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Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that affects the bottom of the foot, causing pain mostly in the arch and heel. The plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot, can sustain tears from excessive pounding on the feet, over exercising, and obesity. Aside from rest and anti-inflammatory pain medication, experts recommend certain stretching exercises designed to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis. First is the towel stretch. This calls for sitting on the floor with legs extended. Then loop a towel around the ball of the foot and pull the toes toward the body. It’s important to keep the knees straight and hold the stretch for 30 seconds. Repeat three times on each foot. The second is the foot roll. Sit in a chair, and place the arch of the foot over a tennis ball or small water bottle. Roll your foot back and forth with enough pressure that you can feel the plantar fascia stretching. Continue for three minutes and repeat on the other foot. This exercise can be repeated several times throughout the day. To find out more about exercises that relieve pain from plantar fasciitis, please consult a chiropodist.

Plantar fasciitis can be painful and interfere with your daily activities. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain and believe you may be afflicted with plantar fasciitis, 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 Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Repetitive activities, such as running or jumping, can injure the plantar fascia over time. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by flat feet, high arches, pregnancy, and activities that put excessive pressure on your feet, like standing all day for work. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it causes pain and discomfort. 

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Stabbing pain near the heel
• Pain that is worst in the morning or after a period of rest
• Pain that increases after exercising
• Swelling
• Tightness in the Achilles tendon

Diagnosis

Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed via medical history and physical examination. 

Treatment

Treatments for plantar fasciitis include resting and icing the affected foot, stretching the foot, taking medications to reduce inflammation, and wearing orthotics. In severe cases where pain does not improve with conservative treatments, injections or surgery may be recommended. 

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.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder. Those with this condition often experience pain in the ankle, foot, and toes. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the posterior tibial nerve, which runs through a canal near the heel and into the sole of the foot. When the tissues around this nerve become inflamed, they can press on the nerve, therefore, causing pain. If you have symptoms of this syndrome, contact a chiropodist who is dedicated to foot health and can offer you the best treatment plan.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause pain and progress over time. If you are experiencing any symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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 Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the posterior tibial nerve, which is located within a structure called the tarsal tunnel on the inside of the ankle, is squeezed. Compression of the posterior tibial nerve can be caused by injuries, such as ankle sprains, systemic diseases like diabetes or arthritis, strain on the tarsal tunnel due to flat feet, or an enlarged structure like a cyst squeezing the nerve. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear suddenly and are generally worsened by physical activity. 

Common symptoms include: 

• Tingling, burning, or electrical shock sensation on the inside of the ankle or bottom of the foot
• Numbness
• Shooting pain 

Diagnosis

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed through physical examination. If initial treatment is ineffective, imaging or nerve studies may also be necessary. 

Treatment

Nonsurgical treatments for tarsal tunnel syndrome include resting and icing the foot, bracing or immobilizing the foot, wearing an orthotic device, modifying your footwear, and taking medications to relieve pain. Surgery may be needed if nonsurgical treatments are ineffective.  

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.

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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