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Flip-flops might be the choice footwear for the summer, but they are not the choice footwear for maintaining the health of your feet. If you’ve ever worn flip-flops, you may have noticed that they can be difficult to keep on your feet as you walk. To to prevent them from slipping off, you must walk with your toes bent around the ends of the shoes. This toe posture can increase your risk of foot deformities, such as hammertoes and bunions. Frequently wearing flip-flops can also change your gait or walking pattern. Although they come in many fun patterns and colors, these flimsy shoes don’t come with much foot protection or arch support, leaving your feet exposed to the elements and at risk of injury. If you must wear flip-flops, it’s suggested that you wear them only for short periods of time. To learn more about the dangers of flip-flops, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Flip-flops, though they may seem harmless, are bad for your foot health. If you would like to learn more about the many problems that can be caused by frequent flip-flop wear, 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. 

Flip-flops are the quintessential summer shoe, seemingly perfect for the beach or pool. Unfortunately, these flimsy shoes are not a good choice when it comes to keeping your feet healthy. 

Frequently wearing flip-flops is associated with: 

• Hammertoes
• Bunions
• Plantar fasciitis
• Heel spurs
• Cracked heels
• Plantar warts
• Athlete’s foot
• Foot pain
• Foot and ankle injuries
• Gait changes
• Leg, hip, and back pain

The best way to avoid these issues is to swap your flip-flops for more protective and supportive shoes. If you must wear flip-flops, wear them only for short periods of time. 

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

Corns are small bumps of thickened skin that can appear on the foot. They usually occur in response to excessive friction from ill-fitting footwear. There are several different types of corns. Hard corns are typically found on the tops of toes and are characterized by a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin. Soft corns are typically found between the toes. They are soft due to their exposure to sweat. There are also seed corns, tiny bumps on the soles of the feet that typically occur in multiples. Seed corns are often asymptomatic, but hard and soft corns can cause pain and discomfort, especially if the affected area experiences frequent pressure, friction, or irritation. If you have painful corns, it is suggested that you seek the care of a chiropodist. 

Corns are small bumps or dry, hardened skin that can arise on the feet, usually in response to friction. Corns can be asymptomatic, or they can be uncomfortable or painful. If you have corns that are bothering you, 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 three types of corns:

• Hard corns
  • Often occur on the tops of toes
  • Feature a hard core surrounded by dry, irritated skin
  • Can be painful
• Soft corns
  • Often occur in between the toes
  • Soft due to constant exposure to sweat
  • Can be painful
• Seed corns
  • Tiny
  • Often occur on the soles of the feet
  • Usually asymptomatic

Corns can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit properly. They are typically benign and don’t require medical treatment. However, if your corns are causing you pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to a chiropodist near you for treatment options. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON . 

Whether you are an experienced runner or just beginning your running journey, the importance of finding the right running shoes cannot be overstated. The right footwear can often mean the difference between smooth, comfortable runs and discomfort, foot pain, and injury. Factors that you should consider when looking for running shoes include the type of running you will be doing (long-distance, sprinting, etc.), the type of terrain you will be running on, and your individual foot needs. It is best to go shoe shopping later in the day when your feet are naturally at their largest. A store associate can help you find the right size and recommend shoes that suit your needs. A chiropodist can analyze your gait, diagnose any foot problems, and suggest what types of running shoes may be best for you. For more information, please consult with a chiropodist. 

The right running shoes can sometimes be difficult to find. With so many options on the market, it’s important to know the unique needs of your feet prior to buying running shoes. If you require assistance, 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 looking for running shoes, take into consideration:

• The type of running you will be doing
• The terrain you plan to run on
• Your gait or running pattern
• Your arch type
• Other unique foot needs

A chiropodist can help by examining your feet and your gait to determine what types of shoes may be best for you. Some runners may require motion control shoes, which prevent your foot from rolling too far inward while you run. Others may need stability shoes, which offer more balance, cushioning, and support. When shopping for shoes, make sure that they are the right size, fit comfortably, and are made of breathable materials. 

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

Your feet are composed of 26 bones, 30 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Your feet support the weight of your entire body and carry you through your daily activities. Exercising the feet can be highly beneficial to maintain their overall health. There are a variety of simple foot exercises that focus on building strength, flexibility, and mobility in the feet. One simple strength-building exercise is a toe curl. Spread a towel out on the floor in front of you and use only your toes to scrunch it up. This exercise builds up the flexor muscles in the feet. Stretch your toes by manually moving the big toe up, down, and to the side while you sit on a chair. For more information about the many benefits of foot exercises, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Stretching and strengthening your feet is very important for maintaining your foot health. If you would like to learn more about exercises for your feet, 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 a variety of relatively easy-to-do exercises that can boost the strength, flexibility, and mobility of your feet, as well as relieve foot pain.  

Strength exercises: 

• Toe splay - Spread the toes apart and hold for several seconds; improves control over toe muscles
• Toe curls - Scrunch up a towel with your toes; strengthens the flexor muscles
• Marble pickup - Pick up marbles with your toes; strengthens the muscles on the undersides of the feet and toes
• Walking on sand - Stretches and strengthens feet and calves

Flexibility exercises: 

• Heel raises - Raise the heels while keeping toes on the ground
• Toe point - Raise the heels while pointing the toes, keeping just the tips of toes on the ground
• Toe curl - Raise the heels while curling the toes inwards, keeping just the tips of toes on the ground
• Big toe stretch - Use your hands to gently stretch your big toes up, down, and to the side

Exercises for foot pain: 

• Toe extension - Gently pull the toes up towards the ankle and hold for several seconds
• Ball roll - gently roll a golf or tennis ball underneath the arches of the feet 

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