Peripheral neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves of the lower limbs become damaged.
The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include tingling, numbness, and unusual sensations in the feet, weakness, and burning pain. This problem often co-occurs with diabetes, but can also be caused by viral infections, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and genetic disorders.
Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, and specific tests that may assess your reflexes, and ability to feel touch or vibration in your lower limbs. Treatment for peripheral neuropathy will depend on the underlying cause. For example, if your peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes, then controlling your blood sugar levels will be emphasized. For peripheral neuropathy pain, you may be prescribed oral medications. For preventing complications from peripheral neuropathy, your chiropodist may recommend wearing properly fitted, comfortable shoes and inspecting your feet daily for any abnormalities.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment.
Plantar warts are small growths that appear on the soles of the feet, caused by a virus that enters through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin. They often form in weight-bearing areas, making walking uncomfortable. These warts may look like rough, flat spots with black dots in the center. Over time, they can grow deeper and become painful. It is wise to avoid picking or scratching them, as this can spread the virus. Mild treatments may help in mild cases, but persistent warts often need medical care. A chiropodist may use freezing, topical medication or other minor procedures to remove the wart safely. Keeping feet clean, dry, and protected in public places can help prevent future infections. If you have a foot growth that does not go away or becomes painful, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Plantar warts can be uncomfortable or even painful. If you’re suffering from warts on 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.
What Does a Plantar Wart Look Like?
Plantar warts are fleshy growths that generally have a rough, grainy texture. They may look and feel like a callus and are usually small and can grow individually or in clusters. Plantar warts may have small, black dots at their center that are actually tiny blood vessels. Warts interrupt the natural lines of your skin.
Treatment Options
Salicylic acid - A chemical solution applied directly to the wart
Cryotherapy - Freezing the wart off with liquid nitrogen
Minor surgery - Removing the wart through excision
Laser treatment - A concentrated beam of light is used to remove the wart
Wearing comfortable shoes and socks to avoid irritating the wart
Over-the-counter medications for pain relief
Patches to keep pressure off the warts
Plantar warts can go away on their own, but this may take several months to years. If your plantar warts are bothering you, seeking medical treatment is suggested. 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.
Plantar warts are fleshy growths on the sole of the foot that are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). When this virus enters the feet through a small crack in the skin, it forms foot warts. These warts may occur individually or in clusters. They’re usually small, rough, grainy patches of skin that disrupt the skin’s natural lines. Unlike calluses, plantar warts have a blood supply, which is visible as tiny, black dots in the center of the wart.
Plantar warts are typically asymptomatic and can go away on their own within a period of several months to several years. However, sometimes warts grow in areas that bear weight. The pressure of standing and walking causes the wart to grow inwards, potentially leading to discomfort or pain. There are various treatment options available. If opting for medical treatment, warts can be removed with chemicals, cryotherapy, laser therapy, or minor surgery. Each type of treatment has its own benefits and drawbacks, which should be discussed with your chiropodist. Wearing comfortable shoes and socks, taking over-the-counter pain medications, and wearing patches to take pressure off of the warts can help if you choose to wait for them to go away on their own.
Plantar warts are highly contagious and can spread from person to person through direct contact or through contact with an infected surface, but they can often be prevented with good foot hygiene practices. The virus that causes plantar warts can be contracted from walking barefoot in public areas, like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. Wear flip-flops or shoes to protect your feet when frequenting these areas. Avoid sharing personal items, like towels, shoes, and socks, with others. For more information about prevention and treatment, please consult with a chiropodist.
Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.
An infected blister on the foot can develop due to several common but preventable causes. Poor hygiene is a leading contributor, as dirt and bacteria can accumulate around the feet and create an environment prone to infection. Popping a blister with unclean or sharp objects can introduce harmful bacteria directly into the wound. Similarly, contact with contaminated surfaces such as floors or shoes can allow bacteria to enter the blister, especially if the skin has already been compromised. Symptoms of an infected blister include increasing redness surrounding the area, swelling, pain, and warmth to the touch. The blister may fill with cloudy or yellow fluid, and the surrounding skin might emit an unpleasant odor. If you have a blister on your foot that has become infected, it is suggested that you promptly contact a chiropodist who can offer effective relief and prevention tips.
