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Hammertoe is a common foot deformity that causes one or more toes, usually the second, third, or fourth, to bend abnormally at the middle joint. This misalignment often results from wearing tight or narrow shoes that gradually force the toes into a bent position. It can also develop due to muscle imbalance, arthritis, or previous injury. Symptoms include pain, redness, corns, or difficulty fitting into shoes comfortably. In the early stages, flexible hammertoes may respond well to non-surgical treatments, such as roomier footwear, toe exercises, splints, or custom orthotics. When the condition becomes rigid or painful, surgical correction may be necessary to restore proper alignment and relieve discomfort. Early diagnosis and professional care are important to prevent the deformity from becoming worse. If you notice changes in your toe shape or have ongoing pain, it is suggested that you schedule an evaluation with a chiropodist for effective treatment options.

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. 

Ankle sprains often occur among athletes when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn due to sudden twists, uneven surfaces, or wearing poor footwear. Repeated sprains can weaken the joint and affect athletic performance. Prevention involves wearing supportive shoes, warming up before activity, strengthening the muscles around the ankle, and using balance exercises to improve stability. A chiropodist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend custom orthotics, and provide guidance on proper footwear and training techniques to reduce the risk of injury. If you are an athlete that has endured an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist to receive effective, personalized care.

When one or more ligaments in the ankle overstretch or tear due to injury, an ankle sprain occurs. If you would like to learn more about ankle sprains, 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 of an ankle sprain vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include: 

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Difficulty walking
• Ankle instability
• A reduced range of motion in the ankle 

Treatments for an ankle sprain may consist of: 

• Resting the injured ankle
• Applying ice
• Elevating the ankle
• Compressing the ankle
• Over-the-counter pain medications
• Ankle braces or other devices to take weight off of the ankle
• Ankle exercises
• Surgery (in rare cases) 

It’s important for the sprained ankle to heal correctly and fully in order to avoid repeated injury. 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.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort, redness, and swelling. It is often caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, injury, or having naturally curved nails. Risk factors include poor foot hygiene, genetic predisposition, and conditions like diabetes or circulation issues. Symptoms may include pain, tenderness, swelling, and sometimes infection. A chiropodist can provide expert care by safely trimming the nail, relieving pain, and preventing infection. They can also offer guidance on proper footwear, nail care, and long-term prevention strategies. If you are experiencing discomfort from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for professional treatment.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, 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 an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include: 

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail. 

Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers. 

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.

Arthritis in the foot and ankle can lead to stiffness, swelling, and pain that make even short walks challenging. Over time, the protective cartilage within the joints wears down, causing bones to rub together and limiting smooth movement. Osteoarthritis often develops with age or after an injury, while rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions may also target these joints. Symptoms can progress gradually, beginning with mild soreness and advancing to persistent pain that restricts daily activity. Supportive footwear, orthotic inserts, and activity modification may help reduce stress on the joints. Targeted exercises can improve flexibility and strength. In advanced cases, injections may be considered or surgery referred out. Early attention to joint changes is important to slow progression. If you are struggling with ongoing foot or ankle pain that may be linked to arthritis, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for thorough evaluation and appropriate care.

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 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs