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Flat feet are common, especially among young children who are born with them. Within a few years, however, most children’s arches develop naturally. In general flat feet, medically known as pes planus, are caused by the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. There are three main types of flat feet. The first is termed flexible flat feet, which affects both feet, is generally painless, and does not usually cause any disability. This is the type that is most common in young children. In flexible flat feet, the arch appears to be present when the foot is at rest. It only becomes flat when bearing weight. The second type, flexible flat feet with a shortened Achilles tendon, also affects both feet, but may cause some disability and pain. This can be diagnosed by studying the range of movement in the ankle, which indicates the length of the tendon. The third type is termed rigid flat feet. It is far less common, but may cause pain and some disability. In rigid flat feet, the arch remains permanently flattened. This condition is frequently linked with bone or inflammation disorders. For more information on flat feet, please consult a chiropodist.  

Flat feet are a common foot condition. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to flat feet, 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 Are Flat Feet? 

Flat feet are feet that do not have a well-defined arch in the middle of the sole of the foot. Flat feet may be flexible or rigid. Flexible flat feet have an arch when there is no pressure put on the foot, such as when one is sitting, but the arch disappears upon standing. Rigid flat feet lack an arch regardless of whether one is standing or not. 

Causes

Flat feet can be present from birth or acquired over time due to a weakening of the ligaments in the arch. Sometimes flat feet are caused by illnesses, injuries, or pregnancy. 

Symptoms

Flat feet often cause no noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience pain and discomfort due to their flat feet. 

Symptoms associated with flat feet include:

• Pain in the arch, heel, ankle, or along the outside of the foot

• Overpronation of the foot

• Shin splints

• Aching or fatigue in the feet or legs

• Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back

Treatment 

In cases where flat feet cause symptoms, there are various treatments available. Wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes to provide more arch support, performing stretches, and taking medications may improve your symptoms. If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve pressure on the feet. In severe cases, surgery may be considered. 

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.

With a focus on exercise and weight loss in current times, more and more people are engaging in new activities, such as running, cycling, and aerobics. With this increase in activity, sports-related injuries are on the rise. Stress fractures of the foot and ankle are common, but diagnosis and treatment are often challenging as signs and symptoms can overlap with other diagnoses. A stress fracture results from repetitive stress that does not go as far as an acute fracture. When one sustains a stress fracture of the heel or ankle, it may present itself with pain, redness, and swelling. When the diagnosis is not straightforward, an imaging test might be needed to determine exactly what is going on. If you feel you have sustained a stress fracture or are not sure why you feel foot pain, contact a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

A stress fracture often requires medical attention as it can progress and worsen over time. 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. 

A stress fracture refers to a fine crack in a bone. This type of fracture is especially common in the feet, as they often endure repetitive pressure from daily activities such as walking or running. Stress fractures occur when the affected bone can not support the load being placed on it. Stress fractures in the foot can occur in any bone, but often affect the metatarsal bones which connect the toes to the rest of the foot, the heel bone, or the navicular bone on the top of the foot. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of a stress fracture may include: 

• Deep, dull pain

• Sharp, localized pain

• Intermittent pain

• Tenderness 

• Weakness

• Swelling

• Bruising 

• Changes in the biomechanics of the foot

Diagnosis

Stress fractures in the foot are diagnosed via medical history and a physical exam. You may also need to have diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, bone scans, or an ultrasound performed to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out any other problems.  

Treatment

Nonsurgical treatment options include resting, icing, compressing and elevating the affected foot, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications, modifying your footwear, wearing a cast, and using crutches. Certain types of foot fractures, such as navicular fractures, respond poorly to nonsurgical treatment and may need surgery to fully heal. 

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.

Falling or tripping is a major health concern for the elderly because such incidents can cause injury or hospitalization in severe cases. It turns out that the health of a senior citizen’s feet can play a huge role in influencing their susceptibility to falling. For example, if a senior has weaker muscles in their feet, it will be significantly more difficult for them to lift their feet when walking. If you are a senior citizen who has poor foot health, consider contacting a chiropodist who can help you with conditions such as swelling and feelings of numbness. By mitigating conditions like these, it might be possible for an individual to decrease their risk of falling. Additionally, a chiropodist might also be able to help you improve blood circulation to the feet, which can also strengthen the feet. Contact a chiropodist to learn more about ways to prevent falls as a senior citizen.

Falls are a major cause of injury among the elderly. To learn more about preventing falls or to get treatment following a foot or ankle injury caused by a fall, 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. 

Falling is one of the leading causes of injury among the elderly. It is said that about 50% of falls that result in hospitalization occur in the home. Fortunately, there are steps that you can implement to reduce your risk of falling in the home. 