Blisters can usually be treated at home, however, if you have recurring blisters or experience significant discomfort or 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.
What Is a Blister?
A blister is a small pocket of fluid in the upper skin layers and is one of the body’s natural responses to injury or pressure. Blisters can also result from burns, fungal or viral skin infections, and the feet are particularly prone due to ill-fitting footwear and friction. Friction on the skin causes the upper layer of skin to separate from the lower layers. The space that this separation creates then becomes filled with a liquid called serum, which protects the lower layers of skin.
Treatment
If you notice a blister on your foot, you can cover it with a soft bandage or dressing to protect it. Popping the blister is discouraged. Doing so exposes the raw skin underneath it to bacteria and also raises the risk of infection. If a blister pops naturally, let it drain before covering it with a bandage. Blisters usually heal on their own or with home treatment, however, if your blister is recurring, very painful, or appears infected, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment.
Prevention
You can help to prevent blisters by wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes. Keep your feet dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks and dust your feet with talcum powder if they tend to get sweaty. If you have areas on your feet that are more susceptible to blisters, you might be able to prevent the blister from forming by covering it with a pad.
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.
Blisters are fluid-filled bubbles of skin that can appear on any part of the body and are particularly common on the feet. Most foot blisters form due to friction. As you walk, run, or go about your daily activities, your shoes may rub against specific areas of your feet, causing the skin to become damaged. The top layer of skin then separates from the lower layers of skin. The area between the separated layers fills with a fluid called serum, whose purpose is to cushion and protect the raw skin below the blister.
If you find a friction blister on your foot, it is highly recommended that you do not pop it. Popping the blister drains the fluid inside of it and exposes the raw skin underneath, increasing your risk of infection. Instead, protect the blister by loosely covering it with a bandage. You can also use special padding around the blister to protect it. Typically, friction blisters naturally heal over the course of one to two weeks. Friction blisters can be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and moisture-wicking socks. Wearing soft bandages over areas of your foot that tend to blister may also help.
Sometimes foot blisters can be caused by problems other than friction. Blisters can develop due to a sunburn, frostbite, or exposure to an allergen, as well as from medical conditions such as fungal infections or eczema. If you frequently find blisters on your feet, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist.
Tendinopathies of the foot occur when tendons become irritated, inflamed, or degenerate from overuse or injury. These tough, fibrous cords connect muscles to bones and play a key role in movement and stability. When they are repeatedly stressed, such as during running, walking on uneven ground, or wearing unsupportive shoes, they can become painful and swollen. Common foot tendinopathies include posterior tibial tendinopathy, which can cause arch pain and flatfoot, and peroneal tendinopathy, often felt along the outside of the foot and ankle. Symptoms range from dull aches to sharp pain, especially with activity. Left untreated, tendinopathies may worsen and limit mobility. Stretching, rest, and orthotics can help in early stages, while chronic cases may need targeted exercises or other interventions. If foot pain is affecting your stride or daily routine, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can help determine the cause and create a treatment plan to get you moving comfortably again.
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.
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.
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.
Pes planus, commonly referred to as flatfoot, is a condition where the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. It may be present at birth or develop over time due to various factors. In children, the condition may be normal and resolve with age, but in adults, it is often associated with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, obesity, trauma, or certain neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. People with pes planus may experience pain in the heel, arch, or ankle, along with swelling and difficulty standing or walking for extended periods. In some cases, the condition is asymptomatic but can still affect posture and gait. Flat feet may be uncomfortable and may cause difficulty in completing activities. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can offer effective 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.
