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Heel spurs are bony growths made from calcium deposits under the heel bone or at the back of the heel. They are frequently associated with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot. On their own, heel spurs typically don’t cause any symptoms. They are usually found incidentally during an X-ray done for other purposes. When heel spurs are symptomatic, they cause heel pain, particularly while walking or running and when taking the first few steps in the morning or after resting for a period of time. Heel spurs that cause pain respond well to conservative treatments like resting and icing the foot and wearing more comfortable shoes. For more information about heel spurs, please consult with a chiropodist.

Heel spurs are bony outgrowths from calcium deposits. They occur at the back of the heel bone or underneath the heel bone and usually form in response to chronic irritation of the Achilles tendon or plantar fascia. They are often asymptomatic, but if you are suffering 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. 

Symptoms of Heel Spurs

• Tenderness
• Heel pain
• Pain when walking
• No symptoms

Diagnosis

Since heel spurs are often asymptomatic, they are usually only diagnosed when they are found on the heels incidentally during an X-ray taken for another reason. Nevertheless, if you have heel pain, and particularly if you have plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, it may be worth it to see if you have heel spurs too. 

Treatment

Unless they are causing symptoms, heel spurs typically don’t require any treatment. When they are symptomatic, treatments are typically conservative. They may include resting and icing the affected foot, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing orthotics or supportive footwear, especially while exercising. 

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

Your feet support your entire body and carry you through your daily life, so perhaps it should come as no surprise that signs of problems elsewhere in the body can be seen in the feet. For example, a loss of hair on the feet and legs may indicate peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition characterized by poor circulation in the lower limbs. Another potential sign of PAD, as well as diabetes, are poorly-healing wounds on the feet. Various types of arthritis also tend to make themselves known via foot problems. Stiff and sore foot and ankle joints could be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), while an enlarged big toe may indicate gout, and pitted toenails are often associated with psoriatic arthritis. It’s important to monitor the health of your feet, and your chiropodist can help. If you have any questions or concerns about your foot health, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a chiropodist near you. 

Systemic diseases are medical problems that affect the entire body. Many systemic diseases can bring about foot and ankle problems. If you have a systemic disease that affects your lower limbs, 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. 

Which systemic diseases can affect the feet?

• Peripheral artery disease - Causes inadequate blood flow to the lower limbs
• Peripheral neuropathy - Nerve damage in the nerves that supply the feet and ankles
• Diabetes - Can cause nerve damage, poor circulation, and a weakened immune system that can lead to the formation of poorly healing wounds on the feet
• Arthritis - A disease of the joints that damages joint lining, it often affects the small joints of the feet and the ankle joints
• Gout - A build up of uric acid in the bloodstream that forms crystals that can lodge in the joints

How can a chiropodist help? 

Chiropodists help people who have systemic disease manage and maintain their foot health in a variety of ways. They can diagnose a multitude of foot and ankle problems, screen for certain systemic conditions, teach patients about proper foot care, and provide information about preventive strategies that patients could employ to avoid complications from their systemic diseases. Chiropodists can also treat foot and ankle problems through medications, foot and ankle exercises, orthotics, and lifestyle recommendations, among many other potential treatments

If you are living with a systemic illness that impacts your foot health, please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON . 

A fungal infection of the toenails, also known as onychomycosis, can be difficult to treat. Topical medications are often not very effective because they do not penetrate the nail, while oral antifungal medications can have potentially harmful side effects. Another popular treatment option is laser therapy. This treatment uses a concentrated beam of light aimed at the infected toenails to kill the fungi underneath. Laser treatment has been found to be safe and effective, with minimal side effects. Furthermore, laser treatment can be safely combined with other treatment methods to yield even better results. If you have toenail fungus, don’t hesitate to reach out to a chiropodist who can discuss available treatment options with you. 

Onychomycosis, also known as a fungal toenail infection, is not only a cosmetic concern but can also impact the health of your feet and your quality of life.  If you have toenail fungus, 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. 

Toenail fungus causes changes in the appearance of the nails. As the fungus spreads, the infected toenails can become thickened, brittle, crumbly, and discolored. Over time, the infection can worsen, making the toenails misshapen. They may begin to separate from the nailbed and can emit a foul odor. In addition to being unsightly, this condition can also be painful. The raised toenails may rub uncomfortably against your shoes, hurting you as you walk. People with diabetes or compromised immune systems can suffer serious consequences from a fungal infection, and the fungus can spread to the skin of the feet and from person to person. Toenail fungus can also affect your mental health, making you feel that you need to hide your toenails in closed-toe shoes at all times. 

Treatments for fungal toenail infections typically include topical solutions that are applied directly to the nail, oral antifungal medications, and laser treatment. Both topical and oral antifungals can take a long time to work. Topical medications tend to be less effective, as they can’t penetrate the nail, while oral antifungals can cause unwanted side effects. Laser treatment tends to work faster and is safer and sometimes more effective than the alternatives. It can also be used safely in conjunction with other treatments. If you have toenail fungus and would like to find out if laser treatment is right for you, please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON . 

Working in a standing position all day can cause a variety of foot problems. A combination of working on your feet for prolonged periods of time, standing on hard floors, and wearing poorly fitted shoes can cause foot conditions such as calluses, corns, flat feet, blisters, and sprains. Existing foot conditions, such as arthritis, may also be worsened by these factors. To prevent foot ailments related to working on your feet, it is essential to wear comfortable and supportive shoes and socks. If possible, sit down during break times. You can also stretch the calf muscles, feet, and ankles while you work to reduce strain. If you work in a standing position and are experiencing foot and ankle issues, a chiropodist can treat your condition and offer strategies to prevent foot problems in the future.  

If you stand all day, you may be at an increased risk of developing various foot conditions. If you are experiencing foot pain of any kind, 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 Foot Problems Are Caused by Standing?

Standing all day at work may increase your risk of developing foot or ankle problems.

Some common foot conditions that may arise from spending all day on your feet include: 

• Foot pain
• Blisters
• Corns and calluses
• Arthritis
• Flat feet
• Bunions
• Sprains
• Athlete’s foot

Prevention

If you stand for prolonged periods of time for work, taking preventative measures to preserve the health of your feet is strongly recommended. 

Measures you can implement to help prevent foot problems include: 

• Wearing shoes that are comfortable and fit well - these shoes should be made of breathable materials and provide you with arch support and cushioning. It is best to avoid shoes that have heels or narrow toe boxes.
• Taking breaks to rest, walk, and stretch your feet throughout the day
• Maintaining good foot hygiene - wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day

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