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Tendinopathies of the foot occur when tendons become irritated, inflamed, or degenerate from overuse or injury. These tough, fibrous cords connect muscles to bones and play a key role in movement and stability. When they are repeatedly stressed, such as during running, walking on uneven ground, or wearing unsupportive shoes, they can become painful and swollen. Common foot tendinopathies include posterior tibial tendinopathy, which can cause arch pain and flatfoot, and peroneal tendinopathy, often felt along the outside of the foot and ankle. Symptoms range from dull aches to sharp pain, especially with activity. Left untreated, tendinopathies may worsen and limit mobility. Stretching, rest, and orthotics can help in early stages, while chronic cases may need targeted exercises or other interventions. If foot pain is affecting your stride or daily routine, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can help determine the cause and create a treatment plan to get you moving comfortably again.

Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have foot pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

When you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis. 

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:

• Stress fractures

• Sinus tarsi syndrome

• Extensor tendonitis

• Tibialis anterior tendonitis

• Gout

• Athlete’s foot

• Ganglion cysts

Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Foot cramps

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

• Plantar fibromatosis

• Posterior tibial tendonitis

• Stress fractures

• Flat feet

Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:

• Ankle sprain

• Cuboid syndrome

• Peroneal tendonitis

• Stress fractures

• Bunions

• Corns or calluses

• Posterior tibial tendonitis

Heel pain may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Achilles tendonitis

• Bone spurs

• Heel fractures

• Retrocalcaneal bursitis

• Sever’s disease 

Pain in the toes may be caused by:

• Gout

• Hammertoe

• Turf toe 

• Bunions

• Ingrown toenails

• Blisters 

• Arthritis

These and many more conditions can be treated by a chiropodist. 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.

Pes planus, commonly referred to as flatfoot, is a condition where the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. It may be present at birth or develop over time due to various factors. In children, the condition may be normal and resolve with age, but in adults, it is often associated with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, obesity, trauma, or certain neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. People with pes planus may experience pain in the heel, arch, or ankle, along with swelling and difficulty standing or walking for extended periods. In some cases, the condition is asymptomatic but can still affect posture and gait. Flat feet may be uncomfortable and may cause difficulty in completing activities. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can offer effective management tips.

Flat feet are a common foot condition. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to flat feet, 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 Are Flat Feet? 

Flat feet are feet that do not have a well-defined arch in the middle of the sole of the foot. Flat feet may be flexible or rigid. Flexible flat feet have an arch when there is no pressure put on the foot, such as when one is sitting, but the arch disappears upon standing. Rigid flat feet lack an arch regardless of whether one is standing or not. 

Causes

Flat feet can be present from birth or acquired over time due to a weakening of the ligaments in the arch. Sometimes flat feet are caused by illnesses, injuries, or pregnancy. 

Symptoms

Flat feet often cause no noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience pain and discomfort due to their flat feet. 

Symptoms associated with flat feet include:

• Pain in the arch, heel, ankle, or along the outside of the foot

• Overpronation of the foot

• Shin splints

• Aching or fatigue in the feet or legs

• Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back

Treatment 

In cases where flat feet cause symptoms, there are various treatments available. Wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes to provide more arch support, performing stretches, and taking medications may improve your symptoms. If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve pressure on the feet. In severe cases, surgery may be considered. 

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.

Exercising the feet  is an important part of staying mobile and reducing pain. Gentle stretches and strengthening routines can increase flexibility, improve balance, and support the muscles and ligaments in your feet. Movements like toe raises, toe curls, and Achilles stretches can help reduce stiffness, support your arches, and enhance the way your foot absorbs impact during walking or standing. Strengthening the muscles in the feet may also help reduce the likelihood of injuries or overuse conditions. Simple activities like rolling your foot on a ball or picking up small objects with your toes can be done at home and contribute to stronger, more resilient feet. A chiropodist can guide you through foot and ankle exercises that are best suited to your needs, especially if you have diabetes, arthritis, or a history of foot injuries. They can also help identify which movements to avoid based on your condition. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for guidance.

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 specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. 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.

