High Heels Linked to Foot and Ankle Pain

In a recent study of foot pain, a link was found between certain types of shoes, including high heels, pumps, and sandals, and foot pain among women. The research highlights the significance of footwear choices beyond mere fashion, emphasizing the importance of support and structure in shoes to decrease or eliminate foot pain. Foot and toe pain ranks among the top reasons for visits to a chiropodist. This is especially true among older individuals and women far more often than men. High-heeled shoes sometimes lack the necessary shock absorption features found in sneakers and athletic footwear. Over some time, this can lead to increased stress on the heel and ankle with each step. It's imperative for individuals, especially young women, to make informed decisions about their footwear to protect their foot health in the long term. A chiropodist can offer tailored solutions to alleviate foot pain and improve overall foot health. For help with foot pain that may have developed from certain shoes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist.

High heels have been in style for centuries, but unfortunately, they have also been damaging feet for centuries. If you would like to learn more about how high heels can hurt your 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. 

High heels can cause a variety of problems, including:

  • Foot and ankle pain

  • Foot and ankle injuries

  • Toe pain and deformities 

  • Gait abnormalities

  • Achilles tendonitis 

  • Changes in posture

  • Difficulty balancing

  • Leg, hip, and back pain

If you are reluctant to abandon your high heels, you can still wear them, but should take measures to minimize damage to your feet: 

  • Wear shoes with heels no higher than 2 inches

  • Choose properly fitted shoes

  • Choose shoes with a wide toe box

  • Wear high heels infrequently 

  • When wearing high heels, take them off periodically to stretch and relax your feet 

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.

Read more about High Heels and the Feet

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Spring

Spring is the season for running, baseball, tennis, and more. After a long winter of staying inside and perhaps staying sedentary, many people begin to increase their physical activity. Unfortunately, a sudden or rapid increase in physical activity can increase the risk of incurring a foot or ankle injury. Common springtime injuries include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, strains, sprains, and fractures. 

Fortunately, there are many steps that you can take to avoid injuries. When beginning any new exercise routine, it’s important to take things slow. Do not rapidly increase the intensity or duration of your training. Instead, increase one factor at a time, gradually. For example, if you’re a runner, increase the distance that you run gradually over the course of several weeks or months. Take breaks in between workouts to allow yourself time to heal properly. It’’s equally as important to be wearing the right shoes. Choose shoes that are comfortable, fit well, and offer support. 

If you do get injured or begin to notice subtle signs of injury, such as pain during physical activity, seek the care of a chiropodist. While you wait for your appointment, you can also take measures to reduce pain at home by resting the injured foot, applying ice, and compressing and elevating it. A chiropodist will be able to diagnose the injury and find the right treatment for you.

Foot Preparation for the Spring Season

As the vibrant hues of spring emerge, it is time to turn our attention to preparing our feet for the season's adventures. Winter often leaves our feet neglected, enclosed in thick socks and boots, leading to dryness, calluses, and even fungal infections. Start by indulging in a rejuvenating foot soak, softening the skin and easing tension accumulated over the colder months. Follow up with gentle exfoliation to slough off dead skin cells, unveiling soft, supple soles. Nourish your feet with a rich moisturizer, paying extra attention to heels and cuticles. Trim nails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails and ensure a neat appearance. It is beneficial to assess your footwear and choose breathable, supportive, shoes that accommodate the changing weather conditions and your springtime activities. If you would like additional information about effective foot care routines, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist.

Springtime is the season that many people use to get back into exercising and sports. It’s also a time when foot and ankle injuries may be more common. If you have a foot or ankle injury, 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 Foot and Ankle Problems in Spring 

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Achilles tendonitis

  • Shin splints 

  • Strains

  • Sprains

  • Fractures

  • And more

Avoiding Injury

  • Increase physical activity slowly and gradually

  • Wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes and socks

  • Take time to rest following a workout 

  • Recognize and treat any injuries promptly 

Treatment at Home

  • Rest the injured foot

  • Apply ice to reduce swelling

  • Compress the injured foot with a bandage 

  • Elevate the foot to prevent swelling

Serious, chronic, or particularly painful injuries require medical care by a professional. 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.

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Flat Feet

A flat foot is a foot that has no visible arch in the middle of the sole of the foot while standing. There are two types of flat feet. A flexible flat foot has a visible arch when the foot is not bearing weight, but the arch disappears when the person stands or puts any weight on the foot. A rigid flat foot has no visible arch regardless of whether or not the foot is bearing any weight. Flat feet can also be present from birth or can develop over time, as the ligaments that hold up the arch of the foot weaken. When flat feet are acquired, they are referred to as fallen arches. 

