May 2022

For many people, running a marathon, 26.1 miles, is the fulfillment of a longtime goal. And for others it is just the beginning. These people, who run a 50K (31.07 miles) up to 100 miles, are considered ultra runners. In both cases, protecting the feet is of paramount importance. Three main tips from running experts are wearing shoes that fit properly, managing moisture, and training the feet. Shoes can be the runner’s best friend or worst enemy. Keeping your feet from moving inside the shoe is considered of vital importance. Also, shoes with ample midfoot space are recommended. Keep them laced tight, but not constricting. Breathable uppers in the shoe helps control moisture buildup. Wearing thinner (or no) socks and changing shoes and socks frequently are also a good idea. Finally, practice helps to get your feet used to distance running and to build up a resistance to blisters. If you are a distance runner, it is important to have an ongoing relationship with a chiropodist who can monitor the condition of your feet and provide further guidance on how to protect them. 

Although running is a wonderful exercise to keep you in shape, it can wreak havoc on your feet and ankles if you don’t take preventive measures. If you have sustained a foot and ankle injury from running, 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. 

Some common running injuries include:

• Achilles tendonitis

• Shin splints

• Ankle sprains

• Stress fractures

• Plantar fasciitis

• Bursitis 

What causes injuries? 

These injuries are usually caused by overtraining, wearing the wrong shoes, running on hard surfaces, having tight and inflexible muscles, or having biomechanical issues in the feet or ankles. 

What can I do to prevent injuries? 

• Train slowly and gradually

• Give yourself plenty of time to recover following a run

• Wear shoes that fit properly and support your foot

• Avoid running on hard surfaces, like concrete

• Stretch and strengthen the muscles of your lower legs

• Warm-up prior to a run

• Have your gait analyzed and your feet examined by a chiropodist to determine if there are any biomechanical problems that need to be treated 

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.

Many things have been negatively affected by the pandemic and foot and ankle health is no exception. Being confined for several months to their homes, many people adopted a casual attitude about footwear. Unfortunately, walking around barefoot or in stocking feet for prolonged periods of time can be bad for your feet, particularly if you have arthritis. People who have arthritis and walk regularly can add stress to the joints which are already inflamed and irritated from arthritis. Without support from shoes, the fat pads on the bottom of the feet that are referred to as shock absorbers can get worn down putting further pressure on joints. Additionally, conditions that often develop from having arthritis such as plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, bone spurs, and bunions can intensify from walking barefoot. Those with arthritis can consult with a chiropodist who can treat their symptoms while offering preventative measures to take to avoid making their condition worse.

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

Many people suffer from cracked heels. Despite all our heels do for us, it is easy to forget to take care of our them. Medically, cracked heels are known as heel fissures or regular linear cut wounds that appear on the surface of the skin. Besides being unattractive, cracked heels can become painful and start to bleed if not tended to. This condition can result from dry skin and footwear that does not fit well or have enough cushioning. Additionally, walking improperly, and being overweight may contribute to the onset of cracked heels. This ailment is more common in senior citizens and those who are on their feet a lot. To avoid complications of cracked heels, it is important to treat them as soon as they are noticed, and it is wise to prevent them from happening in the first place. In general, keep feet clean and dry, moisturize regularly, do not go barefoot, wear properly fitted closed shoes, and keep hydrated. If attempting to take care of cracked heels on your own, avoid picking at or peeling the dead skin as this can make it worse or lead to infection. It is best to consult with a chiropodist who can better help you safely treat this condition and provide suggestions for preventing this from happening again.

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can cause pain and discomfort. If your cracked heels are bothering you, 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. 

Dry, thickened skin around the rim of the heel is typically the first sign of cracked heels. While this condition is common and usually just a nuisance, some cases can be more severe. If left untreated and as more pressure is placed on the heel, the cracks become deeper and eventually walking and standing can be painful. These deep cracks or fissures can bleed and also become infected. Those with diabetes need to be especially careful as fissures could lead to diabetic foot ulcers. 

Causes

Cracked heels can be the result of several different factors, including: 

• Dry skin

• Taking long, hot showers or using harsh soaps

• Standing for long periods of time

• Walking barefoot

• Walking in shoes with an open back, such as sandals or flip flops

• Wearing shoes that do not fit properly

• Living in a cold or dry climate 

• Certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis

Treatment

There are many at-home treatment remedies for cracked heels. Applying moisturizers to the heel can help hydrate the skin. Soaking your feet in warm water and exfoliating them with a loofah or pumice stone can help to buff away dead skin cells. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can prevent cracked heels by:

• Avoiding standing in one position for prolonged periods of time

• Wearing well-fitted shoes with a closed back

• Washing your feet with gentle soaps and lukewarm water

• Moisturizing the feet daily

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 people throughout the world that stand for the majority of the day. Frequently moving about can help to promote blood circulation to the feet, and performing simple foot stretches can help the feet to feel better. It is important to wear shoes that fit properly and to also stand on a stress mat, which can both help make standing all day more manageable and healthy for the feet and overall body. An effective stretch to strengthen the feet is done by using a foot roller. This can help to increase the strength in the arches, and may help to reduce the risk of developing plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Many people who stand while working find it helpful to perform ankle rotations several times per day, in addition to wearing compression socks which can help to support the legs. If you would like more information about the benefits of stretching while standing all day, please speak with a chiropodist.

If you stand all day, you may be at an increased risk of developing various foot conditions. If you are experiencing foot pain of any kind, 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 Foot Problems Are Caused by Standing?

Standing all day at work may increase your risk of developing foot or ankle problems.

Some common foot conditions that may arise from spending all day on your feet include: 

• Foot pain

• Blisters

• Corns and calluses

• Arthritis

• Flat feet

• Bunions

• Sprains 

• Athlete’s foot

Prevention

If you stand for prolonged periods of time for work, taking preventative measures to preserve the health of your feet is strongly recommended. 

Measures you can implement to help prevent foot problems include: 

• Wearing shoes that are comfortable and fit well - these shoes should be made of breathable materials and provide you with arch support and cushioning. It is best to avoid shoes that have heels or narrow toe boxes.

• Taking breaks to rest, walk, and stretch your feet throughout the day

• Maintaining good foot hygiene - wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day

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.

Elevated blood glucose levels may cause a serious condition that is known as diabetes. Proper foot care is crucial with this condition, and this may be helpful in preventing foot ulcers. The body’s ability to heal is affected by diabetes, and it is important to check the feet daily. This can consist of using a mirror to look for any existing cuts, bruises, or scrapes. Neuropathy often accompanies diabetes, which is the diminished ability to feel any wounds on the feet. Foot protection can come from wearing shoes that fit correctly, trimming the toenails properly, and washing the feet daily. If you have diabetes, and the skin on your feet feels warm and turns red, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can effectively treat diabetes.

Diabetes can cause serious problems in the lower limbs if proper preventive measures are not taken and diabetic wound care is not performed. If you would like to learn more about caring for diabetic 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. 

Diabetes can lead to a host of foot and ankle complications, including: 

• Poor circulation

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers

• Infection 

• Corns and calluses

• Dry, cracked skin

• Nail disorders 

• Hammertoes 

• Bunions

• Charcot foot

If you have diabetes, you must be vigilant of any changes in your foot health. This is best done through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you if necessary, look for any: 

• Cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds

• Bruising or discoloration 

• Swelling

• Rash

• Foul odor

• Nail changes 

• Hair loss 

• Warmth and inflammation

• Deformities 

• Lower limb pain

• Strange sensations (numbness, tingling, burning, pins, and needles)

If you detect anything unusual, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. 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.