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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful and debilitating autoimmune disease that grows worse with age. It is caused by an inflammation of the capsule around a joint, particularly in the hands and feet. Women are more likely to have RA than men. Other risk factors include being between 40 and 50 years old, being a smoker, and genetic factors. Among the most common symptoms of RA are painful, swollen, and warm joints of the feet. These joints are often stiff upon awakening or after long periods of activity. As the disease progresses, the joints may erode, leading to joint damage and deformity. While there is no definitive cure for rheumatoid arthritis, it can be managed through medication, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and certain immunosuppressants. It has been shown that eating particular foods can help to reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis. Fish and other seafood that is packed with omega-3 fats are recommended. Avoiding foods that are high in saturated fats and sugar is also thought to be helpful. For more information on treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in the feet, please consult a chiropodist.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own otherwise healthy joint lining or synovium. While RA can affect any joint in the body, it often affects the small joints of the feet and the ankle joint. If you’re dealing with RA in your lower limbs, 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. 

Symptoms of RA primarily affect the joints of the feet and may include:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Stiffness 

• Redness

• Warmth

• Difficulty walking

• Gait changes

• Bunions

• Hammertoes 

Treatment

While there is no cure for RA, your chiropodist can help you manage the health of your feet and maintain your mobility while living with this condition. Possible treatments include wearing orthotics, doing foot and ankle exercises, resting the feet, taking anti-inflammatory medications, getting steroid injections, and wearing braces for foot and ankle pain. In advanced cases of RA, joint replacement surgery may be helpful for mobility. Bunions, hammertoes, and other deformities can be corrected with surgery as well. 

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

Sprained ankles are thought to be the most common sports-related injury. The ankle joint consists of three bones that are held together by several ligaments. These bands of soft tissue give the ankle stability when you walk, run and jump. When a ligament is overstretched or torn, it is referred to as a sprain. There are three main types of sprains in the ankle joint: lateral, medial, and high. Lateral sprains, which account for about 85 percent of sprained ankle injuries, affect the outer part of the joint. They occur when the foot turns inward, causing the ankle joint to push outward. Basketball, volleyball, and soccer players are most likely to be at risk, as these sports call for quick changes in direction. A medial sprain involves ligaments on the inside of the ankle. This sprain often accompanies other injuries, including fractures of the tibia bone of the leg. A medial sprain can be caused by your foot being forced outward or by direct trauma. A high sprain involves ligaments that connect the leg bones above the ankle joint. It is usually caused by a sudden twisting, turning, or cutting motion while running, jumping, or skiing. If you believe you have sprained your ankle, immediate and proper treatment from a chiropodist is important.

When one or more ligaments in the ankle overstretch or tear due to injury, an ankle sprain occurs. If you would like to learn more about ankle sprains, 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. 

Symptoms of an ankle sprain vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include: 

• Pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Tenderness

• Difficulty walking

• Ankle instability

• A reduced range of motion in the ankle 

Treatments for an ankle sprain may consist of: 

• Resting the injured ankle

• Applying ice

• Elevating the ankle

• Compressing the ankle

• Over-the-counter pain medications

• Ankle braces or other devices to take weight off of the ankle

• Ankle exercises 

• Surgery (in rare cases) 

It’s important for the sprained ankle to heal correctly and fully in order to avoid repeated injury. 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.

Research has shown that eating specific types of foods may have an impact on foot pain. Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that can cause extreme discomfort, and walking may become difficult. It is defined as an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is located on the sole of the foot. Its job is to connect the heel to the toes, and plays a crucial role in walking and running. There are studies that have been performed which shows that certain types of foods can cause inflammation, and this may affect the plantar fascia. When more anti-inflammatory foods are consumed, the amount of inflammation may be reduced, and this may deter plantar fasciitis from developing. Eating leafy, green vegetables is known to possibly prevent chronic diseases. These types of foods have elevated levels of vitamins K and D, which may help to reduce inflammation. Foods that are suggested to be avoided can consist of sugar, processed foods, and saturated fats. If you would like more information about what types of foods to eat that may help or prevent plantar fasciitis, please consult with a chiropodist who can answer any questions you may have.

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

It is quite common for women to experience swelling and other changes in the feet during pregnancy. In most cases, these symptoms go away after delivery. Weight gain and a buildup of fluids in the feet can cause them to swell. Extra fluid in the body tends to collect in the ankles and feet. Swelling, or edema, may increase as the pregnancy advances. Edema may cause a woman’s foot size to change during pregnancy. Redness and itching may occur in the feet, as a result of hormonal changes. Most experts recommend that pregnant women keep their feet and legs elevated as often as possible. It is also suggested that they avoid standing for long periods. Wearing shoes with ample support and cushioning can help to maintain a level of comfort. If swelling or other foot ailments become more serious, it is a good idea to check in with a chiropodist for an examination.

