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The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space on the inside of the ankle, located next to the ankle bones. Within the tarsal tunnel are a variety of tendons, arteries, veins, and nerves, including the posterior tibial nerve. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the posterior tibial nerve is squeezed or compressed. This can happen due to injuries that produce inflammation or swelling near the nerve, systemic diseases like arthritis, an abnormal structure such as a cyst putting pressure on the nerve, or flat feet straining the nerve as you walk. 

Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome include tingling, burning, or electrical shock sensations in the inside of the ankle or bottom of the foot, as well as numbness and shooting pains. In some cases, the symptoms are isolated to one small area, like the inner ankle. In other cases, the symptoms may affect the entire foot and ankle. Symptoms typically occur during or are aggravated by physical activities like walking, running, jumping, or prolonged standing. 

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be diagnosed by a chiropodist through physical examination of the affected foot and ankle. Imaging studies may be used if the chiropodist suspects that the underlying cause may be a structural abnormality, like a cyst. Treatment options for this condition include resting and icing the affected area, taking oral medications to reduce pain, immobilizing or bracing the affected foot, wearing supportive shoes or orthotic inserts, and physical therapy. Left untreated, tarsal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage. 

If you are experiencing the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Though diabetes begins with the pancreas not producing enough insulin, thus raising your blood sugar levels, it is a systemic condition that can affect every part of your body. The feet are no exception, and a variety of lower limb problems are very common among people with diabetes. 

One of the primary foot-related concerns for patients with diabetes is diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). These are poorly healing open wounds on the feet that are at high risk of becoming infected due to a weakened immune system, another common complication of diabetes. Nerve damage in the feet caused by high blood sugar levels interferes with pain signaling between the peripheral nerves in the feet and the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). When this signaling is disrupted, it can be difficult to detect foot injuries, such as cuts and scrapes, when they occur. These injuries are then left unnoticed and untreated until they have significantly worsened. Poor circulation, another complication of diabetes, means that not enough nutrients reach the feet. Without them, the wounds on the feet heal slowly and poorly, or not at all. These wounds can then become infected, leading to tissue death. 

The best way to prevent DFUs and their consequences is to carefully monitor the health of your feet through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you see your feet fully, look for any cuts, scrapes, sores, bruising, swelling, discoloration, rashes, hair loss, deformities, or nail changes. Take note of any foul odors, pain, warmth, and strange sensations such as numbness, tingling, burning, or pins and needles. If you notice a problem, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. Early treatment is key to avoiding potential complications. 

DFUs are not the only foot problem diabetics are more likely to encounter. Diabetes can also increase your risk of corns and calluses, cracked skin, bunions, hammertoes, Charcot foot, nail disorders, and various infections. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a doctor who can help you monitor your foot health, treat any existing conditions, and prevent future ones.

Ankle fractures occur when one or more of the bones that make up the ankle are broken. This typically occurs following a sudden injury, such as stepping off a curb and severely twisting your ankle or suffering a strong impact while playing a sport. 

Symptoms of an ankle fracture can include pain at the site of the break, swelling, bruising, blistering, difficulty walking and bearing weight on the affected ankle, and ankle deformity. In the case of an open fracture, the broken bone pokes through the skin, increasing the likelihood of infection and further complications.

Ankle fractures require prompt medical treatment. They can be diagnosed through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays or bone scans. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the injury and may include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected ankle, immobilization of the ankle, and taking pain medications. Surgery may be necessary in more severe cases. If you have injured your ankle, please seek the care of a chiropodist.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes the feet to sweat excessively. It typically affects both feet equally. Plantar hyperhidrosis can greatly affect one’s life. When the feet sweat too much, they can become chronically damp, cold, white, and pruney. The skin of the feet becomes a perfect breeding ground for a variety of fungi and bacteria that thrive in moist environments. Infections like athlete’s foot can spread on the feet and to the toes and other parts of the body. The feet may also produce a strong, unpleasant odor. 

