Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It commonly develops in warm, moist environments, such as locker rooms, public showers, and inside tight footwear. The infection spreads through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or infected skin. Symptoms include itching, burning, redness, and peeling skin, often between the toes. In some cases, blisters or cracks in the skin may develop, leading to discomfort and an increased risk of bacterial infections. Individuals who sweat excessively, wear damp socks for long periods of time, or have weakened immune systems are more susceptible to the infection. Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can offer you appropriate treatment solutions.

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.

Poor foot circulation can arise from several factors that reduce the flow of blood to the extremities. An inactive lifestyle, obesity, and smoking are common contributors, while underlying conditions such as diabetes and vascular disease further impair circulation. Symptoms often include cold, numb, or tingling feet, along with pain and changes in skin color. If untreated, poor circulation may lead to serious complications, such as non healing wounds, infections, or even tissue loss. Reduced blood flow hinders the body's ability to repair itself and can diminish overall mobility and quality of life. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can improve circulation and prevent these harmful outcomes. If you have symptoms of poor foot circulation, it is suggested that you schedule regular checkups with a chiropodist who can help you to monitor this condition.

When blood flow to a specific part of the body is reduced, you may experience symptoms of poor circulation. Poor circulation is most common in your extremities, like your legs and 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. 

Causes

Poor circulation isn’t a condition in itself. Instead, it results from other health issues. Therefore, it’s important to treat the underlying causes:

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Diabetes
• Blood clots
• Varicose veins
• Obesity
• Raynaud’s disease 

Symptoms

Symptoms of poor circulation may include: 

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will perform a physical exam to detect pain and swelling, as well as an antibodies blood test to detect inflammatory conditions, such as Raynaud’s disease. It’s important to disclose any known family history of poor circulation and any related diseases. A blood sugar test, blood pressure test, ultrasound, or CT scan may also be performed.

Treatment

Treatments for poor circulation depend on what is causing it. Compression socks may be used to reduce pain and swelling. An exercise program may be recommended to improve circulation. Various medications may be prescribed to manage underlying conditions that may contribute to poor circulation.  

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.

Foot exercises can help alleviate discomfort and improve mobility for someone experiencing various foot problems. Gentle stretching, such as toe flexion and extension, can ease stiffness with minimal discomfort during the exercise, though mild soreness may follow. Strengthening exercises like towel scrunches and marble pickups engage small foot muscles, often causing slight fatigue but rarely significant pain afterward. Low-impact activities such as seated heel raises may create mild discomfort during movement but can promote circulation and reduce stiffness over time. It is important to listen to the body and adjust intensity accordingly to prevent exacerbating pain. If you have foot pain from specific conditions, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you to appropriate foot stretches for relief.

Stretching and strengthening your feet is very important for maintaining your foot health. If you would like to learn more about exercises for your 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. 

There are a variety of relatively easy-to-do exercises that can boost the strength, flexibility, and mobility of your feet, as well as relieve foot pain.  

Strength exercises: 

• Toe splay - Spread the toes apart and hold for several seconds; improves control over toe muscles
• Toe curls - Scrunch up a towel with your toes; strengthens the flexor muscles
• Marble pickup - Pick up marbles with your toes; strengthens the muscles on the undersides of the feet and toes
• Walking on sand - Stretches and strengthens feet and calves

Flexibility exercises: 

• Heel raises - Raise the heels while keeping toes on the ground
• Toe point - Raise the heels while pointing the toes, keeping just the tips of toes on the ground
• Toe curl - Raise the heels while curling the toes inwards, keeping just the tips of toes on the ground
• Big toe stretch - Use your hands to gently stretch your big toes up, down, and to the side

Exercises for foot pain: 

• Toe extension - Gently pull the toes up towards the ankle and hold for several seconds
• Ball roll - gently roll a golf or tennis ball underneath the arches of 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.

Alcohol consumption can have several effects on the feet, leading to discomfort and potential health concerns. One common issue is foot and leg swelling, caused by fluid retention and poor circulation. Alcohol can lead to dehydration, which disrupts the balance of fluids in the body and contributes to swelling in the lower extremities. Many people experience a sensation of heavy limbs after drinking, making movement feel sluggish and unsteady. Alcohol can also trigger gout, a form of arthritis that causes severe pain and inflammation in the joints, particularly in the big toe. This occurs due to increased uric acid levels in the bloodstream, which form sharp crystals in the joints. If you have foot pain or have developed any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can treat various foot conditions and educate you on the effects alcohol may have on the feet.

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.