Tips to Prevent Falls at Home:

• In the bathroom - Place non-slip mats in the shower or tub, install grab bars near the toilet and bath, and wipe up any moisture or spills as soon as possible. 

• In the living rooms and bedroom - Remove loose wires, cords, or other objects that may be an obstacle to moving around safely. Make sure that you have good lighting throughout the home so that you can always see where you are going. Get rid of any rugs or mats that are not firmly anchored or that may cause you to trip. When walking around the home, move slowly. 

• In the kitchen - Store food and supplies in easily accessible areas, store heavy items in lower cupboards, and wipe up any spills immediately to prevent slipping. 

• On the stairs - Make sure that the stairs are well-lit and have secure handrails. Walk slowly when ascending or descending the stairs.  

• Outside - Keep walkways well-lit and clear of snow, ice, leaves, and man-made tripping hazards.

Maintaining your overall health, including the health of your feet, can also help to prevent falls. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and wear well-fitted, comfortable, and supportive shoes. If you have a mobility device, such as a cane, use it while walking.  

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.

It can be a daunting task to choose the right running shoe. There are variables involved, such as what type of running is preferred, in addition to what surfaces are run on. It is helpful for runners to know their individual needs prior to running, which will be beneficial in choosing the right running shoe. One of the first things to look for is comfort. There should be no question about how comfortably they fit, and a breaking-in period should not be needed. There are many styles of running, ranging from fast sprints to slow and steady runs, in addition to running every day or once per week. Other factors to consider can include understanding that high-cushioned shoes are worn to absorb shock, and are often made with heavier materials. This may not be the shoe of choice if sprinting is the running style. The terrain can dictate what type of running shoes to purchase. Trail running shoes generally have more flexibility to accommodate various surfaces. There are many useful tips that can help you to choose the right shoes, and it is advised that you ask a chiropodist who can guide you in making the right choice.

The right running shoes can sometimes be difficult to find. With so many options on the market, it’s important to know the unique needs of your feet prior to buying running shoes. If you require assistance, 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. 

When looking for running shoes, take into consideration:

• The type of running you will be doing

• The terrain you plan to run on

• Your gait or running pattern

• Your arch type 

• Other unique foot needs

A chiropodist can help by examining your feet and your gait to determine what types of shoes may be best for you. Some runners may require motion control shoes, which prevent your foot from rolling too far inward while you run. Others may need stability shoes, which offer more balance, cushioning, and support. When shopping for shoes, make sure that they are the right size, fit comfortably, and are made of breathable materials. 

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.

A chiropodist is a specialist that treats conditions of the feet and ankles. After a bachelor's degree is obtained, medical school must begin. The chiropody program includes learning about the anatomy of the foot and ankle, diseases that affect this part of the body, and specific methods for how to treat them. This can encompass gait issues, and conditions that can cause a limited range of motion in the feet. Part of the program includes clinical experience, where learning in a hospital or private practice is mandatory to becoming a chiropodist. When a specific amount of hours and a written exam are completed, a license is required for the state that is desired to be practiced in. The foot is considered to be a complex arrangement of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and a qualified chiropodist can gain satisfaction in helping people who have developed foot and ankle pain. 

If you have any foot or ankle concerns, contact one of the specialists of Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can provide the care you need to keep you on your feet.

A chiropodist is a healthcare professional that specializes in the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. With the amount of work the feet do in a lifetime, the whole body works better if the feet are properly supported. Chiropodists must have a bachelor’s degree in science and complete a three to four-year chiropody program. They can then work independently or as part of a team. Chiropodists are like podiatrists, the only difference being the country they obtained where they obtained their degrees. The field can be called podiatry in the United States and chiropody elsewhere. A chiropodist is a popular term for this profession in the UK and Canada. Chiropodists treat a variety of foot problems from corns and calluses to fungal infections. Some also offer orthotics. They might provide a variety of foot therapies, injections, and surgical procedures. Normally one sees a chiropodist when they are experiencing pain but visiting one regularly, as one would a dentist, can help ensure the feet are in top form and help prevent future problems. If you suffer from foot or ankle pain or have questions about your lower extremities, book an appointment with a chiropodist today.

What Does a Chiropodist Do?

A chiropodist helps people with problems with their feet and ankles with the goal of making their lives more comfortable. A chiropodist takes care of blisters, corns, bunions, cracked heels, nail problems, and sprained ankles, just to mention a few things that can go wrong with our feet. A chiropodist will take your medical history and examine your feet for blood circulation and any other problems going on. They will watch you walk and how you move when you walk. They will discuss any findings they come up with and discuss a treatment plan with you.

