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Diabetes can lead to serious foot complications due to its effects on nerves and circulation. Neuropathy, or nerve damage, reduces sensation in the feet, making it difficult to detect injuries, blisters, or pressure sores. Without proper care, small wounds can develop into ulcers and infections. Arterial disease, caused by poor circulation, slows the healing process and increases the risk of tissue damage. Reduced blood flow can also lead to foot deformities, as weakened muscles and joints cause changes in foot structure. In severe cases, untreated infections or non-healing ulcers may result in the loss of toes or limbs. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can help you to monitor this serious 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.

Most people do not think about their feet until pain or discomfort disrupts their daily activities. Healthy feet allow for stability and movement, but issues such as bunions, hammertoes, and arch pain can develop over time. Wearing improper footwear, repetitive strain, and medical conditions like diabetes also can contribute to foot problems. Numbness or tingling in the feet may indicate nerve damage, while persistent swelling or joint stiffness could signal arthritis or circulation concerns. Wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes can help prevent discomfort, and regularly inspecting the feet for cuts, blisters, or skin changes is especially important for people with diabetes. Heel pain, often linked to conditions like plantar fasciitis, can make walking difficult and may require medical treatment. A chiropodist can assess your foot health, provide treatment for structural problems, and offer custom orthotics to relieve pain and improve foot function. Addressing your foot concerns early can prevent further complications and maintain mobility. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for advice.

Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, 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. 

There are many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including: 

• Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly
• Washing the feet daily with soap and water
• Drying the feet thoroughly
• Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet
• Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly
• Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises 

A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. 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.

Heel fissures are cracks in the skin that develop on the heels due to excessive dryness and pressure. These cracks can become deep and painful, especially while walking or standing for long periods of time. Symptoms include rough, thickened skin surrounding the heel, visible cracks, redness, and occasional bleeding if the fissures are severe. Causes include prolonged standing, footwear with inadequate cushioning, dehydration, and underlying conditions like diabetes or eczema. Exposure to dry or cold environments can also worsen the condition. If left untreated, heel fissures can lead to infections and increased discomfort. Regular moisturizing, gentle exfoliation, and wearing supportive footwear can help prevent and manage this condition. Cracked heels can cause difficulty in completing daily activities and, if this is true for you, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can cause pain and discomfort. If your cracked heels are bothering you, 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. 

Dry, thickened skin around the rim of the heel is typically the first sign of cracked heels. While this condition is common and usually just a nuisance, some cases can be more severe. If left untreated and as more pressure is placed on the heel, the cracks become deeper and eventually walking and standing can be painful. These deep cracks or fissures can bleed and also become infected. Those with diabetes need to be especially careful as fissures could lead to diabetic foot ulcers. 

Causes

Cracked heels can be the result of several different factors, including: 

• Dry skin
• Taking long, hot showers or using harsh soaps
• Standing for long periods of time
• Walking barefoot
• Walking in shoes with an open back, such as sandals or flip flops
• Wearing shoes that do not fit properly
• Living in a cold or dry climate
• Certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis

Treatment

There are many at-home treatment remedies for cracked heels. Applying moisturizers to the heel can help hydrate the skin. Soaking your feet in warm water and exfoliating them with a loofah or pumice stone can help to buff away dead skin cells. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can prevent cracked heels by:

• Avoiding standing in one position for prolonged periods of time
• Wearing well-fitted shoes with a closed back
• Washing your feet with gentle soaps and lukewarm water
• Moisturizing the feet daily

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.

Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves in the feet, causing numbness, tingling, or even pain. Researchers have explored whether being taller increases the risk of developing this condition. Since taller individuals have longer nerves, signals must travel a greater distance, making them more vulnerable to damage. Poor circulation in the lower limbs can also contribute to nerve dysfunction, especially in those with diabetes or other underlying health conditions. Symptoms often start in the toes and progress upward, making it difficult to detect injuries or feel temperature changes. This loss of sensation can lead to wounds that go unnoticed, increasing the risk of complications. While height may be a factor, other issues like diabetes, alcohol use, and vitamin deficiencies play a role. If you experience numbness or burning in your feet, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist who can assess nerve health and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Neuropathy can cause permanent nerve damage if left untreated. If you are experiencing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, 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 Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that damages the nerves of the peripheral nervous system, which provide sensation to the limbs. The feet are often affected. Peripheral neuropathy can have many different causes, but it is most commonly associated with diabetes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Pain
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Burning sensations
• Weakness
• Loss of balance

Diagnosis

Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed based on medical history and physical examination. Various tests performed during physical examinations can help determine the type of peripheral neuropathy you may have and what is causing it. 

Treatment

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy will depend on what is causing it. For example, if your peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes, then managing your blood sugar, exercising regularly to strengthen the legs and feet, and taking pain medications may be recommended as treatments. 

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.