. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of gout include: 

• Sudden and severe pain

• Swelling

• Redness

• Warmth 

• Joint stiffness

• Joint deformity

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will ask questions about your personal and family medical history, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout. A sample of fluid taken from your joint can show whether it contains uric acid. 

Treatment

Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Patients with chronic gout can also use behavioral modifications such as diet, exercise, and decreased intake of alcohol to help minimize the frequency of gout attacks. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided since purines are converted in the body to uric acid. If left untreated, this painful condition can leave your joint permanently damaged and swollen.  

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.

Dry, cracked skin on the heels can be frustrating, unsightly, painful, and irritating. Cracked heels may be caused by dehydration of the skin, extreme weather, wearing open-backed shoes, or medical conditions such as eczema and athlete’s foot. Cracked heels can be prevented by avoiding exposure to very hot or cold weather and wearing appropriate footwear that protects your feet. When bathing, it is suggested to avoid using very hot water and soaps with drying ingredients, such as sodium lauryl sulfate and artificial fragrances. Moisturizing your feet regularly can help reduce dryness as well. If you have dry, cracked heels that are embarrassing or causing you pain or discomfort, it is recommended that you consult with a chiropodist for treatment. 

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can cause pain and discomfort. If your cracked heels are bothering you, 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. 

Dry, thickened skin around the rim of the heel is typically the first sign of cracked heels. While this condition is common and usually just a nuisance, some cases can be more severe. If left untreated and as more pressure is placed on the heel, the cracks become deeper and eventually walking and standing can be painful. These deep cracks or fissures can bleed and also become infected. Those with diabetes need to be especially careful as fissures could lead to diabetic foot ulcers. 

Causes

Cracked heels can be the result of several different factors, including: 

• Dry skin

• Taking long, hot showers or using harsh soaps

• Standing for long periods of time

• Walking barefoot

• Walking in shoes with an open back, such as sandals or flip flops

• Wearing shoes that do not fit properly

• Living in a cold or dry climate 

• Certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis

Treatment

There are many at-home treatment remedies for cracked heels. Applying moisturizers to the heel can help hydrate the skin. Soaking your feet in warm water and exfoliating them with a loofah or pumice stone can help to buff away dead skin cells. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can prevent cracked heels by:

• Avoiding standing in one position for prolonged periods of time

• Wearing well-fitted shoes with a closed back

• Washing your feet with gentle soaps and lukewarm water

• Moisturizing the feet daily

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.

Do you feel pain, weakness, tingling, or burning sensations in your hands or feet? If so, you may have developed peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves of the peripheral nervous system become damaged. The peripheral nervous system is responsible for sending signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. When nerves in this system are damaged you may experience symptoms such as pain, weakness, tingling, numbness, and reduced sensation, especially in the lower limbs. One of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy is poorly controlled diabetes. However, there are many other potential causes, such as vitamin deficiencies, excessive alcohol consumption, kidney failure, and shingles. If you are experiencing any symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, is it suggested that you consult with a chiropodist.

Neuropathy can cause permanent nerve damage if left untreated. If you are experiencing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, 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 Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that damages the nerves of the peripheral nervous system, which provide sensation to the limbs. The feet are often affected. Peripheral neuropathy can have many different causes, but it is most commonly associated with diabetes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Pain

• Numbness or tingling sensation

• Burning sensations

• Weakness

• Loss of balance

Diagnosis

Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed based on medical history and physical examination. Various tests performed during physical examinations can help determine the type of peripheral neuropathy you may have and what is causing it. 

Treatment

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy will depend on what is causing it. For example, if your peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes, then managing your blood sugar, exercising regularly to strengthen the legs and feet, and taking pain medications may be recommended as treatments. 

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 fungal infection of the toenails is also known as onychomycosis. This condition causes the nails to become distorted, thickened, brittle or crumbly, and discolored. The nail may lift from the nail bed, and it can emit an odor. Fungal infections typically affect toenails more than fingernails due to the toes being confined to shoes, where they’re in a warm, moist environment where fungi thrive. The fungal infection can affect part of the nail, the entire nail, or several nails. Toenail fungus is often treated through oral antifungal medications. You may also be prescribed topical medications, such as antifungal nail polishes, which are brushed directly onto the affected nails. If you have developed a toenail fungus, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for proper 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 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Caring for our feet becomes increasingly important with age. Common foot conditions associated with aging include calluses, corns, blisters, ingrown toenails, deformities such as bunions, fungal infections, and plantar warts. Many of these problems can be avoided by having a good foot care routine and sticking to it. Wash, dry, and moisturize the feet daily to maintain proper foot hygiene, trim the toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails, and wear comfortable and supportive shoes to prevent foot deformities, injuries, and falls. Inspecting the feet daily can help to detect any foot conditions in their early stages and treat them before they worsen. Look for any blisters, cracks, cuts, scrapes, or sores, unusual sensations, or foot pain, and seek treatment as soon as possible. A chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your feet at any age. 

