An ingrown toenail is a common and painful foot condition that occurs when the sides or corners of the toenail dig into the skin at the end or side of the toe. While this condition can affect any toe, it most commonly plagues the edges of the big toe. Wearing tight shoes, high heels, and pointed-toe footwear can compress the toes, causing the nails to curl into the skin. The way your toenails are trimmed matters. Cutting them too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin, increasing the risk of developing an ingrown toenail. Any injury near the nail, such as a ripped nail or a nail peeled off at the edge, can cause an ingrown toenail to form. Fungal infections of the toenail sometimes lead to thickening or widening of the nail, making it more prone to grow into the nailbed. Finally, nails with odd shapes can make them more susceptible to becoming ingrown. Symptoms of ingrown toenails typically begin with redness at the end of the toe, mild swelling, and pain. The presence of white or yellow pus and drainage may indicate an infection. For help with managing the discomfort of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist.

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 chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. 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.

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, can be a source of discomfort and pain for many individuals. Understanding the causes and available treatment options is a good way to manage this condition effectively. Genetics can play a role in the development of flat feet, as some people simply inherit the tendency from their parents. With age, the arches of your feet may gradually flatten as ligaments and tendons loosen and muscles become weaker. Trauma to the foot, such as a torn tendon, also can lead to flat feet, and excess weight puts added stress on the feet that may lead to arch collapse. Hormonal changes and weight gain during pregnancy often contribute to flat feet. Treatment options for flat feet include orthotic shoe Inserts that provide arch support and alleviate discomfort. Certain exercises can strengthen the muscles supporting the arch. Choosing supportive, well-fitted shoes is essential, as is maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the feet. For help with addressing the discomfort from flat feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for an exam and the appropriate treatment options. 

Flat feet are a common foot condition. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to flat feet, 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 Flat Feet? 

Flat feet are feet that do not have a well-defined arch in the middle of the sole of the foot. Flat feet may be flexible or rigid. Flexible flat feet have an arch when there is no pressure put on the foot, such as when one is sitting, but the arch disappears upon standing. Rigid flat feet lack an arch regardless of whether one is standing or not. 

Causes

Flat feet can be present from birth or acquired over time due to a weakening of the ligaments in the arch. Sometimes flat feet are caused by illnesses, injuries, or pregnancy. 

Symptoms

Flat feet often cause no noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience pain and discomfort due to their flat feet. 

Symptoms associated with flat feet include:

• Pain in the arch, heel, ankle, or along the outside of the foot
• Overpronation of the foot
• Shin splints
• Aching or fatigue in the feet or legs
• Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back

Treatment 

In cases where flat feet cause symptoms, there are various treatments available. Wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes to provide more arch support, performing stretches, and taking medications may improve your symptoms. If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve pressure on the feet. In severe cases, surgery may be considered. 

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.

Seeking the expertise of a chiropodist can yield numerous benefits that contribute to overall health and comfort for your feet. Chiropodists are trained in theoretical, clinical, and practical aspects of foot and ankle disorders. They play a vital role in addressing a range of foot health issues, including flat feet, bunions, heel and arch pain, nail fungus, warts, and diabetic foot conditions. They also can provide personalized recommendations for custom footwear and orthotics, enabling patients to alleviate specific foot conditions. During your visit to a chiropodist, be prepared to discuss your medical history, which helps this medical professional to fully understand your condition. Today's leading chiropodists are committed to delivering optimal foot care, and promoting overall well-being. Complying with lifestyle modifications and recommendations from a chiropodist can expedite the recovery process, enabling you to embrace improved foot health and enhanced quality of life. If you have specific foot problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for treatment and guidance.

If you have any foot or ankle concerns, contact one of the chiropodists of The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can provide the care you need to keep you on your feet.

A chiropodist is a healthcare professional that specializes in the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. With the amount of work the feet do in a lifetime, the whole body works better if the feet are properly supported. Chiropodists must have a bachelor’s degree in science and complete a three to four-year chiropody program. They can then work independently or as part of a team. Chiropodists are like podiatrists, the only difference being the country they obtained where they obtained their degrees. The field can be called podiatry in the United States and chiropody elsewhere. A chiropodist is a popular term for this profession in the UK and Canada. Chiropodists treat a variety of foot problems from corns and calluses to fungal infections. Some also offer orthotics. They might provide a variety of foot therapies, injections, and surgical procedures. Normally one sees a chiropodist when they are experiencing pain but visiting one regularly, as one would a dentist, can help ensure the feet are in top form and help prevent future problems. If you suffer from foot or ankle pain or have questions about your lower extremities, book an appointment with a chiropodist today.

What Does a Chiropodist Do?

A chiropodist helps people with problems with their feet and ankles with the goal of making their lives more comfortable. A chiropodist takes care of blisters, corns, bunions, cracked heels, nail problems, and sprained ankles, just to mention a few things that can go wrong with our feet. A chiropodist will take your medical history and examine your feet for blood circulation and any other problems going on. They will watch you walk and how you move when you walk. They will discuss any findings they come up with and discuss a treatment plan with you.

What Does It Take to Become a Chiropodist?

Chiropodists must have seven to eight years of post-secondary school before beginning to practice. They must obtain a bachelor’s degree in science and complete a three-to-four-year chiropody program. Chiropodists work independently or as part of a team.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Niagara Falls, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.