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Foot injuries are common among athletes and can originate from many sources. The foot is probably the most intricate area in the body. It also serves as a launching pad for athletes– it is the first part to make contact with the ground, it absorbs the forces of the ground, and it propels the athlete in any direction they wish to go. With all it does, it is not surprising that an athlete’s foot can be overused and subject to injury and pain. However, it is important to note that foot pain may be a result from something further up the leg, like the pelvis, hips, knee, or ankle, rather than from the foot itself. There are numerous bones and joints in the foot, as well as muscles, ligaments, and tendons that connect the joints together. Then there are more structures that connect the foot to the lower leg and further on up the body. Ankle sprains are the most common trauma to the ankle/foot. A sprain involves damage to the ligaments. Ankle sprains can lead to chronic ankle instability. Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis result in inflammation and are the two most common overuse injuries athletes sustain. Tendon strains and stress fractures are also common impairments among athletes. Above the foot, ankle impingement involving the pinching of structures restricting ankle and foot movements, gluteal weakness, and core instability can affect the feet. If you are an athlete and struggling with these or other problems leading to foot pain, consult with a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and a treatment regime.

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 Vaughan, ON . 

It is necessary to practice everyday foot care during the entire year, but many people spend extra time taking care of their feet during the summer and winter months. There are simple procedures that can be implemented all year which can make the feet look and feel fantastic. These can include trimming the toenails correctly and it is also beneficial to use a good moisturizer daily which may help to prevent cracked heels. The risk can increase for fungal infections when the feet are moist, so it is advised to keep the feet as dry as possible. Many patients enjoy the benefits of exfoliating their feet which can remove existing dead skin. Wearing shoes that fit comfortably may reduce the risk of getting blisters and corns. It is important that shoes have adequate room for the toes to move freely as well as enough cushioning in the heel area. Blood circulation may be improved when a daily or weekly foot massage is performed and an extra benefit it can bring is overall relaxation to the overall body. If you would like more methods on how to practice everyday foot care, please consult with a chiropodist.

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 . 

When the outer layer of skin is separated from the layer below it, the space fills with fluid to form a blister. They typically form as a result of rubbing the foot against the inside of a shoe and are a common occurrence among athletes and runners. A blister may go away on its own with a few simple precautions. Remove the offending footwear, cover the blister with a clean bandage, and keep the area clean. The best way to treat blisters is to avoid them in the first place. Wear shoes that fit properly, making sure you can wiggle your toes within them and that your heel does not rub on the back of the shoe when you walk or run. Wear acrylic socks that wick moisture instead of cotton socks that may bunch up inside the shoe. Apply powder to the feet and toes before embarking on a long run or other strenuous activity. Generally, blisters will go away on their own, but if a blister becomes red, swollen, or pus-filled, it is likely to be infected. In this case, please consult a chiropodist who can properly drain the blister and offer other treatment options.

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 Vaughan, ON . 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own otherwise healthy joint lining. RA can target any joints in the body, but the small joints of the hands and feet are usually affected. Symptoms of RA in the feet include joint pain, tenderness, swelling, stiffness, redness, and warmth that last for several weeks. Joint stiffness is very common in the morning and often lasts for 30 minutes or longer. RA usually affects more than one joint and affects the same joints on both sides of the body. Although there is no cure, with proper diagnosis and treatment, the symptoms of RA can be managed. For more information about RA and the feet, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own otherwise healthy joint lining or synovium. While RA can affect any joint in the body, it often affects the small joints of the feet and the ankle joint. If you’re dealing with RA in 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. 

Symptoms of RA primarily affect the joints of the feet and may include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Redness
• Warmth
• Difficulty walking
• Gait changes
• Bunions
• Hammertoes 

Treatment

While there is no cure for RA, your chiropodist can help you manage the health of your feet and maintain your mobility while living with this condition. Possible treatments include wearing orthotics, doing foot and ankle exercises, resting the feet, taking anti-inflammatory medications, getting steroid injections, and wearing braces for foot and ankle pain. In advanced cases of RA, joint replacement surgery may be helpful for mobility. Bunions, hammertoes, and other deformities can be corrected with surgery as well. 

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