What Does It Take to Become a Chiropodist?

Chiropodists must have seven to eight years of post-secondary school before beginning to practice. They must obtain a bachelor’s degree in science and complete a three-to-four-year chiropody program. Chiropodists work independently or as part of a team.

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.

Ice skating can be fun, but skaters are susceptible to ankle pain and injuries while participating in this sport. Ice skating involves sudden starts and stops that can place strain on the feet, arches, and ankles. The design of the lower leg makes the ankles particularly vulnerable to injury. Two major muscles, the peroneal and tibialis anterior, take the most stress from ice skating, and these muscles are most apt to sustain inflammation or injury. The peroneal muscle contracts to pick up the feet and can cause pain on the outside of the ankle. The tibialis anterior muscle runs down the outside of the shin. Long stretches of skating can cause this muscle to shorten and can exert pressure on the tendon leading to foot pain at the front of the ankle, in the arches, and along the outside of the foot. Using properly fitted skates with optimum flexibility, orthotics, and padding in the areas that put pressure on the ankles can help alleviate the pain and reduce the risk of injury. Stretching and strengthening exercises might help as well. If you are an ice skater and experience ankle or foot pain, consult with a chiropodist who can diagnose the problem and offer treatment options.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, 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 Injuries Among Athletes: 

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Ankle strains or sprains

• Plantar fasciitis

• Fractures

• Turf toe 

• Joint dislocations

• Sever’s disease

• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

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.

Having diabetes brings a multitude of foot problems with it. Neuropathy is a common disorder for diabetic patients to have. This is defined as nerve damage that can happen from elevated insulin levels, and it causes the inability to feel existing cuts on the feet. It is beneficial for the feet to be checked each day to look for abnormalities. This can be accomplished by using a mirror, or by having a caregiver or family member check them. Additionally, proper foot care involves washing and drying the feet daily, and it is beneficial to refrain from walking barefoot. It is suggested to have the toenails trimmed weekly, and this is often done by a chiropodist. The ideal shoes that are worn will fit well and be comfortable, and wearing socks without a seam may help to prevent skin breaks and rubbing. If you have questions about how to perform proper diabetic foot care, it is advised that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can help manage this condition.

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.

The three main causes of swollen ankles, known as edema, are said to be pregnancy, heart disease, and overuse. These can result due to the body holding on to too much fluid, which eventually settles in the ankles and feet. Symptoms associated with edema include pain, shoes that feel too tight, and trouble walking. In addition, one might experience shortness of breath and an inability to exercise. Edema generally coincides with an underlying condition like fluid imbalance, injury, or inflammation. Other causes include walking or exercising too frequently, or on the contrary, sitting in one place for too long. Pregnancy, autoimmune problems, and blood clots may also cause edema. Medical conditions like poor circulation, heart disease, and kidney disease can contribute to swelling as well. If the swelling in your ankles has become chronic, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can perform tests to identify the cause and suggest appropriate treatment plans.

Ankle pain is a common symptom of many lower limb problems. If you are experiencing ankle 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. 

The ankle is composed of a number of muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. There are many conditions which may cause ankle pain. 

Causes

• Ankle strains or sprains

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Fractures

• Bursitis

• Arthritis

• Gout

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Symptoms

If you have ankle pain, you may also experience a variety of other symptoms depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Some of these symptoms may include ankle swelling, bruising, redness, numbness or tingling, instability, and difficulty walking.

Diagnosis

The underlying cause of ankle pain can be diagnosed by a chiropodist. Diagnoses are typically made based on your medical history, a physical examination of the affected ankle, and imaging studies such as X-rays. 

Treatment

Treatment for your ankle pain will depend on its underlying cause. Often, the chiropodist will recommend that you rest the affected ankle. You might also need to ice, compress, and elevate the ankle, wear an orthotic device, or take medications to reduce pain and inflammation. 

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.

Foot pain is nothing to take lightly–when our feet hurt, our activities can be limited, and our lower limbs can feel quite uncomfortable. One common source of foot pain to be aware of is blood clots. In some cases, when a blood clot develops in a deep vein in the body, ankle and foot pain can occur. There are some risk factors that can make this more likely. Namely, if you are a smoker or are older than 60 years old, it is possible that you might develop this condition. Sometimes, when someone is experiencing foot pain that does not seem to have an immediate or obvious cause, blood clots could be the culprit. This condition can become more severe when there is discoloration in the affected area. If you suspect that you could have a blood clot and are experiencing foot pain, contact 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.