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Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition marked by heel pain where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone. This discomfort is usually felt with the first steps in the morning, or after long periods of rest. It often worsens later in the day, particularly during push-off while walking. The pain may also spread along the inside of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is linked to repeated strain or small tears in the fascia. Risk factors include reduced flexibility in the Achilles tendon, flat or high arches, prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces, and activities such as running or dancing. Wearing high-heeled shoes for extended periods of time, or having a sedentary lifestyle may also increase the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis. A chiropodist can assess foot mechanics and identify tenderness during specific foot movements. Non-surgical care may involve custom orthotics, heel support, and guided stretching exercises. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for expert guidance.

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.

Skin fissures on the heels are deep cracks in the skin that often result from dryness, pressure, or thickened calluses. These splits can be painful and may even lead to infection if not properly treated. Contributing factors include prolonged standing, wearing open-backed footwear, obesity, or medical conditions such as diabetes. A chiropodist can assess the severity of the fissures, gently remove hard skin, and provide custom care plans to encourage healing. If needed, specialized padding or orthotics can also be used to relieve pressure on the heels. Do not ignore the signs of cracked heels. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist to restore comfort and protect your foot health.

Dry, cracked heels are more than a cosmetic inconvenience. For many people, they are uncomfortable, deep, painful, and may even bleed. If you suffer from cracked heels, 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. 

Causes

• Prolonged standing
• Wearing open-back shoes
• Wearing shoes that don’t cushion the heels
• Living in a cold or dry climate
• Taking long, hot showers
• Not moisturizing the heels
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Palmoplantar keratoderma
• Juvenile plantar dermatosis

Treatments

• Soaking the feet
• Exfoliating with a pumice stone
• Moisturizing the heels
• Wearing closed-back shoes that cushion heels
• Avoiding prolonged standing
• Taking warm, rather than hot, showers
• Treating underlying skin conditions 

While milder cases of cracked heels can be treated at home, some patients present with deep, painful, bleeding heel fissures that are at risk of becoming infected and may require medical care. Additionally, patients with diabetes or any other conditions that affect the immune system should be monitored 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.

Pain in the foot or ankle can show up in many places, each pointing to a different possible cause. Discomfort in the heel may be linked to strain in the tissue under the foot or to a bony growth where the heel meets the ground. Arch pain can come from overuse, poor support, or conditions like flat feet. The ball of the foot may hurt due to pressure from wearing tight shoes, overuse injuries, or nerve irritation. Pain in the toes might suggest problems like ingrown nails, arthritis, or deformities such as hammertoes. Around the ankle, soreness can result from past injuries, ligament strain, or inflammation of nearby tendons. Noticing where the pain starts and when it occurs helps narrow down the issue. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain that does not go away or makes movement difficult, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for a complete evaluation.

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot pain, 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. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

• Plantar fasciitis
• Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes
• Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet
• Arthritis
• Flat feet
• Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

• Heel pain
• Arch pain
• Toe pain
• Ball of foot pain
• Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality
• Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

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.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition is commonly caused by improper nail trimming, tight footwear, injury, or inherited nail shape. Symptoms include redness, tenderness, and sometimes drainage or pus around the nail. Risk factors include poor foot hygiene, curved toenails, and repeated pressure on the toes. A chiropodist can assess the severity, provide relief through gentle nail care or minor procedures, and offer advice on preventing recurrence. If you notice signs of an ingrown toenail, do not ignore the discomfort. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist to treat the problem early and protect your foot health from complications.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, 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 an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include: 

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail. 

Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers. 

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.