In many cases, flat feet do not cause any pain or other symptoms. This is especially true for those who were born with flat feet. In the instances where flat feet are not asymptomatic, they may cause pain in the heel, arch, ankle, or along the outside of the foot, as well as shin pain, foot aches or fatigue, and lower back, hip, or knee pain. People who have flat feet are also more likely to have an abnormal gait or walking pattern that may affect their daily activities. 

Flat feet can be diagnosed through a physical examination. An imaging study, such as an X-ray, may be used to determine the severity of the condition. Treatments for flat feet include footwear and activity modifications, wearing orthotics, taking medications to relieve pain, and physical therapy. If you have flat feet that are causing you pain or discomfort, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Understanding Flat Feet in Children

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, are a common condition among children, characterized by the absence or low arches of the inner foot. While some children are born with naturally flat feet, others may develop them as they grow. In most cases, flat feet do not cause pain or discomfort and do not require treatment. However, in some instances, children may experience symptoms such as foot pain, stiffness, or difficulty with activities like running or jumping. Factors contributing to flat feet in children include genetics, muscle weakness, or underlying medical conditions like cerebral palsy or Down syndrome. While flat feet typically do not require intervention, supportive footwear or orthotic inserts may be recommended for children experiencing discomfort. Encouraging children to engage in activities that strengthen the muscles of the feet and legs, such as swimming or gymnastics, can also help alleviate symptoms associated with flat feet. Monitoring children's foot development and consulting a chiropodist if concerns arise is essential for promoting optimal foot health and mobility throughout childhood. If your child has flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with this type of healthcare professional for management tips.

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.

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Falls Prevention

Many older adults think that falls are rare and won’t happen to them, so they don’t need to take steps to reduce the risk of falling. This isn’t true, as falls are very common. Falls are one of the leading causes of serious injuries and disabilities among older adults. Not only does falling affect one’s physical health, but it can also cause psychological harm. An older adult who has fallen may lose confidence in their abilities to get around and live independently. They may feel that the only ways to prevent falling are to avoid physical activities and stay in the house when this can in fact be counterproductive. 

Though staying in the house can be tempting for an adult that is afraid of falling, it’s worthwhile to note that over 50% of all falls occur in the home. A better way to prevent falls is to take steps to make your home safer. Remove tripping hazards, like loose cables, slippery rugs, and low furniture from the home. Install good quality lighting that will allow you to see where you are walking. In the bathrooms, use a non-slip bath mat and install grab bars in the shower to avoid slipping. When you do leave the house, don’t be ashamed to use a mobility aid, such as a cane, if necessary. 

Reducing the risk of falling continues with taking care of one’s physical health. Exercising regularly and incorporating exercises that stretch and strengthen the lower limbs is important for maintaining mobility. Vision care is another key element of falls prevention, as people with vision impairment are more than twice as likely to fall than those who don’t have vision problems. Being able to clearly see where you are going and if there are any tripping hazards in your way will help prevent falls. Managing your medications can help prevent falls. Certain medications cause side effects that impair balance, leading to falls. You should talk to your doctors about the medications that you are currently taking, their side effects, and any ways that they may interact with one another. Finally, regularly seeing a chiropodist can help maintain your foot health and mobility. A chiropodist can not only treat any existing foot problems, which can contribute to falling, but also help you prevent future issues. 

Choosing the Right Walking Aid

Walking aids are indispensable for anyone with mobility issues, providing much-needed support, stability, and balance. Yet, selecting the appropriate walking aid is paramount, particularly for older adults. Studies have underscored the link between falls and improperly chosen walking aids or using them incorrectly. There are several types of walking aids, including canes, walkers, crutches, rollators, and walking frames. To narrow down the options, it is essential to assess individual mobility requirements, including balance, stability, and post-injury or surgical recovery. Obtaining accurate measurements, especially for cane height, ensures comfort and minimizes fall risk. Selecting an appropriate grip for comfort and support is key, as is considering walking aids with added stability features, like quadrupeds or rollators for those with balance concerns. Portability is another aspect to consider, with rollators ideal for outdoor use and lightweight canes or crutches for indoor use. If you are having trouble with balance or stability, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist today for guidance tailored to your specific needs.

