July 2021

If you are a runner looking for the ideal pair of shoes that best fit your specific needs, it may help to have an understanding of the different parts of a running shoe and what they do. The “upper” is any part of the shoe above the sole. When shoe shopping, you should look for shoes with an upper that is smooth and shaped like your foot. The “ankle collar” is the wrap at the top part of the shoe opening. Its function is to hold the heel in place. You should look for an ankle collar that prevents your heel from slipping and sliding and doesn’t irritate the back of your ankle. The “toe box” encompasses the area between the laces and the front of the shoe. Look for a toe box that allows your toes to flex and spread out, without rubbing against it. To learn more about how to find the right running shoes, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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.

The main reason that corns develop is often due to excess friction. This can happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Corns can form on different parts of the foot. A soft corn is found between the toes, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. A hard corn can develop on the outside of the toe, or on the bottom of the foot. People who are diabetic may have a higher risk of developing an infection with corns. Patients have found mild relief when the affected foot is soaked in warm water, followed by using a pumice stone. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit properly, as this may help to prevent the onset of corns. If you have a corn on any part of your foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of the specialists of Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our chiropodists to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

A stress fracture in the foot is often referred to as a hairline fracture. It generally develops gradually, and can come from repetitive overuse. Many runners experience stress fractures, and this can cause severe pain and discomfort while running or jogging. Additionally, they may happen if medical conditions exist, which can consist of osteoporosis, bunions, or tendonitis. This condition is generally diagnosed by having a physical examination performed, which may include having an X-ray taken. Many stress fractures will heal over time when the affected foot is elevated and the activity that caused the condition is temporarily ceased. It is beneficial to wear shoes that are supportive, in addition to protecting the feet. If you feel you have endured a stress fracture of the foot, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward correct treatment options.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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.

Heel pain is a common ailment among people across the globe.  The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel, and when these muscles are not properly stretched, it may result in heel pain.  Therefore, it can help to stretch the calf muscles for heel pain relief.  An effective stretch can consist of standing on a step, and gently lowering one heel at a time. Additionally, many people find towel stretches to be beneficial in diminishing heel pain. This is accomplished by sitting on the floor with outstretched legs, and placing a towel around the heels. After gently pulling the heels toward you, it is beneficial to hold this position for ten seconds. If you would like more information about how to stretch the feet to possibly alleviate heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of the specialists of Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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