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Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and results in the formation of sharp crystals in the joints. The resulting pain often begins in the big toe, but can also affect the feet, ankles, knees, wrists, elbows, and fingers. Symptoms of gout typically appear in sudden flare-ups, causing swelling, heat, and severe discomfort, which sometimes awakens people at night. Diagnosis involves a physical examination, reviewing symptoms, and sometimes testing the fluid in the affected joint to confirm the presence of uric acid crystals. While gout cannot be cured, it can be managed through medications that reduce inflammation or control uric acid levels. A chiropodist can assess the big toe joint and monitor the condition to prevent further joint damage. They also can suggest exercises to help manage the pain. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a diagnosis and effective treatment options.

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

Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, often resembling a hammer shape. It can develop from muscle imbalance, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, or injury. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, corns, and difficulty moving the affected toe. Risk factors include aging, arthritis, wearing high heels, and genetic predisposition. A chiropodist can provide an assessment, recommend proper footwear, prescribe custom orthotics, and offer treatments such as padding, exercises, or minor procedures to relieve discomfort and improve function. If you have symptoms of this toe deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can offer you relief and treatment solutions.

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. 

Blood blisters on the foot are fluid-filled pockets beneath the skin that appear dark red or purple due to broken blood vessels. They often form as a protective response to friction, burns, or frostbite that damages the skin’s surface. Symptoms include swelling, itching, tenderness, and pain while walking or wearing shoes. While most blood blisters heal naturally, improper care can lead to infection or delayed healing. A chiropodist can help by safely assessing and treating the blister, providing guidance on proper wound care, and recommending footwear or padding to prevent future irritation. If you have painful or recurring blood blisters, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can offer effective relief and prevention solutions. 

Blisters can usually be treated at home, however, if you have recurring blisters or experience significant discomfort or 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 a Blister? 

A blister is a small pocket of fluid in the upper skin layers and is one of the body’s natural responses to injury or pressure. Blisters can also result from burns, fungal or viral skin infections, and the feet are particularly prone due to ill-fitting footwear and friction. Friction on the skin causes the upper layer of skin to separate from the lower layers. The space that this separation creates then becomes filled with a liquid called serum, which protects the lower layers of skin. 

Treatment 

If you notice a blister on your foot, you can cover it with a soft bandage or dressing to protect it. Popping the blister is discouraged. Doing so exposes the raw skin underneath it to bacteria and also raises the risk of infection. If a blister pops naturally, let it drain before covering it with a bandage. Blisters usually heal on their own or with home treatment, however, if your blister is recurring, very painful, or appears infected, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can help to prevent blisters by wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes. Keep your feet dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks and dust your feet with talcum powder if they tend to get sweaty. If you have areas on your feet that are more susceptible to blisters, you might be able to prevent the blister from forming by covering it with a pad. 

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.

Exercises that focus on building strength in the feet and ankles can improve stability, mobility, and overall function. Weakness or stiffness in these areas may lead to foot pain as well as contributing to pain in the knees, hips, or lower back. Foot and ankle exercises include static holds, resistance movements using exercise bands, and simple dynamic exercises like picking up small objects with the toes. These activities help activate the muscles that support the foot’s arch and promote better balance. Calf exercises are also useful, since the muscles in the lower leg are connected to the heel through the Achilles tendon and play a role in how pressure moves through the foot. A chiropodist can evaluate your specific condition, recommend exercises that suit your foot structure and mobility level, and help monitor your progress to avoid overuse or strain. If you are experiencing weakness in the feet or ankles, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for help.

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.