Broken Foot

If you’re an athlete, you may be familiar with stress fractures. These are tiny cracks in one or more bones of the feet that are caused by repetitive overloading of the foot. This is common in athletes, as frequent training, running, and jumping activities can put a strain on the foot bones. When a stress fracture occurs, symptoms may at first be mild. The affected bone might ache, but only during physical activity. It may disappear with rest. However, if a fracture goes untreated, the pain may increase gradually over time until it hurts constantly and interferes with all weight-bearing activities, like standing or walking. Swelling and tenderness of the areas surrounding the broken bone are also common. 

Full fractures occur when one or more bones in the feet crack completely. This is often due to a high-impact injury to the area. Symptoms of a full fracture may include pain, bruising, tenderness, swelling, difficulty walking, and deformity. In some cases, pieces of a broken bone can poke through the skin in an open fracture. This type of fracture requires immediate medical attention due to the high risk of infection. 

A chiropodist can diagnose a fracture through an X-ray or bone scan. Treatments may be conservative and include resting, icing, and elevating the foot for a period of time to allow it to heal. Over-the-counter medications may be suggested for pain management. Sometimes you may also be prescribed a brace or other orthotic device to take pressure off the fractured bone while it heals. More severe fractures may require surgery and a lengthy recovery period.  

If you’re suffering from a broken foot bone, it’s suggested that you seek the care of a chiropodist.

First Aid for Broken Feet and Toes

Broken toes or feet often result from trauma, such as stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on it, or from sports injuries. Immediate first aid is important in managing pain and preventing further damage. First, immobilize the injured area to prevent movement. Use a splint or tape the broken toe to an adjacent toe for support. Elevate the foot above heart level to reduce swelling. Avoid putting weight on the affected foot to prevent further injury. Pain relievers can help to manage pain and inflammation. Seek medical attention from a chiropodist as soon as possible. If you believe you have broken a toe or foot, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can provide a proper diagnosis through physical examination and imaging, like X-rays. They will recommend an appropriate treatment plan, which may include casting, protective footwear, or in severe cases, surgery.

A foot fracture is a crack or break in a foot bone, often caused by repetitive stress on the foot or a high-impact foot injury. If you’re suffering from 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. 

Symptoms

  • Pain

  • Bruising

  • Tenderness

  • Swelling

  • Difficulty walking

  • Deformity

Causes

  • Repetitive overloading of the foot

  • Having a previous fracture

  • Abnormal foot biomechanics

  • Changing training surfaces suddenly 

  • Poor footwear

  • Osteoporosis 

  • High-impact injury 

Treatments

  • Rest

  • Ice

  • Elevation

  • Pain medication

  • Braces or other orthotics

  • Casts

  • Crutches

  • Surgery in more severe cases 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows into the surrounding skin rather than over it. This can affect any toe, but most often happens on the big toe. Signs of an ingrown toenail include the surrounding skin becoming tender, painful, swollen, red, and warm. In some cases, the area can become infected, and white or yellow pus may drain from the area. If an ingrown toenail is showing signs of infection, it is recommended that you seek medical treatment. 

Ingrown toenails are usually caused by wearing poorly fitting shoes or trimming the toenails improperly. Shoes that are too tight and have narrow, pointed toes or high heels can compress the toes and cause the toenails to curl and grow into the skin. Trimming your nails into a rounded shape or cutting them too short can cause the edges of the nail to grow into the skin. Other potential causes for ingrown toenails include sustaining an injury near the toenail, having a fungal nail infection, using certain prescription medications, and having an abnormal nail shape. Some people also have a genetic predisposition to developing ingrown toenails. 

Preventing ingrown toenails begins with proper trimming. Trim your nails regularly using nail clippers rather than nail scissors. Nail clippers cut the nail straight across, avoiding the rounded edges that can make ingrown toenails likely to develop. Make sure that while trimming the nails that you do not cut them too short. Wear comfortable shoes with low heels and a wide toe area to keep your toes from squishing together. 

For more information about ingrown toenails, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Facts About Children's Ingrown Toenails

Children's ingrown toenails are a common and painful condition where the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to redness, swelling, and discomfort. Several factors can contribute to this condition. Improper nail trimming, such as cutting the nails too short or rounding the edges, is a primary cause. Tight or ill-fitting shoes can also exert pressure on the toes, promoting the development of ingrown toenails. Additionally, some children have naturally curved or thick toenails that are more prone to becoming ingrown. Active children who frequently stub their toes or engage in sports may also experience this issue. Encouraging proper nail-trimming techniques and choosing appropriate footwear can significantly reduce the risk of ingrown toenails. If your child’s toenails are red or inflamed, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition.

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 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Cuboid Syndrome

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, is a condition in which the cuboid bone in the foot moves out of alignment. This can happen as a secondary injury to a sprained ankle or due to injury or overuse. Activities that may increase your risk of cuboid syndrome include playing sports with rapid, side-to-side movements, dancing, climbing stairs, wearing poorly fitted shoes, training on uneven surfaces, and not taking enough time to rest and recover after strenuous activity. 

