It’s normal to “have cold feet” before a big event - but what if your feet are frequently, literally cold? Having feet that feel cold or are cold to the touch, for reasons that are not due to your footwear or the current weather conditions, can be indicative of several foot problems. Often cold feet are a symptom of poor or reduced blood flow to the feet. This can be caused by various disorders, such as peripheral artery disease or varicose veins. Diabetes, which can cause nerve damage in the feet and affect your circulation, may also be to blame for your cold feet. If you frequently experience cold feet, this is a symptom worth mentioning to your chiropodist. Other changes to your feet, such as the appearance of slow or poorly healing foot wounds, joint pain, and skin discoloration, thickening, or rash, should also be noted. A chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your feet.   

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our specialists of Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a chiropodist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A chiropodist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Poor Blood Circulation in the Feet

A broken toe may occur due to a sudden injury, or can develop gradually over time. If you have broken your toe, you may notice symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, bruising, and difficulty walking. You should seek immediate medical attention if the toe is numb or badly cut or wounded, deformed, makes a snapping, popping, or grinding sound at the time of injury, or if you have severe pain. You should also seek medical care as soon as possible if you have broken your big toe. Less severe injuries can usually be managed with rest, ice, and elevation at home while you wait for an appointment with your clinician. If you suspect you may have broken your toe, please see a chiropodist.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a chiropodist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe

A foot contusion is another term for a bruise on the foot. This is typically a mild injury that occurs as a result of a direct impact to the foot. For example, you may develop a foot contusion after dropping a heavy piece of furniture on your foot or after getting kicked in the foot during a soccer match. The bruising and swelling characteristic of this injury is caused by small, damaged blood vessels leaking blood underneath the skin. Though contusions can sometimes look serious and cause discomfort or pain, they are usually not serious and get better without medical treatment. However, if you notice that the bruising, swelling, or pain is getting worse over time, or if you have trouble bearing weight on the foot, then it is suggested that you see a chiropodist, who can determine if you have a more serious injury.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with one of our specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, chiropodists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the chiropodist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot and Ankle Trauma

The Achilles tendon is a tough band of tissue located at the back of the calf that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This tendon is a frequent site of injury, particularly among people involved with high impact sports. When the Achilles tendon partially or completely tears, it is known as an Achilles tendon rupture. Symptoms of this condition may include a popping or snapping sound at the time of injury, sudden and severe pain in the back of the ankle, calf swelling, and difficulty moving the affected leg. This injury has an excellent prognosis when diagnosed and treated early. If you suspect that you may have ruptured your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our specialists of Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.