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Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin between the toes. It grows in warm, damp places, including locker rooms, showers, and pool areas. Symptoms include intense itching, cracked skin, and peeling. Redness or scaling can also develop on the soles, while infections can spread to the toenails. A chiropodist can examine the feet and determine whether athlete’s foot or another skin problem is causing the symptoms. The examination can include taking a skin sample for study. After confirming the infection, the chiropodist can provide professional treatment and monitor how the skin responds. The chiropodist can also identify factors that encourage repeated infections, including sweaty feet, damp shoes, and shared floors. Patients with diabetes should seek care because foot infections can become more serious. If you have symptoms of an athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating this condition, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. 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 Vaughan, ON . 

Sever’s disease is the most common cause of heel pain in growing children, especially those who participate in sporting activities or exercise regularly. It usually affects children between the ages of eight and 14. This condition develops when the growth plate at the back of the child’s heel becomes irritated where the Achilles tendon attaches. Rapid growth can tighten the tendon, and repeated running or jumping increases stress on the heel. Children feel pain, tenderness, or swelling. Discomfort can lead to limping after activity or stiffness when walking after rest. A chiropodist can examine the foot and assess walking patterns. They also can recommend supportive shoe choices, custom orthotics, or heel cushions to reduce strain. Care includes guidance about activity changes while the heel settles and monitoring recovery as your child grows. Early assessment helps rule out other causes of heel pain. If your active child has heel pain that may indicate Sever’s disease, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for diagnosis and effective relief and management tips.

Sever’s disease typically affects young children and teenagers. If your child complains of foot pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. 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 Vaughan, ON . 

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, develops when plaque narrows the arteries that carry blood to the legs and feet. Reduced blood flow can cause cold feet, slow-healing wounds, and cramping while walking. Some people also notice pale skin or reduced toenail growth. A chiropodist looks for changes in skin color, circulation, and foot health during a thorough examination. They can identify problems that require further medical evaluation and help protect your feet. Options include regular monitoring, pressure relief, and toenail care. Advice about shoes that provide proper support may be included. Early attention from a chiropodist helps lower the risk of sores, infection, and other serious complications. PAD also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, making prompt assessment important. If you have problems related to a loss of sensation in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Consistent professional care helps protect foot health and support safer mobility.

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 specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. 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 Vaughan, ON . 

Ankle pain, swelling, and stiffness can point to several forms of arthritis, making an accurate diagnosis important. Osteoarthritis, or OA, develops when the smooth cartilage that cushions the ankle joint breaks down. Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints, often affecting both ankles. Gout develops when sharp uric acid crystals collect in a joint, causing sudden, intense pain. Other conditions that affect the ankles include reactive arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile arthritis. Because ankle pain also comes from problems like sprains, fractures, or Achilles tendon inflammation, a careful assessment is essential. A chiropodist can examine your feet and ankles and evaluate how you stand and walk. They can recommend custom orthotics to improve joint support and work with your healthcare team to help manage symptoms. Early diagnosis helps protect joint function and supports better mobility. If you have symptoms of arthritis in the ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for effective relief and management tips. 

Osteoarthritis in the feet or ankles can be a painful and disabling condition that may interfere with your daily activities. If you have arthritis, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Osteoarthritis? 

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the protective layer of cartilage in the joints breaks down over time. This loss of cartilage causes the bones to rub together during movement, leading to pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is associated with aging, and often affects the small joints of the feet and ankles. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include: 

• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Swelling in or around the joint
• Restricted range of motion
• Difficulty walking

Diagnosis

Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed through physical examination. You may also need to have an X-ray taken to assess the extent of the damage caused by arthritis. 

Treatment

Treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on reducing symptoms and improving the function of the affected joints. Conservative treatments include oral pain medications, orthotic devices, bracing or immobilizing the affected foot or ankle, steroid injections into the affected joint to reduce inflammation, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON .