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Diabetic patients can encounter foot problems if basic care needs are not met. Diabetes can occur as a result of elevated blood sugar levels and can come from specific foods that are eaten. Neuropathy is a common condition that can happen from being diabetic, and this is the inability to feel existing cuts and scrapes on the feet. The feet can become numb, and untreated injuries may develop into serious foot issues. Diabetic foot care can begin with checking the feet every day, and this can be done by using a mirror if a family member or caregiver is not present. This can be preceded by washing and drying the feet thoroughly and trimming the nails weekly. Many people choose to visit a chiropodist to have this done, which may help to eliminate ingrown toenails from developing. It is beneficial to monitor glucose levels daily, and this can help to educate the patient about which foods produce high sugar levels. People who smoke may have poor circulation, and it is suggested that smoking is stopped to ensure proper blood flow. Maintaining good foot care is crucial in diabetic patients, and it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can help you to 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.

There are different types of ankle fractures, consisting of partial and complete. A partial break refers to a bone that is slightly cracked, as its name implies. A thorough fracture is a complete break, and the bone ends up in two pieces. Many broken ankles are treated by wearing a cast or a protective boot, and this is often adequate in providing the necessary support as the healing process occurs. For severe fractures, surgery may be required to ensure complete healing. This is advised if the bones are displaced, or tendons and ligaments are torn. There may be metal pins, screws, or plates inserted in the foot that hold the bones in place as the ankle heals, and possibly removed at a later date if necessary. Patients have found mild relief when the affected foot is frequently elevated, and mild pain relievers may be suggested for pain and discomfort. If you have fractured your ankle, please schedule an appointment with a chiropodist sooner rather than later who can recommend the treatment option that is correct for you.

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A condition known as plantar hyperhidrosis, or more commonly sweaty feet, can be annoying and even embarrassing. Some people sweat so much that their feet slide around in their shoes. Sometimes the feet can become infected and smell bad. Hyperhidrosis also can cause the feet to feel cold because they are continuously wet. While the cause of plantar hyperhidrosis is not clear, it seems to be a case of overactive sweat glands that are inherited. Sweaty feet are more common in men than in women and more common among young adults. It is wise to wash your feet daily with antibacterial soap to ward off infections that may cause foot odor. Using an antifungal foot powder may also help. Absorbent shoe inserts and moisture-wicking socks are suggested. Drying out your shoes thoroughly after wearing them and alternating shoes each day are good ideas. A chiropodist can offer a number of other treatment options, including Botox injections and certain prescription medications. For more information, please consult a chiropodist.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes excessive sweating of the feet. This problem is not only embarrassing but can also cause a variety of foot health problems if left untreated. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments available for plantar hyperhidrosis. If you have very sweaty 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. 

Signs & Symptoms

• Excessive foot sweat
• Sweating from both feet
• Slipping out of shoes due to sweat
• Damp footprints
• Ruined shoes
• Frequent foot infections
• Friction blisters
• Whitish foot color
• Wrinkly, pruney feet
• Cold feet
• Strong odor

Treatment Options

• Topical antiperspirants - Powders, creams, or gels that are applied directly to the feet to prevent sweating; can be over the counter or prescription strength
• Oral medications - Pills taken by mouth to reduce sweating temporarily
• Iontophoresis - A procedure that uses a mild electrical current conducted through water to reduce activity in hyperactive sweat glands
• Botox - Injected into the feet to prevent activation of sweat glands

In addition to these treatment options, footwear modifications, such as wearing shoes and socks made of breathable or moisture-wicking materials, are also suggested. 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.

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.