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Poorly fitting shoes are a common cause of foot pain and structural deformities. Footwear that does not accommodate the natural shape of your foot can contribute to the formation of bunions, hammertoes, corns, and calluses. Since most shoes are manufactured with limited shape variations, many people unknowingly wear improperly fitted footwear. Foot morphology refers to the unique shape and structure of a person’s foot, including length, width, arch height, and toe alignment. These characteristics vary widely, and they must be considered when selecting shoes. Improper fit affects function, meaning shoes may fail to provide proper support, stability, and pressure distribution. Studies suggest that many people wear shoes that are too tight or too short, which can lead to long-term foot complications. Measuring both foot length and width while standing is recommended for accurate sizing, as weight-bearing changes foot dimensions. A chiropodist can assess your foot structure, provide guidance on proper footwear selection, and recommend solutions for footwear-related problems. If you need guidance on managing existing foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.

Finding the right shoes for you can ensure your comfort and help maintain proper foot health. If you suffer from foot pain and need help finding the right shoes for you, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Tips to Find Great Shoes 

Finding shoes that are well-fitting, supportive, and comfortable can be key in maintaining your overall foot health, but can sometimes seem like a monumental task. 

Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when shopping for shoes. 

• Shop in a brick and mortar store - Your shoe size can change throughout your lifetime. You will be able to try on shoes before you buy them to ensure a proper fit. A salesperson can also provide recommendations on what shoes best serve your specific needs.

• Try shoes on at the end of the day - Your feet swell throughout the day. By trying shoes on in the evening when the feet are at their largest, you ensure a good fit and shoes that are comfortable all day.

• Have your feet measured - Find the right fit by having your feet measured at the shoe store. A salesperson can help by measuring both feet with a Brannock device to determine your true size. 

• Opt for comfort and support - Some shoes, such as high heels and flip flops, may look great but can cause damage to the feet over time. Look for shoes that have a low heel, adequate arch support, a wide toe box, and are made of breathable materials. 

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.

In ballet, the foot plays a critical role in creating beautiful lines and executing precise movements. As dancers move through various positions, the articulation of the foot is essential for proper alignment and fluidity. The foot begins with a natural flexed position, progressing into a pointed position during both plié and tendu exercises. The articulation of the toes and the arch is especially important in pointe work, where the foot must maintain a perfect alignment from the toes up to the shin. Pointe work requires the foot to fully extend while bearing the dancer’s entire body weight on the tips of the toes. Proper foot awareness is essential in maintaining control and preventing injury. A dancer must constantly engage the muscles of the foot, including the intrinsic muscles, to ensure the arches are lifted and the foot remains stable throughout each movement, enhancing both strength and grace. If you are a ballet dancer and have injured your foot or ankle, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on the importance of practicing effective foot stretches.

The biomechanics of your feet play an important role in your foot health. To learn more, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Foot biomechanics refers to the study of the structure, function, and motion of the feet. The feet and ankles are a complex system consisting of many bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that work together to move your feet. Understanding the unique biomechanics of your own feet can help you and your chiropodist make informed decisions about your foot health care. This includes decisions about the best preventive measures to avoid foot pain, the best treatment options for various foot problems, and finding the best shoes for your feet. 

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.

Foot strengthening is essential for dancers preparing to perform on pointe because it enhances stability, control, and flexibility. Several exercises can be done using everyday tools like hair elastics, hand towels, and tennis balls. A hair elastic can be placed around the toes to provide gentle resistance, encouraging toe flexibility and strength when stretched. Place a hand towel on the floor and use the toes to scrunch the towel toward the feet, a great exercise for building the arch muscles. A band can provide resistance while performing ankle rotations or flexing and pointing the toes, helping to improve overall strength and flexibility. Additionally, rolling a tennis ball under the foot is a fantastic way to relieve tension and massage the muscles, increasing circulation. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can provide treatment and recommend specific exercises that can strengthen the feet.

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 chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. 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 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing proper footwear is essential to reducing the risk of falls, especially for seniors or those with balance issues. Supportive, well-fitted shoes provide stability, improve traction, and help maintain proper alignment. Poorly chosen footwear, such as high heels, loose slippers, or worn-out soles, can increase the likelihood of slips or trips. Proper footwear should have a non-slip sole, low heels, and a secure fit around the foot. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose, as they can affect balance. Look for shoes with cushioned insoles to absorb shock and reduce fatigue during movement. If a fall occurs, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist to assess and treat any foot or ankle injuries, which could lead to chronic issues, if ignored.

Falls are a major cause of injury among the elderly. To learn more about preventing falls or to get treatment following a foot or ankle injury caused by a fall, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Falling is one of the leading causes of injury among the elderly. It is said that about 50% of falls that result in hospitalization occur in the home. Fortunately, there are steps that you can implement to reduce your risk of falling in the home. 

Tips to Prevent Falls at Home:

• In the bathroom - Place non-slip mats in the shower or tub, install grab bars near the toilet and bath, and wipe up any moisture or spills as soon as possible. 

• In the living rooms and bedroom - Remove loose wires, cords, or other objects that may be an obstacle to moving around safely. Make sure that you have good lighting throughout the home so that you can always see where you are going. Get rid of any rugs or mats that are not firmly anchored or that may cause you to trip. When walking around the home, move slowly. 

• In the kitchen - Store food and supplies in easily accessible areas, store heavy items in lower cupboards, and wipe up any spills immediately to prevent slipping. 

