The feet tend to be ignored during the winter months, and foot care often ceases. As the summer months approach, many people pay attention to skin and nail conditions on their feet. Pedicures become popular again, as the feet are soaked, scrubbed, and polished, often giving the feet a groomed appearance. People who choose to care for their toenails at home may achieve a similar result when the nails are filed straight across. It is important to make sure filing is performed on dry skin, in addition to ensuring all nail instruments are clean and hygienic. Applying a good moisturizer generally helps the skin to feel smooth, in addition to preventing unsightly conditions, such as cracked heels, from developing. When a foot care regime is routinely performed, the benefits can include having healthier and prettier feet. If you would like more information about successful foot care tips, it is suggested that you speak with a chiropodist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

Summer is the season for many foot and ankle issues. If you’re suffering from a foot or ankle problem, 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. 

Common Summer Foot Problems 

• Athlete’s foot
• Toenail fungus
• Plantar warts
• Foot and ankle injuries
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Heel pain
• Cracked heels
• Sunburns
• Blisters

Prevention

• Wear supportive shoes and avoid flip-flops
• Maintain good foot hygiene
• Exfoliate and moisturize the heels
• Apply sunscreen to the feet and ankles
• Wear shoes in public areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers 

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.

Orthotics can either be custom-made or over-the-counter inserts meant to be worn inside shoes serving a variety of functions. Orthotics can mitigate pain, help treat foot conditions or even help correct deformities. Many patients often ask who can wear orthotics and who might be able to benefit from them. The answer is that many people can potentially benefit from wearing orthotic devices. Some individuals can certainly benefit more than others by wearing orthotics. For example, if a patient has an average weight and height, they might benefit from wearing orthotic devices, especially for heel pain. By wearing orthotics, a patient can potentially decrease the amount of pain they are feeling in their feet. Contact a chiropodist today for more information. 

Orthotics are devices that are typically inserted into shoes to treat a variety of foot and ankle problems. If you would like to learn more, 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. 

What Are Orthotics Used For? 

Orthotics are used for the treatment of a variety of foot and ankle problems. These can include biomechanical issues, gait abnormalities, foot pain, injuries, arthritis, deformities, and other medical conditions that affect the lower limbs. Orthotics can be bought in a store or custom-made and prescribed by a chiropodist. 

Types of Orthotics 

• Rigid - Made from carbon fiber or other hard material and designed to ease foot pain and strain
• Soft - Made from flexible materials like foam and designed to cushion and support the foot
• Full shoe inserts
• Half shoe inserts
• Heel cups
• Heel pads
• Night splints
• Braces
• And more

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.

When the blood flow to the feet is slowed, it is typically the result of a buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries serving the lower extremities. This blockage is known as peripheral artery disease or PAD. Risk factors for peripheral artery disease include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and aging. Telltale signs of PAD in the ankles and feet are sores or wounds that won’t heal, an absence of a pulse in the feet and toes, and cold or numb toes. One way to help prevent peripheral artery disease is to participate in physical exercise regularly. It is also imperative to stop smoking, because it not only increases the risk of PAD, it also makes any symptoms you may have worse. If you are predisposed to cholesterol or diabetes, they should also be monitored closely. If you need information on peripheral artery disease, it is a good idea to consult a chiropodist who can examine your feet and suggest appropriate treatment options.  

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a serious condition that can increase your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. If you have symptoms of PAD, 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 Artery Disease?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the lower limbs narrow and harden due to a buildup of arterial plaque. PAD causes a reduction in blood flow to the legs and other extremities. 

Symptoms

Often, people with PAD experience no symptoms, especially in the early stages. If PAD continues to worsen, the first sign of PAD may be claudication, pain and cramping in the legs while walking, caused by the reduction of blood supply to the muscles of the legs. 

Other potential symptoms include: 

• Numbness or weakness in the legs
• Coldness in the legs or feet
• Slow-healing sores or wounds
• Skin discoloration or hair loss on the legs
• Slow growth of toenails

Diagnosis

Most often chiropodists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to the blood pressure in your ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Vascular tests look at the blood flow in the legs and are generally painless and non-invasive. 

Treatment

Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help limit further arterial plaque buildup. Taking your prescribed medications can reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack. In some cases, surgery may be required to improve blood flow. 

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.