Diabetes can lead to serious foot complications due to its effects on nerves and circulation. Neuropathy, or nerve damage, reduces sensation in the feet, making it difficult to detect injuries, blisters, or pressure sores. Without proper care, small wounds can develop into ulcers and infections. Arterial disease, caused by poor circulation, slows the healing process and increases the risk of tissue damage. Reduced blood flow can also lead to foot deformities, as weakened muscles and joints cause changes in foot structure. In severe cases, untreated infections or non-healing ulcers may result in the loss of toes or limbs. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can help you to monitor this serious condition.

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 specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. 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.

Most people do not think about their feet until pain or discomfort disrupts their daily activities. Healthy feet allow for stability and movement, but issues such as bunions, hammertoes, and arch pain can develop over time. Wearing improper footwear, repetitive strain, and medical conditions like diabetes also can contribute to foot problems. Numbness or tingling in the feet may indicate nerve damage, while persistent swelling or joint stiffness could signal arthritis or circulation concerns. Wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes can help prevent discomfort, and regularly inspecting the feet for cuts, blisters, or skin changes is especially important for people with diabetes. Heel pain, often linked to conditions like plantar fasciitis, can make walking difficult and may require medical treatment. A chiropodist can assess your foot health, provide treatment for structural problems, and offer custom orthotics to relieve pain and improve foot function. Addressing your foot concerns early can prevent further complications and maintain mobility. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for advice.

Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

There are many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including: 

• Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly

• Washing the feet daily with soap and water

• Drying the feet thoroughly

• Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet

• Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly 

• Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises 

A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. 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.

Heel fissures are cracks in the skin that develop on the heels due to excessive dryness and pressure. These cracks can become deep and painful, especially while walking or standing for long periods of time. Symptoms include rough, thickened skin surrounding the heel, visible cracks, redness, and occasional bleeding if the fissures are severe. Causes include prolonged standing, footwear with inadequate cushioning, dehydration, and underlying conditions like diabetes or eczema. Exposure to dry or cold environments can also worsen the condition. If left untreated, heel fissures can lead to infections and increased discomfort. Regular moisturizing, gentle exfoliation, and wearing supportive footwear can help prevent and manage this condition. Cracked heels can cause difficulty in completing daily activities and, if this is true for you, it is suggested that you see 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 specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. 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.

Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves in the feet, causing numbness, tingling, or even pain. Researchers have explored whether being taller increases the risk of developing this condition. Since taller individuals have longer nerves, signals must travel a greater distance, making them more vulnerable to damage. Poor circulation in the lower limbs can also contribute to nerve dysfunction, especially in those with diabetes or other underlying health conditions. Symptoms often start in the toes and progress upward, making it difficult to detect injuries or feel temperature changes. This loss of sensation can lead to wounds that go unnoticed, increasing the risk of complications. While height may be a factor, other issues like diabetes, alcohol use, and vitamin deficiencies play a role. If you experience numbness or burning in your feet, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist who can assess nerve health and recommend appropriate treatment options.

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

Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes bend downward at the middle joint instead of pointing straight. This condition results from an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that keep the toe properly aligned. Common causes include wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, genetic predisposition, arthritis, or foot structure abnormalities. Over time, the affected toe may become rigid and difficult to straighten. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty in moving the toe. Corns or calluses may develop due to friction against footwear. In severe cases, walking becomes uncomfortable, and open sores can form if left untreated. If you have developed hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can effectively treat this condition.

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity in which one or more of the small toes bends downwards at the middle joint. Though it may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, this is not the case. Hammertoes can be uncomfortable, painful, and even debilitating in severe cases. If you suffer from hammertoe, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.

Symptoms

• One or more small toes bending downward at the middle joint

• Pain or irritation on the affected toes

• Corns and calluses

• Inflammation

• Redness

• Stiff toe joints

• Sores on the tops of the toes

Diagnosis

A chiropodist can typically diagnose hammertoes through physical examination. X-rays may need to be taken to see the extent of the damage.

Treatment

Hammertoes tend to progressively worsen with time, so getting prompt treatment is very important. In its early stages, the progression of hammertoe can be slowed down or stopped. Your chiropodist may suggest changes in your footwear. Wearing wide, comfortable shoes with a larger toe area and a low heel can help you avoid putting pressure on your toes. You may also be prescribed orthotics. Over-the-counter medications or corticosteroid injections may be used to relieve pain. If you have any corns or calluses, your chiropodist may suggest padding them to avoid further irritation. In advanced cases, surgery may be suggested. 

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.