• On the stairs - Make sure that the stairs are well-lit and have secure handrails. Walk slowly when ascending or descending the stairs.  

• Outside - Keep walkways well-lit and clear of snow, ice, leaves, and man-made tripping hazards.

Maintaining your overall health, including the health of your feet, can also help to prevent falls. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and wear well-fitted, comfortable, and supportive shoes. If you have a mobility device, such as a cane, use it while walking.  

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.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, caused by the misalignment of the joint. This deformity occurs when the big toe points toward the second toe, causing the joint to stick out. Symptoms of a bunion include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing shoes, particularly if they are tight or narrow. In severe cases, the deformity may make it challenging to walk. Several risk factors contribute to the development of bunions, including genetic predisposition, as they often run in families. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, particularly high heels or shoes with a narrow toe box, can also increase the risk. Additionally, conditions like flat feet, arthritis, and abnormal foot mechanics may contribute to the development of bunions. While some individuals may not experience significant pain, others may require treatment ranging from conservative measures such as orthotics to surgical correction for severe cases. If you have a bunion that is uncomfortable, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can offer you effective treatment solutions.

Bunions progressively worsen over time and may cause walking in your shoes to become difficult. To learn more about bunions, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Are Bunions? 

A bunion is a bony bump that protrudes from the base of the big toe. Bunions are caused due to a misalignment of the first metatarsal. The characteristic bump of a bunion forms when the metatarsal shifts outwards from its proper position. Bunions develop slowly over time and progressively worsen without treatment. The skin over the bunion may develop calluses due to the friction from shoes. Eventually, a bunion can make walking uncomfortable or even painful. Bunions are one of the most common foot deformities and are especially common in women and older adults.

Symptoms

A bunion appears as a bulging bump on the outside of the base of the big toe.

The bunion may also: 

• Be swollen, red, or sore 

• Develop corns or calluses over it

• Cause pain

• Limit the big toe’s range of motion

Treatment

There are several different treatments available for bunions. Conservative treatment options include wearing shoes with a wider toe box, cushioning the bunion with a specialized pad, wearing shoe inserts, icing the bunion if it becomes inflamed, and taking medications to relieve pain. In more severe cases, more invasive procedures may be done. This may involve removing the swollen tissue around the bunion, straightening the big toe, realigning the bones at the front of the foot, or a combination of these procedures. 

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

Foot pain is a prevalent issue affecting people of all ages everywhere. It becomes more common and severe with age. Foot pain can manifest as aching, stiffness, or sharp discomfort, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life. Women and individuals with excess weight are particularly at risk, as hormonal changes, footwear choices, and being overweight can place additional stress on the feet. Aging compounds these factors, with wear and tear on joints, reduced cushioning, and slower healing contributing to persistent discomfort. Addressing foot pain early is essential to prevent it from worsening. Simple measures like wearing supportive shoes, maintaining a healthy weight, and performing gentle stretches can offer relief. If you have persistent or severe pain, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for tailored care.

Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have foot pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

When you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis. 

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:

• Stress fractures

• Sinus tarsi syndrome

• Extensor tendonitis

• Tibialis anterior tendonitis

• Gout

• Athlete’s foot

• Ganglion cysts

Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Foot cramps

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

• Plantar fibromatosis

• Posterior tibial tendonitis

• Stress fractures

• Flat feet

Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:

• Ankle sprain

• Cuboid syndrome

• Peroneal tendonitis

• Stress fractures

• Bunions

• Corns or calluses

• Posterior tibial tendonitis

Heel pain may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Achilles tendonitis

• Bone spurs

• Heel fractures

• Retrocalcaneal bursitis

• Sever’s disease 

Pain in the toes may be caused by:

• Gout

• Hammertoe

• Turf toe 

• Bunions

• Ingrown toenails

• Blisters 

• Arthritis

These and many more conditions can be treated by a chiropodist. 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.

Heel cups are used to manage heel pain, offering both support and relief. These inserts are designed to alter the biomechanics of the heel by redistributing pressure and reducing stress on the heel pad. Research suggests that heel cups can increase the thickness of the heel pad while decreasing its stiffness during standing, which may alleviate discomfort. By providing a stabilizing effect, heel cups reduce internal stress on the heel, allowing for a more comfortable standing and walking experience. These effects can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with conditions such as heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis. A chiropodist can assess your foot structure and gait to determine whether heel cups would provide relief. They can also guide you in choosing the most effective type of heel cup for your condition and ensure proper fit and usage. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist to see if heel cups are right for you.

Heel pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you suffer from heel pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

When it comes to heel pain, the exact location and type of pain are important to note. Some of the conditions that may cause heel pain include: 

• Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot; it causes a stabbing pain under the heel that is at its worst when taking your first few steps after a long rest and while standing on your tiptoes or climbing stairs

• Achilles tendonitis - An inflammation of the tendon in the back of the calf; it causes pain in the back of the heel that is at its worst after resting, as well as ankle and calf stiffness, swelling, and tenderness 

• Bone spurs - Bony lumps on the back of the heel bones that cause sharp pain upon first standing up; the pain becomes dull and achy over time 

• Heel fractures - A break or crack in the heel bone that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking

• Retrocalcaneal bursitis - Swelling of the small, fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone; it causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the back of the heel

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Compression of the posterior tibial nerve which causes a pins and needles sensation in the heel, foot, and calf 

Your chiropodist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and prescribe the right treatments for you. 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.