Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Winter can be a time of new or worsening foot and ankle problems. Wintertime foot problems can be caused by a combination of cold weather, a more sedentary lifestyle, an increase in body weight, wearing unsupportive shoes, and weather conditions that can increase the risk of injury.
The cold weather can wreak havoc on your feet. A cold, dry climate can be responsible for dry, cracked heels. More than just an aesthetic problem, these cracks can be deep, painful, and prone to bleeding. To prevent them, it’s suggested that you take extra care to exfoliate and moisturize your feet in the winter and wear shoes and socks that protect your feet from the cold. Cold weather can also cause the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) in your toes to spasm, leading to problems such as chilblains and Raynaud’s disease.
On the other hand, feet that are too wet from sweat are also a problem. In the winter, many people wear warm, thick socks made from materials that trap moisture. This creates the perfect breeding ground for fungi that can cause athlete’s foot and fungal toenails infections. Wear moisture-wicking socks to avoid this issue.
A more sedentary lifestyle and weight gain during the winter can put strain on the feet and ankles, increasing the risk of injuries that are caused by excess strain and pressure. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, and general foot pain are both common.
Icy weather conditions can increase your risk of twisting an ankle or falling and sustaining an injury. To avoid this, wear thick-soled, non-slip boots and take extra care to look out for ice when walking outside. If you have any foot or ankle problems this winter, it is suggested that you seek the care of a chiropodist.
Many walkers and hikers worldwide embrace the challenge of winter hiking, but it requires careful preparation. Start by packing essential gear like a sleeping bag, emergency blanket, and first aid kit. Opt for warm, nutritious foods to maintain body temperature, and start early to ensure you finish before nightfall. Invest in waterproof boots with durable soles and moisture-wicking socks to keep feet dry. Gaiters can help keep snow out of boots, and crampons provide traction on icy terrain. Protect your eyes with sunglasses or goggles, and use walking poles for stability and shock absorption. By taking necessary precautions, hikers can fully appreciate the beauty of winter landscapes while minimizing the risk of foot-related problems. Despite precautions, foot-related issues can arise, making it necessary to see a chiropodist for any discomfort or injury. A chiropodist can provide expert foot care, addressing blisters, sprains, or plantar fasciitis, among other ailments. For help with foot-related pain or other issues, it is suggested that you make an appointment with 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.
Foot pain is a common symptom of a large variety of injuries and medical conditions. A diagnosis can be narrowed down by describing the locations and type of pain that you are experiencing.
Pain in the heel is often caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis usually causes stabbing heel pains and the pain is at its worst upon arising in the morning or when taking your first steps after a long period of rest. Heel pain can also be caused by heel spurs, bruises on the fat pad of the heel, or heel fractures.
Pain in the ball of the foot can be caused by Morton’s neuroma, in which the tissue of the nerves between the bases of the toes become thickened, causing tingling and numbness. Other causes of pain in the ball of the foot include metatarsalgia or sesamoiditis.
Pain in the arch of the foot can be caused by plantar fasciitis or having flat feet or fallen arches. Pain in the toes can be caused by many conditions, including gout, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, toe sprains or fractures, arthritis, and corns.
To find out what is causing your foot pain, it is recommended that you consult with a chiropodist, who can diagnose your condition and offer the appropriate treatments.
Foot pain can have various causes, including aging, sports injuries, and obesity. Diabetes and vascular issues can also trigger foot discomfort. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, particularly high heels and narrow shoes, can worsen the problem. Resting sore feet seems logical, but staying active is vital for overall health. Regular activity enhances foot strength, flexibility, and coordination. Proper foot hygiene, including proper washing and drying, wearing breathable socks, and frequent moisturizing is essential for overall foot health. If you suffer from persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a diagnosis and treatment options.
Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have foot 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.
When you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis.
Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:
Stress fractures
Sinus tarsi syndrome
Extensor tendonitis
Tibialis anterior tendonitis
Gout
Athlete’s foot
Ganglion cysts
Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:
Plantar fasciitis
Foot cramps
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Plantar fibromatosis
Posterior tibial tendonitis
Stress fractures
Flat feet
Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:
Ankle sprain
Cuboid syndrome
Peroneal tendonitis
Stress fractures
Bunions
Corns or calluses
Posterior tibial tendonitis
Heel pain may be caused by:
Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendonitis
Bone spurs
Heel fractures
Retrocalcaneal bursitis
Sever’s disease
Pain in the toes may be caused by:
Gout
Hammertoe
Turf toe
Bunions
Ingrown toenails
Blisters
Arthritis
These and many more conditions can be treated 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.
Heel pain can range in severity from mild and annoying to severe and debilitating. Usually caused by an injury, heel pain can become chronic if it's left untreated. There are many different types of injuries that can bring about heel pain. When describing your pain, it is important to note the location and type of pain, as well as when the pain started and what activities make it better or worse.
Perhaps the most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, a condition in which the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed due to repetitive overuse or trauma. This condition causes stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel. The pain is usually at its worst when you take your first few steps after a period of rest, like when you first get up in the morning. Plantar fasciitis is also sometimes accompanied by bone spurs, calcium deposits on the heel bone that can cause sharp pain that gradually evolves into a dull ache. Other possible causes of heel pain include Achilles tendonitis, heel fractures, bursitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and Sever’s disease.
Although treatment for heel pain depends on the underlying cause, most treatments involve resting, icing, and elevating the affected foot. Your chiropodist will also typically suggest that you wear more comfortable, supportive shoes or orthotics to help your heel heal. Over-the-counter pain medications are usually sufficient to manage heel pain. For more information about heel pain, please consult with a chiropodist.