Falls are a common but preventable problem for older adults. If you would like to learn more about preventing falls, 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. 

Did you know that most falls occur in the home? Fortunately, there are many simple changes that you can make to the living environment to reduce the risk of falling. 

In the Bathroom:

  • Install grab bars near toilets, bathtubs, and showers

  • Put non-skid mats on all surfaces that may get wet

In the Bedroom:

  • Keep a light near the bed so that you can easily turn it on if you have to get up at night

  • Keep the path from your bedroom to the bathroom clutter-free and well-lit

  • Consider installing a bed rail for added support

In the Kitchen:

  • Use non-skid mats

  • Wipe up any spills immediately

  • Move commonly used items to areas that are easily within your reach

In the Hallways:

  • Place handrails on both sides of the stairs

  • Install good lighting in the hallways and around the entire home

  • Keep hallways free of clutter

  • Don’t use throw rugs or small area rugs

In Other Living Areas: 

  • Keep loose cables, cords, and wires near the wall and away from walking surfaces

  • Make sure that all carpets and rugs are secure firmly to the floor

  • Arrange your furniture so that it is not in your way when you walk

  • Use chairs and couches that you can easily get up from

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.

Read more about Falls Prevention

Wound Care

Slow-healing wounds on the feet are a frequent complication of diabetes and always warrant prompt medical attention. Left untreated, these wounds can develop into diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), greatly increasing your risk of infection, tissue death, and amputation. But how do these wounds form in the first place, and what can be done to prevent them?

Diabetics are often afflicted with two other co-occurring conditions, peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation. Peripheral neuropathy causes nerve damage and often affects the nerves of the lower limbs, leading to tingling, numbness, and a loss of sensation in the feet. A lack of sensation can leave you unable to physically feel pain if you cut, scrape, puncture, or otherwise injure your feet. This can be a serious problem, as pain is typically the first indication that something is wrong. When you don’t feel it happen, an injury on your foot can go undetected and untreated, progressively worsening until it forms a serious wound. These wounds usually heal slowly because of another complication of diabetes, poor circulation. When the blood supply to your feet is not adequate, this area of your body does not get the oxygen and nutrients that it needs to perform its usual processes, including wound healing. Poor circulation results in wounds that heal slowly or don’t heal at all. 

Fortunately, there are measures that you can take to prevent diabetic foot wounds from occurring or worsening. Maintain good foot hygiene by washing and thoroughly drying your feet each day and performing a daily foot check. Using a mirror or with help from a caregiver, examine your feet each day for any abnormalities, such as sores, cuts, scrapes, bruises, blisters, discoloration, swelling, and ingrown toenails. If you notice any foot problems, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist who can treat these issues and offer you more information about managing your foot health. 

Treatment Options for Diabetic Wounds

Diabetic foot wounds require diligent care to promote healing and prevent further problems. It is essential to relieve pressure on the wounds, improve blood flow, and address any infections promptly. Regular check-ups by a chiropodist and patient education are important aspects of diabetic foot management. Advanced wound care techniques, such as removing hard skin and proper dressing changes, play a vital role in the healing process. Additionally, maintaining optimal blood sugar levels is essential for wound healing. By prioritizing wound care and seeking professional guidance, individuals can reduce the risks associated with diabetic foot wounds and promote overall foot health. If you have foot ulcers caused by diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist for personalized treatment and support.

Wound care is the process of treating and preventing wounds on the feet. This is especially important if you have diabetes, as diabetic foot wounds are common and can lead to serious complications when left untreated. To learn more about proper wound care, 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. 

Why Is Wound Care Important for Diabetics?

While wound care is important for maintaining the health of your feet, it is especially important for people with diabetes. This is because diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation, causing foot wounds to heal very slowly or not to heal at all. Diabetics also frequently suffer from neuropathy or nerve loss. This means no matter how big or little the wound, they might not feel it on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. This is why it is imperative that diabetics complete daily foot checks.

Wound Care Basics

The best way to care for wounds is to prevent them in the first place. It is recommended that people with diabetes perform a daily examination of their feet to locate cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds. Early detection allows for ample time to treat the wounds and prevent further complications. If you notice a wound at home, you can clean it using water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover the wound with a clean bandage. Seeing a chiropodist, who can examine your feet thoroughly and treat any existing wounds, can also help you maintain proper foot health. 

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.

Read more about Wound Care

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