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Ingrown toenails are common and painful, usually the result of clipping toenails incorrectly. This causes the nail to become embedded in the surrounding soft skin or the skin to grow over the top of the nail. Cutting toenails straight across is recommended, rather than having the corners of the nail rounded. Wearing shoes that are too tight in the toe box can encourage an ingrown toenail to form. Other deformities or abnormalities, such as bunions, hammertoes, and overpronation may be risk factors as they can affect gait and posture. An ingrown toenail appears red, swollen, and painful to touch. If ignored, an ingrown toenail can become infected, sometimes resulting in a discharge of pus. Ingrown toenails can be treated non-surgically if tended to immediately. Taking extreme corrective measures into your own hands is not recommended, as they can cause further problems. For instance, cutting the toenail shorter increases the likelihood of it growing more deeply into the nail bed. For safe and sterile treatment options, it is suggested you contact a chiropodist as soon as possible.

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 Vaughan, ON . 

Many kids get introduced to baseball in Little League or at camps. It is an all-time American favorite game that also includes potential for injury. Common injuries that affect the feet from playing baseball include sprains and broken bones. All it takes is making a run to a base or getting hit by a bat or ball to sustain a foot injury in the game. Prevention includes warming up before a game, wearing proper footgear, and remaining alert and aware. If you or your child incurs a foot or ankle injury while playing baseball that does not heal within a reasonable amount of rest, see a chiropodist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, 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. 

Common Injuries Among Athletes: 

• Achilles tendon injuries
• Ankle strains or sprains
• Plantar fasciitis
• Fractures
• Turf toe
• Joint dislocations
• Sever’s disease
• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

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

Athlete’s foot is an uncomfortable and contagious rash on the feet. It is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm and wet areas that include shower room floors, public swimming pools, and locker rooms. People who have this condition can experience itching between the toes and on the bottom of the feet, and the skin may be dry and scaly. In severe cases, athlete’s foot may cause severe pain and swelling, and blisters may form that have a pus-like drainage. There may be medical conditions that can cause athlete's foot to develop as well. These include dermatitis, psoriasis, and certain types of bacterial and fungal infections. It is suggested that people who frequent these types of places wear appropriate shoes, in addition to refraining from sharing towels, shoes, and socks. A diagnosis consists of looking at the infected area, and possibly taking a skin sample that can confirm athlete’s foot. If you have a rash on your foot, please schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can effectively treat this condition.

Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating this condition, 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 Athlete’s Foot? 

Athlete’s foot refers to an infection of the skin on the feet that is caused by a fungus. This fungus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments. It is often spread in common areas such as public pools, locker rooms, and showers. It can also spread when sharing personal items, like shoes or towels, with an infected person. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of athlete’s foot may include: 

• Itching, stinging, or burning of the skin on the feet
• Cracking or peeling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles of the feet
• Scaly, red rash on the foot
• Blisters
• Foul odor

Treatment

Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves using over-the-counter topical antifungal medications on the feet. When over-the-counter options are ineffective, you may need to take prescription oral medications or topical antifungal drugs, or a combination of both. 

Prevention

Preventing athlete’s foot places an emphasis on good foot hygiene practices. 

You can prevent athlete’s foot by:

• Washing and drying your feet thoroughly every day
• Wearing shoes when walking in public areas
• Not sharing personal items, like shoes or socks, with others
• Wearing shoes and socks made out of breathable materials

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

Having a chiropodist perform a thorough fall risk assessment is a good way to help seniors become proactive about reducing their risk of falling. Among other things, the chiropodist may suggest certain balance exercises to strengthen muscles and help increase body movement awareness. Single-leg stance exercises can help increase your balance gradually. They require only a table or chair to help you balance yourself on one leg while performing a simple movement on the other. They can be done up to three times a day or as suggested by a chiropodist. They begin with your legs slightly separated and your hands placed on a table or chair in front of you for balance. This is the resting position. For the first exercise, slowly lift your right leg to the side, approximately 6 inches from the ground. Hold for 10 seconds and then lower it. Repeat this 5-10 times and then switch to the other leg. Assume the resting position again and then slowly bend your right knee as you raise your foot 6 inches from the floor. Hold for 10 seconds, then lower it and do 5-10 reps before repeating the steps on the other leg. Your chiropodist may suggest additional balance exercises and will also devise specific fall prevention measures based on their assessment of your individual risk.

Falls are a common but preventable problem for older adults. If you would like to learn more about preventing falls, 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. 

Did you know that most falls occur in the home? Fortunately, there are many simple changes that you can make to the living environment to reduce the risk of falling. 

In the Bathroom:

• Install grab bars near toilets, bathtubs, and showers
• Put non-skid mats on all surfaces that may get wet

In the Bedroom:

• Keep a light near the bed so that you can easily turn it on if you have to get up at night
• Keep the path from your bedroom to the bathroom clutter-free and well-lit
• Consider installing a bed rail for added support

In the Kitchen:

• Use non-skid mats
• Wipe up any spills immediately
• Move commonly used items to areas that are easily within your reach

In the Hallways:

• Place handrails on both sides of the stairs
• Install good lighting in the hallways and around the entire home
• Keep hallways free of clutter
• Don’t use throw rugs or small area rugs

In Other Living Areas: 

• Keep loose cables, cords, and wires near the wall and away from walking surfaces
• Make sure that all carpets and rugs are secure firmly to the floor
• Arrange your furniture so that it is not in your way when you walk
• Use chairs and couches that you can easily get up from

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