March 2022

There are many foot and ankle injuries that a chiropodist can treat. These include injuries of the nerves, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, or joints in the feet and ankles. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, is a common cause of heel pain. This condition can also lead to or be accompanied by heel spurs, calcium buildups on the ends of the heel bone that can irritate the plantar fascia ligament. Stress fractures, which are tiny breaks in the bones of the feet, are also common. Further up in the ankle and calf region, common injuries include Achilles tendonitis and ankle sprains. If you are experiencing any foot or ankle pain, please consult with a chiropodist.

Trauma to the foot or ankle is one of the most common reasons that people visit a chiropodist. If you have a foot or ankle injury, 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. 

Your feet contain 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Your ankles are large joints made up of three bones and various ligaments. All of these components work together to allow your lower limbs to move you throughout your life. Injuries to the feet and ankles can affect any one of these structures and can occur at any time. Some of the most common foot and ankle injuries include:

• Morton’s neuroma - Swelling of a nerve that runs between two toes, causes pain in the ball of the foot

• Stress fractures - Tiny cracks in one or more bones that can cause severe pain

• Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, causes stabbing heel pain

• Sesamoiditis - Causes pain in the sesamoid bones, located beneath the ball of the foot

• Achilles tendonitis - Inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, causes pain in the back of the calf 

• Ankle sprain - Overstretching or tearing of one or more ligaments in the ankle, which causes ankle pain and can make it difficult to walk 

Injuries to the feet and ankles often occur during athletic activities, such as running or playing a sport, or while wearing ill-fitting shoes. Other potential causes of injury include impacts from accidents, a sudden twisting while walking, or underlying biomechanical problems or medical conditions that affect the feet. Treatment for most of these injuries typically involves resting the feet and modifying activities and footwear to take pressure off of the affected foot. 

All of these conditions, and many more, can be diagnosed and 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.

There are many potential causes of foot pain. From an overuse injury to an underlying disease, foot pain is a sign that something is wrong and needs to be treated. Pain at the heel could be indicative of plantar fasciitis, bursitis, or heel spurs, while pain in the ball of the foot may be sesamoiditis or Morton’s neuroma. Pain in the toes may be from an injury, like a broken toe, or deformities, such as a bunion or hammertoe. Various systemic diseases, including arthritis and diabetes, can also affect the feet. Problems with the skin on the feet, such as athlete’s foot, corns, calluses, and plantar warts are sometimes painful as well. If you are experiencing any foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a chiropodist. 

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot 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. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

• Plantar fasciitis

• Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes

• Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet

• Arthritis

• Flat feet

• Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

• Heel pain

• Arch pain

• Toe pain

• Ball of foot pain

• Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality

• Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

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.

Sesamoiditis is an injury of the sesamoid bones — two tiny, pea-shaped bones located in the ball of the foot, just under the big toe. When these bones and their surrounding tendons are damaged, displaced, or inflamed, you may experience foot pain, swelling, and warmth. The symptoms are usually made worse by walking or wearing thin-soled or high-heeled shoes. Sesamoiditis is a common injury in dancers and joggers, as well as those who have high arches or bunions, and those who wear high heels. Conservative treatments, such as footwear modifications, orthotics, and over-the-counter pain medications are usually sufficient for pain relief. If you are experiencing any foot pain, please seek the care of a chiropodist. 

Sesamoiditis can be painful and prevent you from participating in certain activities. To learn more about this condition, 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 Sesamoiditis? 

Sesamoiditis refers to an injury of the sesamoids (two small, pea-shaped bones located beneath the big toe joint) or the tendons and/or surrounding tissue in the joint.

Causes

Sesamoiditis is typically the result of an overuse injury caused by activities that put repetitive pressure on the sesamoid bones and the tendons involved with those bones. These activities can include basketball, football, running, ballet, and tennis. People who have high foot arches and those who frequently wear high-heeled shoes are also at an increased risk of developing sesamoiditis. 

Symptoms

Common symptoms of sesamoiditis include: 

• Dull, longstanding pain under the big toe joint

• Swelling

• Bruising 

• Difficulty straightening or bending the big toe

• Pain during movement

Diagnosis

Sesamoiditis can be diagnosed by physical examination and X-rays. Sometimes other imaging studies, such as a bone scan, MRI, or ultrasound may be needed if damage to the area surrounding the sesamoid bones is suspected. 

Treatment

Treatment options include conservative measures, such as padding, strapping, taping or immobilizing the affected foot, taking oral medications or getting steroid injections to reduce pain and swelling, and wearing orthotic devices. Surgical treatment may be necessary if conservative measures are not effective. 

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.

Blisters are small, fluid-filled bumps that typically develop on the feet due to friction. They usually heal on their own given time. It is best not to pop a blister, as the fluid inside protects the raw skin underneath the blister from the environment. If you find yourself with a foot blister that is likely to burst on its own, it is recommended that you cover it with a bandage or soft dressing to protect it. If your blister has burst, wash your hands before touching the area and allow the blister to fully drain before covering it with a bandage. If you have a foot blister that is showing signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, pain, swelling, or the appearance of pus, it is strongly suggested that you seek treatment from a chiropodist. 

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.

Caring for our feet becomes increasingly important with age. Common foot conditions associated with aging include calluses, corns, blisters, ingrown toenails, deformities such as bunions, fungal infections, and plantar warts. Many of these problems can be avoided by having a good foot care routine and sticking to it. Wash, dry, and moisturize the feet daily to maintain proper foot hygiene, trim the toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails, and wear comfortable and supportive shoes to prevent foot deformities, injuries, and falls. Inspecting the feet daily can help to detect any foot conditions in their early stages and treat them before they worsen. Look for any blisters, cracks, cuts, scrapes, or sores, unusual sensations, or foot pain, and seek treatment as soon as possible. A chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your feet at any age. 

Foot problems can become increasingly common as we age, making everyday foot care especially important. To learn more about maintaining proper foot health, 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. 

Common Foot Problems

Certain foot problems may be more likely to affect older adults. 

Some examples of foot conditions that can be common in older adults include: 

• Dry, cracked skin

• Calluses and corns

• Blisters

• Ingrown toenails

• Deformities such as bunions or hammertoes

• Fungal infections

• Plantar warts

Systemic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, are also more likely to affect older people and manifest symptoms in the feet and ankles. 

Daily Foot Care Tips

Having a daily foot care routine can help detect problems early on and prevent future issues. 

Things that you can do at home to care for your feet include: 

• Washing the feet daily with warm water, drying them thoroughly, and then applying a moisturizer 

• Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails

• Performing daily foot exercises to improve foot strength and mobility

• Wearing shoes when walking to avoid injury

• Inspecting the feet daily for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities and seeking prompt treatment if any problems are discovered 

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.