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Many people choose to wear flip-flops when the summer months arrive, despite knowing they are not the best type of shoes to wear. They are available in a variety of styles and colors, and are easy to slip on, but frequent use may damage the feet. Most flip-flops are not supportive and are held together by a thin strip of rubber or material that lies between the big toe and the second toe. There are a few styles that can be considered which may contradict this reasoning. These can include flip-flops that have a flexible sole that can help to enhance foot strength, and have a wide toe area where the toes can move freely. A well-designed flip-flop may be able to keep the shoe on the foot, without having the toes ache. If you would like more information about the benefits of wearing flip-flops, please consult with a chiropodist who can answer any questions you may have.

Flip-flops, though they may seem harmless, are bad for your foot health. If you would like to learn more about the many problems that can be caused by frequent flip-flop wear, 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. 

Flip-flops are the quintessential summer shoe, seemingly perfect for the beach or pool. Unfortunately, these flimsy shoes are not a good choice when it comes to keeping your feet healthy. 

Frequently wearing flip-flops is associated with: 

• Hammertoes
• Bunions
• Plantar fasciitis
• Heel spurs
• Cracked heels
• Plantar warts
• Athlete’s foot
• Foot pain
• Foot and ankle injuries
• Gait changes
• Leg, hip, and back pain

The best way to avoid these issues is to swap your flip-flops for more protective and supportive shoes. If you must wear flip-flops, wear them only for short periods of time. 

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.

Pain on the outside of the foot is known as lateral foot pain. This type of pain can be stabbing, burning, or aching. It can also be bothersome or debilitating. Severe pain can limit standing, walking, exercise, and other activities. This type of pain is not as common as other kinds of foot pain and identifying its source can be challenging. Causes of pain on the outside of the foot can include, but not be limited to, ankle sprains, arthritis, and bunionettes. Ankle sprains causing lateral foot pain are more apt to occur in those people who have high arches. Activities that cause the foot to twist, roll inward, or suddenly change directions, are common causes of ankle sprains. Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in joints. A bunionette which is also called a tailor’s bunion is a bone malformation that causes the base of the pinky toe to jut outward. If you experience pain on the outside of the foot that does not improve with rest or begins to feel worse, it is important to seek the counsel of a chiropodist who can provide you with a diagnosis and advise you of the best course of treatment.

Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have 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. 

When you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis. 

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:

• Stress fractures
• Sinus tarsi syndrome
• Extensor tendonitis
• Tibialis anterior tendonitis
• Gout
• Athlete’s foot
• Ganglion cysts

Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Foot cramps
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fibromatosis
• Posterior tibial tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Flat feet

Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:

• Ankle sprain
• Cuboid syndrome
• Peroneal tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Bunions
• Corns or calluses
• Posterior tibial tendonitis

Heel pain may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Bone spurs
• Heel fractures
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis
• Sever’s disease 

Pain in the toes may be caused by:

• Gout
• Hammertoe
• Turf toe
• Bunions
• Ingrown toenails
• Blisters
• Arthritis

These and many more conditions can be 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.

A wound is a break in body tissue that happens either internally or externally. A minor wound can be treated at home by cleaning it, followed by covering it with a dressing. Severe wounds can consist of an abrasion that can happen when the skin rubs against a hard surface. Road rash is an example of this type of wound, and infection may be prevented when it is cleaned. A needle or pointy object can cause a puncture wound, and may be well below the skin’s surface. Patients who are involved in serious accidents may experience an avulsion wound which can bleed heavy and fast. Wounds that occur on the feet are treated by a chiropodist, and it is suggested that you seek the counsel of this type of medical professional who can effectively treat foot wounds.

Wound care is the process of treating and preventing wounds on the feet. This is especially important if you have diabetes, as diabetic foot wounds are common and can lead to serious complications when left untreated. To learn more about proper wound care, 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. 

Why Is Wound Care Important for Diabetics?

While wound care is important for maintaining the health of your feet, it is especially important for people with diabetes. This is because diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation, causing foot wounds to heal very slowly or not to heal at all. Diabetics also frequently suffer from neuropathy or nerve loss. This means no matter how big or little the wound, they might not feel it on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. This is why it is imperative that diabetics complete daily foot checks.

Wound Care Basics

The best way to care for wounds is to prevent them in the first place. It is recommended that people with diabetes perform a daily examination of their feet to locate cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds. Early detection allows for ample time to treat the wounds and prevent further complications. If you notice a wound at home, you can clean it using water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover the wound with a clean bandage. Seeing a chiropodist, who can examine your feet thoroughly and treat any existing wounds, can also help you maintain proper foot health. 

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.

Senior citizens can be especially susceptible to suffering falls, which may lead to serious health consequences. Often, the reason why seniors are susceptible to falling is due to decreased strength in the feet. When seniors fall, they may also further damage their feet due to foot injuries caused by the fall. Seniors may be likely to suffer a fall on their porches because they can often be slippery due to rain. One way to prevent this is by being sure to wear proper footwear when walking around on the porch. For example, flip-flops should be avoided on the porch because this kind of footwear can lead to trips and falls. Additionally, seniors can try to keep their porches clean, clearing clutter that may cause a fall. If you are struggling with preventing falls, contact a chiropodist.

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.