Plantar hyperhidrosis can also affect your footwear. Excessive sweat can ruin your shoes over time. The moisture may also cause your feet to slip around or out of the shoes, becoming a serious safety hazard. Friction blisters also become more likely. At the same time, you may not want to take off your shoes, in fear of leaving behind damp footprints or having someone notice the state of your feet. 

Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available to reduce sweating and improve your quality of life. The first line of treatment is usually a topical antiperspirant. These can be bought over the counter at the drugstore or prescribed by your chiropodist. They typically come in the form of a gel, powder, or cream and are applied directly to the feet to prevent sweat from reaching the surface, much like the antiperspirants you might find in your deodorant. Another option is taking oral medications to temporarily reduce excessive sweating. Iontophoresis, a treatment that uses electrical currents conducted through water to reduce hyperactivity in the sweat glands may help. In some cases, more invasive treatments, like botox injections directly into the feet to disable the sweat glands, may be prescribed. 

To learn more about plantar hyperhidrosis and to find the right treatment for you, please consult with a chiropodist.  

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. 

Stress fractures are small, fine cracks that can happen in the bones of the feet. Stress fractures occur when the affected bones are not able to bear the weight placed on them. They are often the result of repetitive overuse and injury from activities such as running, jumping, or dancing and are therefore common in athletes. Stress fractures are also more likely to occur in people who have other health conditions, such as osteoporosis, bunions, tendinitis, or abnormal foot biomechanics. 

While stress fractures can occur in any bone in the foot, they are most common in the metatarsal bones, the calcaneus bone, and navicular bone. The metatarsal bones are in the center of the foot and connect the toes to the rest of the midfoot region. The second and third metatarsal bones, which connect the second and third toes to the midfoot, are the most likely bones to incur a stress fracture. The calcaneus, or heel bone, is located at the back of the foot and is the second most common site of stress fractures in the feet. The navicular bone is located near the top of the foot. 

The symptoms of a stress fracture include pain, tenderness, weakness, bruising, and swelling. This can lead to difficulty putting weight on the affected foot, which may change your gait or manner of walking. Symptoms usually have a gradual onset and become progressively worse over time. Without treatment, a stress fracture may progress to a full fracture, in which the bone breaks completely. The affected bone can also move out of proper alignment, causing more pain. 

Stress fractures are diagnosed through a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as X-rays, bone scans, ultrasounds, or MRIs may be needed to confirm the diagnosis or to rule out other causes for your symptoms. Treatment for a stress fracture depends on the severity of the injury. You may be asked to cease certain weight-bearing activities and to rest, ice, compress, and elevate the affected foot to help it heal. Protective footwear, a cast, or crutches may be provided to protect and stabilize your foot while it heals. Surgery may be necessary if the stress fracture has occurred in an area that does not typically heal well through non-surgical means, such as the sesamoid bones. 

If you are experiencing the symptoms of a stress fracture in your foot, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Many older adults think that falls are rare and won’t happen to them, so they don’t need to take steps to reduce the risk of falling. This isn’t true, as falls are very common. Falls are one of the leading causes of serious injuries and disabilities among older adults. Not only does falling affect one’s physical health, but it can also cause psychological harm. An older adult who has fallen may lose confidence in their abilities to get around and live independently. They may feel that the only ways to prevent falling are to avoid physical activities and stay in the house when this can in fact be counterproductive. 

Though staying in the house can be tempting for an adult that is afraid of falling, it’s worthwhile to note that over 50% of all falls occur in the home. A better way to prevent falls is to take steps to make your home safer. Remove tripping hazards, like loose cables, slippery rugs, and low furniture from the home. Install good quality lighting that will allow you to see where you are walking. In the bathrooms, use a non-slip bath mat and install grab bars in the shower to avoid slipping. When you do leave the house, don’t be ashamed to use a mobility aid, such as a cane, if necessary. 

Reducing the risk of falling continues with taking care of one’s physical health. Exercising regularly and incorporating exercises that stretch and strengthen the lower limbs is important for maintaining mobility. Vision care is another key element of falls prevention, as people with vision impairment are more than twice as likely to fall than those who don’t have vision problems. Being able to clearly see where you are going and if there are any tripping hazards in your way will help prevent falls. Managing your medications can help prevent falls. Certain medications cause side effects that impair balance, leading to falls. You should talk to your doctors about the medications that you are currently taking, their side effects, and any ways that they may interact with one another. Finally, regularly seeing a chiropodist can help maintain your foot health and mobility. A chiropodist can not only treat any existing foot problems, which can contribute to falling, but also help you prevent future issues. 