Foot problems can become increasingly common as we age, making everyday foot care especially important. To learn more about maintaining proper foot health, 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 Foot Problems

Certain foot problems may be more likely to affect older adults. 

Some examples of foot conditions that can be common in older adults include: 

• Dry, cracked skin

• Calluses and corns

• Blisters

• Ingrown toenails

• Deformities such as bunions or hammertoes

• Fungal infections

• Plantar warts

Systemic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, are also more likely to affect older people and manifest symptoms in the feet and ankles. 

Daily Foot Care Tips

Having a daily foot care routine can help detect problems early on and prevent future issues. 

Things that you can do at home to care for your feet include: 

• Washing the feet daily with warm water, drying them thoroughly, and then applying a moisturizer 

• Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails

• Performing daily foot exercises to improve foot strength and mobility

• Wearing shoes when walking to avoid injury

• Inspecting the feet daily for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities and seeking prompt treatment if any problems are discovered 

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 foot is made up of 26 bones, any of which could potentially fracture or break. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone caused by repetitive and excessive pressure on the foot. They are particularly common among athletes. The most commonly fractured foot bones are the metatarsals, located at the front of the foot, and the heel bone, or the navicular bone, located in the middle of the foot. Symptoms of a stress fracture include pain at the site of the fracture that worsens with activity and gradually increases over time, and swelling and tenderness of the surrounding area. Treatments include resting, icing, and elevating the affected foot, taking medications to relieve pain, and wearing a brace or other orthotic device to take pressure off the bone while it heals. Severe cases may warrant surgical intervention. If you believe that you may have fractured a foot bone, please consult with a chiropodist. 

A foot fracture is a crack or break in a foot bone, often caused by repetitive stress on the foot or a high-impact foot injury. If you’re suffering from 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. 

Symptoms

• Pain

• Bruising

• Tenderness

• Swelling

• Difficulty walking

• Deformity

Causes

• Repetitive overloading of the foot

• Having a previous fracture

• Abnormal foot biomechanics

• Changing training surfaces suddenly 

• Poor footwear

• Osteoporosis 

• High-impact injury 

Treatments

• Rest

• Ice

• Elevation

• Pain medication

• Braces or other orthotics

• Casts

• Crutches

• Surgery in more severe cases 

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 Achilles tendon is a strong band of fibrous tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. When this tendon is injured, it can become inflamed, leading to a condition called Achilles tendonitis. The most common cause of Achilles tendonitis is repetitive strain and overuse from physical activities, such as running, playing high-impact sports, or standing for prolonged periods of time. Biomechanical issues in the foot and weak or tight calf muscles can also be to blame. Symptoms of this condition include heel and calf pain, tendon thickening, and stiffness, which can impact your mobility. If you believe that you may have Achilles tendonitis, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a chiropodist. 

Achilles tendonitis is a common injury of the Achilles tendon, a band of fibrous tissue that runs along the back of the lower leg. The Achilles tendon can also rupture, making it impossible to lift the foot. If you are suffering from heel or calf 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. 

Causes of Achilles tendon injuries include: 

• Repetitive stress or overuse

• Sudden increase in activity levels

• High impact injury

• Calf muscle tightness or weakness

• Altered foot biomechanics

• Heel bone spurs

• Underlying medical conditions that weaken the tendon

Symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury include: 

• Heel and calf pain that worsens following exercise

• Chronic heel and calf pain

• Sudden pain in the back of the ankle or calf

• A popping or snapping sensation

• Thickened lump in the Achilles tendon

• Ankle and calf stiffness

• Decreased range of motion in the affected foot

• Swelling

• Difficulty walking 

Treatment

• Resting the affected leg

• Applying ice 

• Compressing the foot and ankle

• Elevating the injured leg 

• Wearing orthotics

• Low impact exercises

• Stretches

• Strengthening exercises 

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications

• Cortisone injections

• Surgery, if the tendon is ruptured 

Achilles tendon injuries can be very painful and lead to reduced mobility if left untreated. 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.