Blog

Plantar fasciitis develops when the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated. This broad ligament, called the plantar fascia, connects the heel bone to the toes and helps support the arch. Pain is felt beneath the heel and can be sharp with the first steps after getting out of bed. It may ease after movement, then return after long periods of standing. Stiffness and swelling can also occur. Although heel spurs can appear on X-rays, they are not always responsible for the pain.

Repeated strain can stress the plantar fascia and cause irritation. A sudden increase in running or walking can contribute to this problem. Other factors include rapid weight gain, tight calf muscles, and long periods of time spent standing. Flat feet or very high arches can change how pressure moves through the foot. Shoes that lack proper support can add further strain. Plantar fasciitis can affect one or both feet. Discomfort can interfere with work, exercise, and movement. Similar heel pain can result from a stress fracture or nerve irritation, so an accurate diagnosis is important.

A chiropodist can examine the area, check foot movement, and assess the way a patient stands and walks. The examination considers arch shape, calf tightness, and pressure beneath the heel. Imaging tests are not always required, but it can help rule out another cause when symptoms or examination findings are unusual. Treatment includes foot care and guidance on activity changes. A chiropodist can recommend fitted shoes and provide orthotics to reduce strain. Other options can include taping or a night splint, based on the patient's needs. Follow-up visits allow the chiropodist to review progress and adjust the treatment plan. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be painful and interfere with your daily activities. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain and believe you may be afflicted with plantar fasciitis, 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 Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Repetitive activities, such as running or jumping, can injure the plantar fascia over time. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by flat feet, high arches, pregnancy, and activities that put excessive pressure on your feet, like standing all day for work. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it causes pain and discomfort. 

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Stabbing pain near the heel
• Pain that is worst in the morning or after a period of rest
• Pain that increases after exercising
• Swelling
• Tightness in the Achilles tendon

Diagnosis

Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed via medical history and physical examination. 

Treatment

Treatments for plantar fasciitis include resting and icing the affected foot, stretching the foot, taking medications to reduce inflammation, and wearing orthotics. In severe cases where pain does not improve with conservative treatments, injections or surgery may be recommended. 

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

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals within a joint. It often develops suddenly and can lead to intense pain, redness, warmth, and swelling. The big toe is the most common location for gout attacks. This joint experiences high pressure during walking and standing, which may encourage crystal formation. Lower temperatures in the toes may also allow uric acid crystals to develop more easily. Risk factors include family history, excess body weight,  and diets high in purines.

Many people with gout experience severe discomfort during flare-ups that can interfere with daily activities. Symptoms may include throbbing pain, tenderness, and difficulty wearing shoes. Repeated attacks can lead to gout tophi, which are firm deposits of uric acid crystals that collect beneath the skin. Tophi may appear around the toes, heel, or ankle. In some cases, tophi on the sole of the foot can resemble viral warts, because both conditions may create raised skin lesions. Unlike warts, tophi form from crystal deposits rather than a viral infection.

Viral warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, and often develop on weight-bearing areas of the foot. Warts may contain tiny dark spots and can be painful when walking. Gout tophi can look similar, but usually occur in people with a history of gout or elevated uric acid levels. A proper diagnosis is important because treatment differs for each condition. A chiropodist can assess symptoms, examine the foot, and recommend appropriate care.

Managing gout may involve lifestyle changes, wearing supportive footwear, and medical treatment to lower uric acid levels. Early care may help reduce pain and limit future joint damage. Recognizing symptoms and early evaluation are necessary to improve comfort and mobility. If you have pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can accurately diagnose and effectively treat gout.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. 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 Gout?

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. This type of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid crystallizes in a joint, often the joint of the big toe, it can bring about a gout attack. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of gout include: 

• Sudden and severe pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Joint stiffness
• Joint deformity

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will ask questions about your personal and family medical history, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout. A sample of fluid taken from your joint can show whether it contains uric acid. 

Treatment

Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Patients with chronic gout can also use behavioral modifications such as diet, exercise, and decreased intake of alcohol to help minimize the frequency of gout attacks. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided since purines are converted in the body to uric acid. If left untreated, this painful condition can leave your joint permanently damaged and swollen.  

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

Toe pain can have many causes, including from an injury or nail condition. A toenail may fall off when tissue beneath or around the nail becomes damaged. Trauma from stubbing a toe, dropping something on the foot, or wearing tight shoes can injure the nail and cause separation. A fungal infection can weaken the nail, making it thick, brittle, and more likely to detach. Psoriasis may affect the nail as well, causing changes that lead to nail loss.

Symptoms depend on the cause. An injured toenail may become painful, swollen, or tender before separating. Fungal infections often cause thickening and discoloration, while psoriasis can produce pitting or crumbling. Risk factors include repeated toe injuries, wearing tight footwear, and previous nail problems. Activities that place pressure on the toes may increase trauma risk. Recognizing changes early can make treatment easier.

A chiropodist can examine the toe and determine why the nail is lifting or falling off. The evaluation may include checking the nail and surrounding skin. If a fungal infection is suspected, testing may be recommended before treatment begins. For an injured nail, the chiropodist may clean and protect the area while addressing damage. Fungal disease may require prescribed medication, while nail psoriasis may need specific care related to the condition. A loose nail may need careful trimming or removal when medically necessary.

Protecting the toe while a damaged nail heals can prevent irritation. A new toenail can take many months to grow completely, so proper care is important. Wear shoes with enough room for the toes, and keep the area clean and dry. Persistent pain, drainage, or nail changes should receive attention. If your toenail has lifted or fallen off, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate management tips. 

Toe pain is common and can have a variety of causes. Causes can range from a broken toe to an ingrown toenail. Many types of toe pain can be corrected, but any toe pain that inhibits your activities for an extended period should be discussed with a chiropodist. If you suffer from toe pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your feet.

Common Causes of Toe Pain 

• Trauma or fracture
• Cuts, sores, or bruises
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Turf Toe
• Morton’s neuroma
• Blisters
• Corns
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar warts
• Athlete’s Foot

Symptoms of Toe Pain

• Toe deformity
• Burning
• Numbness
• Toenail deformity
• Wart or ulcer
• Swelling
• Redness

When to See a Chiropodist

• Bleeding or severe swelling
• Trauma, such as a broken bone
• Discoloration or extreme swelling
• Inability to bear weight
• Persistent pain
• Wounds that won’t heal

Diagnosis of Toe Pain

A chiropodist can conduct a thorough examination of the painful toe or toes in order to determine the best course of treatment. The exam may include assessing the tenderness of the area, taking an X-ray or other diagnostic test, or assessing your gait and range of motion. A discussion of what led to the advanced pain issue may follow. Included will likely be a health history, as well as a list of medications you are taking and other previous injuries you may have sustained.

Treatment for Toe Pain

With such a wide range of possible causes for toe pain, treatment can be varied in scope and length. Sometimes, the chiropodist will recommend lifestyle and activity changes. In cases of trauma or other injuries, X-rays or imaging tests will likely be used to determine the severity of the problem, particularly if any bones have been broken. Treatment may also include injections of pain-relief medication or anti-inflammatory drugs. Certain injuries will require the splinting, bracing, or wrapping of injured toes. Orthotics or special shoes may be prescribed in cases of bone deformities and gait issues. Removal of warts, calluses, and corns may be needed. In other cases, such as with patients who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, ongoing treatment may be required to avoid more serious problems. 

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