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Stress fractures, or hairline fractures as they are sometimes called, are small cracks that develop in a bone when it is unable to handle the weight placed on it. Because the feet bear the weight of the entire body and are also heavily involved in our mobility, stress fractures frequently occur in the foot bones. Stress fractures are often caused by overuse or doing repetitive activities that place stress on the foot, such as running or dancing. Symptoms of a stress fracture include tenderness, deep and dull pain, weakness, swelling, and bruising. Without treatment, stress fractures can worsen over time. If you are experiencing the symptoms of a stress fracture, it is recommended that you seek treatment from a chiropodist. 

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.

Morton’s neuroma refers to the thickening of the nerve tissue between the third and fourth toes. This thickening is caused by compression and irritation of the nerve. If left untreated, the nerve may become permanently damaged. Morton’s neuroma can develop from wearing shoes that are too tight in the toes and from shoes that have high heels. Running or other activities that involve repetitive irritation to the ball of the foot can also lead to Morton’s neuroma. Symptoms of this condition can include tingling, burning, numbness, and pain in the foot. Some have described the unique sensation of Morton’s neuroma as feeling like a pebble is stuck in the ball of the foot or like there is something stuck in their shoe like a scrunched-up sock. Symptoms typically begin gradually and may worsen over time. For more information about Morton’s neuroma, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Morton's neuroma can be highly uncomfortable. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Morton's neuroma, 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 a Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a condition in which a nerve located in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes thickens due to compression or irritation. Common causes of Morton’s neuroma include wearing shoes with high heels or narrow toe boxes, participating in running or court sports, an injury or trauma to the area, or pressure being placed on the nerve from foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. Left untreated, Morton's neuroma may result in permanent nerve damage.  

Symptoms

Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma often start gradually and worsen over time. Typical symptoms  include: 

• Foot pain
• Tingling, burning, or numbness in the affected foot
• The unique sensation that something is inside the ball of the foot or that there is something stuck in your shoe while walking

Treatment

Non-surgical treatments for this condition may include padding or icing the affected foot, wearing an orthotic device, modifying activities or shoes to reduce pressure on the foot, and taking medications or getting injections to reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery may be needed if non-surgical 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.

Having cold feet in winter is normal due to the cold temperatures. However, if you’re wearing your warmest socks, sitting by a fireplace, and your feet still feel like icicles, then there may be more than just cold weather to blame for your cold feet. Cold feet can be caused by poor circulation in the lower limbs, which is often associated with conditions like diabetes and peripheral artery disease. Nerve damage in the feet can also lead to a cold or numb sensation. Systemic conditions, such as hypothyroidism and anemia, may also make your feet, and whole body, feel cold. If you’re experiencing inexplicably cold feet, please seek the care of a chiropodist. 

The winter months can bring about new or worsening foot and ankle problems. If you’re suffering from foot or ankle 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. 

Winter Foot Problems

• Cracked heels - Dry, cracked skin on the heels of the feet that is associated with cold, dry weather
• Athlete’s foot - A fungal infection on the skin of the feet
• Blisters - Fluid-filled bubbles of skin that usually form in response to friction
• Fractures - Broken bones in the feet or ankles
• Metatarsalgia - General foot pain
• Chilblains - Spasming of the small blood vessels in the toes in response to exposure to cold weather
• Raynaud’s disease - Numbness, pain, and color changes in the toes due to cold weather 

Prevention

• Wear warm socks and shoes
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the cold
• Moisturize the heels regularly
• Keep your feet clean and dry
• Walk carefully in areas that may be icy
• Wear non-slip shoes 

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 swimming pool is a fun place to visit during the warm summer months, but it’s also a place where the viruses and fungi that can cause foot problems thrive. The wet, humid conditions at most public swimming pools, coupled with many people walking around barefoot, are breeding grounds for tinea, the fungus that causes athlete’s foot. This condition is a skin infection characterized by rough, scaly, itchy, and peeling skin. Fungi at the pool can also infect the toenails, causing them to become thickened, crumbly, and discolored. Both of these infections can be treated with topical and oral antifungal medications. Foot warts are also commonly contracted poolside and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The warts are benign, fleshy growths of rough, grainy skin and are often painless. They can go away on their own given time, or they can be treated through various methods. The best way to prevent these infections is to maintain good foot hygiene, avoid sharing personal items like shoes, socks, and towels with others, and wear flip-flops or other shoes when frequenting public areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. For more information, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Summer is the season for many foot and ankle issues. If you’re suffering from a foot or ankle problem, 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. 

Common Summer Foot Problems 

• Athlete’s foot
• Toenail fungus
• Plantar warts
• Foot and ankle injuries
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Heel pain
• Cracked heels
• Sunburns
• Blisters

Prevention

• Wear supportive shoes and avoid flip-flops
• Maintain good foot hygiene
• Exfoliate and moisturize the heels
• Apply sunscreen to the feet and ankles
• Wear shoes in public areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers 

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.