Finding the right shoes to run in can be a headache. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to determine exactly the right type of running shoes for you. This is where your chiropodist can help. In addition to taking into consideration the type of running you will be doing, it’s also very important to buy running shoes that cater to the individual needs of your feet. 

There are many individual foot differences that can have a bearing on which types of running shoes to buy. Your gait, or walking pattern, may require certain specifications to ensure the safest and efficient running possible. A chiropodist can perform a gait analysis to determine your needs. Generally, people’s gaits can be normal, overpronated, or underpronated. Having an overpronated gait means that the foot rolls too far inwards while you walk or run. This can be mitigated by choosing stability running shoes. Having an underpronated gait means that the foot rolls too far outwards while walking or running. This can be helped by choosing shoes with neutral cushioning. 

In general, it’s suggested that you shop for shoes in person in the late afternoon or evening. Shopping in person will allow you to try on and test out the shoes. You would also be able to get assistance from a store associate, who could measure your feet and provide recommendations. Shopping later in the day is suggested because your feet naturally swell throughout the day and are at their largest in the late afternoon and early evening. Your feet also naturally swell while you run. By fitting your feet when they are at their largest, you can ensure that they will fit properly throughout the day. 

For more information about how to find the best running shoes for you, please consult with a chiropodist.

A chiropodist is a highly trained healthcare professional that provides the assessment, treatment, and management of chronic or acute foot and ankle problems. They aid in the prevention of injuries and disabilities and promote proper foot health for overall well-being. With foot problems being as prevalent as they are, the fact that the feet are the body’s foundation, and the necessity of keeping our feet as healthy as possible, chiropodists are needed to help with prevention, assessment, and treatment of issues that may arise with feet. When the feet are properly supported, the whole body works better. Chiropodists must have seven to eight years of post-secondary school before beginning to practice. They must obtain a bachelor’s degree in science and take a three to four year chiropody program. Chiropodists work independently or as part of a team. Chiropodists treat a variety of foot problems including bony foot deformities, corns, calluses, warts, fungal infections, nail conditions, and biomechanical dysfunctions. These healthcare providers also recommend or provide orthotics and insoles. They might also provide physical therapy, surgical procedures, injection administration, prescriptions, and various other therapies. Normally one sees a chiropodist when they are experiencing pain. However, visiting one regularly, as one would a dentist, can help ensure the feet are in top form and will help prevent future problems. If you suffer from foot or ankle pain or have questions about your lower extremities, book an appointment with a chiropodist.

Participating in sports is great for maintaining your health and fitness, but can sometimes result in injuries to your feet or ankles. Common sports-related foot and ankle injuries include Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, stress fractures, turf toe, and plantar fasciitis. 

Achilles tendonitis is a common injury in which the Achilles tendon located at the back of your ankle becomes inflamed due to overuse or biomechanical issues with the feet. Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain in the lower calf, swelling, stiffness, redness, warmth, and reduced strength and range of motion. 

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may experience symptoms such as localized pain, swelling, and bruising at the site of the sprain, a limited ability to move the affected ankle, and difficulty walking. 

Stress fractures are fine cracks that occur in the bones when they can’t bear the load placed on them. These fractures often occur in the foot bones and get worse over time if they are not promptly diagnosed and treated. Symptoms of stress fractures in the feet include tenderness, deep and dull or sharp and localized pain, weakness, swelling, and bruising. 

Turf toe is a sprain of the largest joint in the big toe. It can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, or tenderness that vary in intensity depending on the severity of the injury. 

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot. This condition usually causes stabbing heel pains, arch pain, and pain when taking your first steps after a long period of rest.

If you have injured your feet or ankles while playing sports, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist who can diagnose and treat your condition and get you back on your feet.