Blog

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.

The feet are made up of small, delicate structures that aid in mobility and assist in balance. Typically, a foot fracture occurs from a direct blow to the foot or due to an overuse injury. Depending on the type of injury sustained with a foot fracture and the medical attention obtained for it, complications can arise. Those who have broken a foot may develop early arthritis which can cause pain and a feeling of unsteadiness. This is particularly common if the break involves one or more of the joints involved with a range of motion. A significant complication of a broken foot is if there is a break in the skin and bacteria enters the body causing infection. In severe cases, If the infection is not treated promptly, amputation may be necessary. To aid in the proper healing of a fractured foot, especially because of the possibilities of complications, it is imperative to schedule an appointment with a chiropodist as soon as possible. 

A foot fracture is a crack or break in a foot bone, often caused by repetitive stress on the foot or a high-impact foot injury. If you’re suffering from foot pain, 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

• Pain

• Bruising

• Tenderness

• Swelling

• Difficulty walking

• Deformity

Causes

• Repetitive overloading of the foot

• Having a previous fracture

• Abnormal foot biomechanics

• Changing training surfaces suddenly 

• Poor footwear

• Osteoporosis 

• High-impact injury 

Treatments

• Rest

• Ice

• Elevation

• Pain medication

• Braces or other orthotics

• Casts

• Crutches

• Surgery in more severe cases 

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 feet are often the most neglected part of the body. This is unfortunate because they carry the weight of the entire body and can negatively affect your overall health if there is foot pain or complications with the feet. It is important to maintain daily foot care, and this is especially true in elderly patients. One of the ways to properly take care of elderly feet is to ensure that your shoes fit well. This is essential in possibly preventing bunions, hammertoes, cracked heels, and corns from gradually forming. The proper shoes should have the right amount of flexibility, lower heels, and not be too heavy for the wearer. To exhibit good foot care, wash and dry the feet thoroughly each day followed by using a good moisturizer. Additionally, it is wise to have the shoes accommodate thicker socks if the patient chooses to wear them. If you would like to know more information about how to care for elderly feet, please schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.

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.

People over age 60 are more prone to falling than those who are younger. After sustaining a fall, some older adults end up in long-term care facilities as their mobility and independence have been compromised. Most risk factors that lead to falling can be minimized or eliminated. Some common risk factors include trip hazards at home or work, poorly fitting footwear, and insufficient lower body strength. Lighting, clutter on the floor, and loose rugs or mats are some of the hazards that can be remedied at home or work. Wearing shoes that are supportive and fit properly can go a long way in preventing unnecessary falls. Participating in exercises that maintain lower body strength and flexibility can also ensure greater safety and fewer falls. If you are older or taking care of a senior, consult with a chiropodist who can offer more information on fall risks and prevention measures.

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.

Neuropathy, or nerve damage, can be common among people who are afflicted with diabetes, and this can cause an inability to feel sensations in the feet. It is important to check the soles of the feet daily as this can provide an opportunity to notice existing cuts, bruises, or scrapes on the feet. Undetected sores on the feet may lead to an infection and can ultimately cause a diabetic foot ulcer. Foot ulcers are generally treated by taking antibiotics. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary if the foot ulcers are not treated. There are simple measures that can be implemented by diabetic patients to care for their feet. These include washing and drying the feet daily as well as trimming the toenails. Additionally, it can be beneficial to wear moisture-wicking socks and shoes that fit correctly. Other methods can be implemented to care for diabetic feet and it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist if you would like more information.

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.