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Exercising the feet  is an important part of staying mobile and reducing pain. Gentle stretches and strengthening routines can increase flexibility, improve balance, and support the muscles and ligaments in your feet. Movements like toe raises, toe curls, and Achilles stretches can help reduce stiffness, support your arches, and enhance the way your foot absorbs impact during walking or standing. Strengthening the muscles in the feet may also help reduce the likelihood of injuries or overuse conditions. Simple activities like rolling your foot on a ball or picking up small objects with your toes can be done at home and contribute to stronger, more resilient feet. A chiropodist can guide you through foot and ankle exercises that are best suited to your needs, especially if you have diabetes, arthritis, or a history of foot injuries. They can also help identify which movements to avoid based on your condition. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for guidance.

Stretching and strengthening your feet is very important for maintaining your foot health. If you would like to learn more about exercises for 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. 

There are a variety of relatively easy-to-do exercises that can boost the strength, flexibility, and mobility of your feet, as well as relieve foot pain.  

Strength exercises: 

• Toe splay - Spread the toes apart and hold for several seconds; improves control over toe muscles
• Toe curls - Scrunch up a towel with your toes; strengthens the flexor muscles
• Marble pickup - Pick up marbles with your toes; strengthens the muscles on the undersides of the feet and toes
• Walking on sand - Stretches and strengthens feet and calves

Flexibility exercises: 

• Heel raises - Raise the heels while keeping toes on the ground
• Toe point - Raise the heels while pointing the toes, keeping just the tips of toes on the ground
• Toe curl - Raise the heels while curling the toes inwards, keeping just the tips of toes on the ground
• Big toe stretch - Use your hands to gently stretch your big toes up, down, and to the side

Exercises for foot pain: 

• Toe extension - Gently pull the toes up towards the ankle and hold for several seconds
• Ball roll - gently roll a golf or tennis ball underneath the arches of the feet 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON . 

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 have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON . 

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 Vaughan, ON . 

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 Vaughan, ON .