Chiropodists can offer valuable assistance in managing plantar fasciitis, a common foot condition that causes heel pain. They begin by conducting a thorough assessment to diagnose the condition accurately. Chiropodists then develop personalized treatment plans tailored to the individual's specific needs. These plans may include a combination of interventions such as wearing custom orthotics to provide support and alleviate pressure on the plantar fascia, exercises to stretch and strengthen the affected area, and recommendations for appropriate footwear. Additionally, chiropodists may offer advice on lifestyle and activity modifications to help reduce symptoms and prevent further aggravation of the condition. Regular follow-up appointments allow chiropodists to monitor progress, make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan, and provide ongoing support and guidance. With their expertise in foot health and management strategies, it is suggested that if you suffer from persistent heel pain, to schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Heel pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you suffer from heel 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.
When it comes to heel pain, the exact location and type of pain are important to note. Some of the conditions that may cause heel pain include:
Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot; it causes a stabbing pain under the heel that is at its worst when taking your first few steps after a long rest and while standing on your tiptoes or climbing stairs
Achilles tendonitis - An inflammation of the tendon in the back of the calf; it causes pain in the back of the heel that is at its worst after resting, as well as ankle and calf stiffness, swelling, and tenderness
Bone spurs - Bony lumps on the back of the heel bones that cause sharp pain upon first standing up; the pain becomes dull and achy over time
Heel fractures - A break or crack in the heel bone that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking
Retrocalcaneal bursitis - Swelling of the small, fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone; it causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the back of the heel
Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Compression of the posterior tibial nerve which causes a pins and needles sensation in the heel, foot, and calf
Your chiropodist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and prescribe the right treatments for you. 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.
A sprained ankle is a common injury that can happen to anyone. Whether you incur it while playing a high-impact sport or from simply stepping off of a curb and twisting your ankle, it’s important to know and recognize the symptoms of a sprain and get the appropriate treatment.
Ankle sprains occur when a sudden injury causes one or more of the ligaments that support the ankle to overstretch or tear. The symptoms that you may face depend on the severity of the injury. A mild, grade 1 sprain usually involves minimal pain, swelling, tenderness, and bruising, with no difficulty walking. A moderate, grade 2 sprain may be significantly more painful, with visible swelling and bruising, ankle instability, and a limited range of motion in the ankle. Walking or bearing weight on the affected ankle can be difficult. A severe, grade 3 sprain is characterized by intense pain, swelling, bruising, ankle instability, and a severely limited range of motion. Walking with a grade 3 sprain is often impossible.
A chiropodist can diagnose an ankle sprain by asking for your medical history and carefully examining the affected ankle. They may order an X-ray to rule out a fracture. Treatment for the sprain depends on its severity. Milder ankle sprains can often be treated with conservative methods such as resting, icing, elevating, and compressing the ankle. More severe sprains may require wearing a brace or other orthotic device to take pressure off of the injured ankle. Over-the-counter medications are typically sufficient for managing pain. In very rare cases, surgery may be needed to repair a ligament that is not healing properly.
A sprained ankle needs to heal fully and properly in order to avoid reinjury and other complications. If you have sprained your ankle, please seek the care of a chiropodist.
Ankle sprains, a prevalent injury often incurred during physical activities, exhibit distinctive symptoms that signal the extent of damage to the ligaments surrounding the joint. One prominent indication is pain, typically localized around the affected ankle, intensifying with movement. Swelling, a natural response to tissue damage, manifests as increased volume around the injured area, accompanied by warmth and tenderness. Restricted range of motion becomes apparent, impeding the ability to flex or rotate the ankle comfortably. Bruising may develop over time, reflecting the severity of the sprain and the extent of internal bleeding. Weight-bearing on the affected foot often proves challenging, as the injured ligaments struggle to support the joint adequately. Understanding these nuanced symptoms is pivotal for prompt and accurate diagnosis. If you have symptoms that indicate a sprained ankle, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can offer correct treatment measures.
When one or more ligaments in the ankle overstretch or tear due to injury, an ankle sprain occurs. If you would like to learn more about ankle sprains, 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.
Symptoms of an ankle sprain vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include:
Pain
Swelling
Bruising
Tenderness
Difficulty walking
Ankle instability
A reduced range of motion in the ankle
Treatments for an ankle sprain may consist of:
Resting the injured ankle
Applying ice
Elevating the ankle
Compressing the ankle
Over-the-counter pain medications
Ankle braces or other devices to take weight off of the ankle
Ankle exercises
Surgery (in rare cases)
It’s important for the sprained ankle to heal correctly and fully in order to avoid repeated injury. 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.
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows into the surrounding skin rather than over it. This can affect any toe, but most often happens on the big toe. Signs of an ingrown toenail include the surrounding skin becoming tender, painful, swollen, red, and warm. In some cases, the area can become infected, and white or yellow pus may drain from the area. If an ingrown toenail is showing signs of infection, it is recommended that you seek medical treatment.
Ingrown toenails are usually caused by wearing poorly fitting shoes or trimming the toenails improperly. Shoes that are too tight and have narrow, pointed toes or high heels can compress the toes and cause the toenails to curl and grow into the skin. Trimming your nails into a rounded shape or cutting them too short can cause the edges of the nail to grow into the skin. Other potential causes for ingrown toenails include sustaining an injury near the toenail, having a fungal nail infection, using certain prescription medications, and having an abnormal nail shape. Some people also have a genetic predisposition to developing ingrown toenails.
Preventing ingrown toenails begins with proper trimming. Trim your nails regularly using nail clippers rather than nail scissors. Nail clippers cut the nail straight across, avoiding the rounded edges that can make ingrown toenails likely to develop. Make sure that while trimming the nails that you do not cut them too short. Wear comfortable shoes with low heels and a wide toe area to keep your toes from squishing together.
For more information about ingrown toenails, please consult with a chiropodist.