Symptoms frequently associated with cuboid syndrome include dull, aching, or sharp pain along the outside of the foot, pain that gets worse when bearing weight, ankle pain, difficulty walking, a reduced range of motion in the affected foot, and sensitivity on the bottom of the foot. 

Fortunately, most people diagnosed with cuboid syndrome make a full recovery. There are many treatment options available for this condition. At home, you may be advised to rest, ice, compress, and elevate the affected foot to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling and to promote healing. Your chiropodist can also perform certain foot manipulations to realign the cuboid bone, use a pad or tape to stabilize the affected foot, or prescribe custom orthotics. 

If you are experiencing the symptoms of cuboid syndrome, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Athletes With Cuboid Syndrome

Cuboid syndrome is a common condition in athletes characterized by pain on the lateral side of the foot due to the displacement or subluxation of the cuboid bone. Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. Diagnosis involves a physical examination where a doctor will look for tenderness surrounding the cuboid bone and may perform specific manipulative tests to assess the alignment of the bone. Imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI scans are often used to rule out fractures or other injuries. Treatment typically includes rest and elevation to reduce inflammation. A chiropodist can guide you toward specific stretching exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve flexibility. If you have developed pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult this type of healthcare care professional who can successfully diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joint and ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone in the foot become injured. If you think that you may have cuboid syndrome, 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. 

Causes

The cuboid bone is one of the seven tarsal bones located in the foot. Cuboid syndrome develops when the cuboid bone moves down and out of alignment with the other bone (calcaneus bone) in the joint of the foot. Cuboid syndrome can be the result of a sudden injury like an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly over time from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures. 

Symptoms

The most common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain on the outside of the foot which may worsen with activity. 

Other possible symptoms include: 

  • Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot

  • Swelling

  • Sensitivity on the bottom of the foot

  • Reduced range of motion  

Diagnosis

A chiropodist can diagnose cuboid syndrome based on your medical history and a physical examination of the foot. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, often fail to show the dislocated cuboid. 

Treatment

Treatment often includes resting, icing, compressing and elevating the affected foot, taping, wearing orthotic inserts, and taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain. The chiropodist may also be able to manipulate the dislocated bone back into alignment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Sever's Disease

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a foot condition that occurs in children. Sever’s disease is not truly a disease, but rather an overuse injury. It is common among active children between the ages of 8 and 14. Young, growing children have a growth plate in their heels, where new bone is forming. When too much stress is put on the heel, the growth plate can become inflamed, leading to heel pain. 

Children who participate in activities that put repetitive stress on the heel bone are most at risk of developing Sever’s disease. These activities include playing soccer or basketball, running track, or any other sport or activity that involves running, jogging, or jumping. Children who are obese, have tight Achilles tendons, biomechanical problems, flat feet, or fallen arches are also at risk. 

The symptoms of Sever’s disease include pain in the back or bottom of the heel, pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed, and fatigue. The pain may lead to difficulties walking or bearing weight on the affected foot, and you may notice your child limping or walking on their toes to avoid putting pressure on the heel. A chiropodist can diagnose Sever’s disease by taking a medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging studies such as X-rays may also be ordered. 

Sever’s disease is generally treated by resting the affected foot, wearing shoes or orthotics that support the heel, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation. In severe cases of heel pain, the affected foot may need to be immobilized with a cast while it heals. If your child is complaining of heel pain, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Symptoms and Causes of Sever’s Disease

Sever's disease, named after Dr. James Warren Sever who first described the condition in 1912, is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents. This condition primarily affects the heel's growth plate, an area at the back of the foot where new bone forms during growth spurts. Symptoms typically include pain and tenderness at the heel, which can be worsened by physical activity. The discomfort often increases with running, jumping, or other high-impact activities and might cause limping or difficulty walking. Sever's disease targets active children, particularly those aged eight to 14 during periods of rapid growth. The pain usually subsides with rest and decreases once the growth plates close as the child matures. Treatment focuses on reducing symptoms through rest, stretching exercises, and wearing supportive footwear to alleviate pressure on the heel. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can successfully diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever’s disease typically affects young children and teenagers. If your child complains of foot 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 Sever’s Disease? 

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It is typically caused by overuse due to repetitive activities such as running, jumping, and playing certain sports. This condition most frequently affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of Sever’s disease include: 

  • Pain in the back or bottom of the heel

  • Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed

  • Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the heel

  • Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in usual activities

  • Fatigue 

Diagnosis

Sever’s disease is diagnosed by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, can help rule out other injuries like a fracture. 

Treatment

Sever’s disease typically heals without any long-term complications. Treatment involves resting the affected foot by reducing typical activities, wearing orthotics to support the foot, immobilizing the affected foot, taking medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and stretching the foot. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Diabetic Foot Care

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.

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