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Sore feet can be caused by various factors, including wearing high heels, ill-fitting shoes, and standing for long durations. Pregnancy, flat feet, diabetes, and calluses are other factors. High heels, especially those over two inches, can distort the natural shape of the foot and affect balance, which leads to pain and an increased risk of fractures and ankle sprains. Ill-fitting shoes, whether too tight or too narrow, can irritate the feet, resulting in pain and inflammation. Pregnant women often experience foot pain caused by increased body weight and shifts in their center of gravity. Standing for extended periods of time can result in sore feet, swelling, and inflammation because of the excessive pressure placed on joints and muscles. People with flat feet lack the natural arch that provides support which can lead to sore feet. Lastly, calluses, which are hardened skin areas from stress or pressure, can be painful and inhibit normal walking. A chiropodist can help diagnose and treat these issues, offering relief and improving foot health. If you regularly experience sore feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.

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.

Selecting the appropriate shoes for running and walking is essential for comfort and injury prevention, especially considering different foot strike patterns. Heel strikers, who land on their heels first, benefit from shoes with ample cushioning in the rear to absorb impact. Midfoot strikers, who land with their foot flat, need shoes that offer balanced cushioning and support throughout the sole. Forefoot strikers, landing on the ball of their foot, require shoes with extra cushioning in the front. Proper shoes enhance performance and reduce the risk of injuries by aligning with the natural biomechanics of your stride. Investing in footwear tailored to your specific foot strike pattern ensures better support, comfort, and overall foot health. Foot injuries may happen from wearing the wrong type of shoes for the activity. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can treat various foot conditions, and educate you on appropriate shoes to wear.

Finding the right shoes can sometimes be a major hassle, especially if you intend to work out in them. There are shoes on the market designed specifically for running and walking, but it can be difficult to differentiate between the two and find the right shoes for you. If you’re having trouble finding the right shoes, 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 are the differences between running and walking shoes? 

These two types of shoes vary along several parameters.

• Cushioning: Runners need more cushioning in the heel and forefoot areas of the shoe, while walkers can get away with less cushioning.
• Heel height: Runners need a higher heel to provide them with stability, but the ideal height of the heel for runners varies depending on their running gait. Walkers generally don’t need a built-up heel.
• Heel flare: Flared heels can help provide extra stability for runners with certain gaits, while walkers may benefit from a flared heel to control the motion of their foot.
• Flexibility: Both runners and walkers need shoes that are flexible. 

For more information about the differences between walking and running shoes, and to figure out which shoes may be right for you, please consult with a chiropodist. Feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Broken toes or feet often result from trauma, such as stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on it, or from sports injuries. Immediate first aid is important in managing pain and preventing further damage. First, immobilize the injured area to prevent movement. Use a splint or tape the broken toe to an adjacent toe for support. Elevate the foot above heart level to reduce swelling. Avoid putting weight on the affected foot to prevent further injury. Pain relievers can help to manage pain and inflammation. Seek medical attention from a chiropodist as soon as possible. If you believe you have broken a toe or foot, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can provide a proper diagnosis through physical examination and imaging, like X-rays. They will recommend an appropriate treatment plan, which may include casting, protective footwear, or in severe cases, surgery.

A foot fracture is a crack or break in a foot bone, often caused by repetitive stress on the foot or a high-impact foot injury. If you’re suffering from 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. 

Symptoms

• Pain
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Difficulty walking
• Deformity

Causes

• Repetitive overloading of the foot
• Having a previous fracture
• Abnormal foot biomechanics
• Changing training surfaces suddenly
• Poor footwear
• Osteoporosis
• High-impact injury 

Treatments

• Rest
• Ice
• Elevation
• Pain medication
• Braces or other orthotics
• Casts
• Crutches
• Surgery in more severe cases 

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.

Children's ingrown toenails are a common and painful condition where the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to redness, swelling, and discomfort. Several factors can contribute to this condition. Improper nail trimming, such as cutting the nails too short or rounding the edges, is a primary cause. Tight or ill-fitting shoes can also exert pressure on the toes, promoting the development of ingrown toenails. Additionally, some children have naturally curved or thick toenails that are more prone to becoming ingrown. Active children who frequently stub their toes or engage in sports may also experience this issue. Encouraging proper nail-trimming techniques and choosing appropriate footwear can significantly reduce the risk of ingrown toenails. If your child’s toenails are red or inflamed, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition.

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.