Pregnancy can affect your feet in many ways, often causing pain or discomfort, as well as reduced mobility. If you are pregnant and experience foot pain, 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. 

During pregnancy, your belly isn’t the only part of your body swelling. The whole body may experience swelling, especially in the feet and ankles. Since they carry the weight of both your body and the baby’s, caring for your feet during pregnancy is very important. 

Common Foot Conditions During Pregnancy

Various foot conditions can develop during the course of a pregnancy, including: 

• Swelling of the feet and ankles

• Fallen arches, leading to acquired flat feet

• Plantar fasciitis 

• Aching, sore feet

• Changes in the toenails

Caring for the Feet During Pregnancy

Some things that you can do to help maintain the health of your feet during pregnancy include: 

• Wearing comfortable shoes

• Resting and elevating your feet

• Icing sore areas, such as the arch

• Keeping your toenails trimmed

• Soaking and massaging 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.

Riding an exercise bike has the benefit of burning calories, getting in shape, and improving cardiovascular health. This type of exercise is low-impact and puts less strain and pressure on bones and joints. However, it does have the potential to cause foot pain. By positioning the feet properly and riding the bike at a moderate pace, this pain can be avoided and even help in recovering from foot injuries. Wearing well-fitting, properly ventilated footwear with hard soles can provide cushioning of the foot from pressure from the pedal, as well as prevent overheating. Riding in a gear and with resistance that is appropriate for one’s fitness level will help manage pressure on the feet as well. The feet should be positioned so that the pedals are under the balls of the feet for a good neutral starting position. Depending on the length of a person’s legs, sliding the feet backward or forward can help make the ride more comfortable. An exercise bike can be good for recuperating from a foot injury too. A recumbent exercise bike is particularly good for rehabilitation. If you want to know more about preventing foot pain while riding an exercise bike or using this machine for rehabilitating an unrelated foot injury, contact a chiropodist for further advice.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, 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. 

Common Injuries Among Athletes: 

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Ankle strains or sprains

• Plantar fasciitis

• Fractures

• Turf toe 

• Joint dislocations

• Sever’s disease

• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

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.

Pain is often the first sign your toe may be broken. A broken toe can be severe or mild, and there is generally bruising and swelling as well. The toe may break in one or more places, and may look displaced if it is severe. A popping sound may be heard, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to walk. A broken toe can happen as a result of dropping a heavy object on it, or from stubbing your toe on a piece of furniture. An X-ray is the most effective diagnostic test that can be performed, and this can determine the severity of the break. Mild fractures may be treated by using the buddy taping method. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, and this is often successful in providing the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. It is important to take proper measures when healing from a broken toe, which may possibly prevent osteoarthritis from developing. If you believe you have a mild or severe toe break, it is strongly advised that you speak to a chiropodist as quickly as possible who can offer you correct treatment options.

A broken toe typically occurs following either a sudden, traumatic injury, like dropping a heavy piece of furniture on the toe. The impact causes the bone to fracture and produces a variety of painful symptoms. If you suspect that you’ve broken your toe, 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. 

Symptoms

• Throbbing pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Cracking sound at the time of injury

• Difficulty bearing weight on the toe

• Difficulty walking

• Toe resting at an unnatural angle

Diagnosis

Your chiropodist can diagnose a broken toe through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays. 

Treatment

The main goals of treatment are to ensure that the bone heals properly, as a toe fracture that doesn’t heal properly can lead to osteoarthritis. You will typically need to rest the affected toe. You may be prescribed a splint to immobilize the toe while it heals. Icing the affected toe and taking over-the-counter medications can help reduce pain. In cases of severe fractures, surgery may be necessary to reset the broken bones and make sure that they heal correctly.  

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 troublesome side effect of diabetes is the inability of foot wounds to heal quickly, largely the result of a decrease in blood flow to the extremities. In addition, nerve damage that causes numbness can set in, making it difficult for a diabetic to feel when there are minor sores, cuts, or cracks on the skin of the feet. This opens the door to infections, which if ignored can cause even more serious problems. For that reason, it is important that diabetics be vigilant and seek immediate care from a chiropodist as soon as a foot infection becomes noticeable. The chiropodist will likely examine, clean, and measure the wound. Measuring the size and depth of the wound sets a baseline for comparison at the next visit to determine the amount of healing that has taken place. A list of instructions for home foot care may be provided. For instance, it may be necessary to keep the foot elevated to reduce swelling. Wearing a protective foot covering, such as a cast or special shoe, may be recommended. If the wounded area worsens, please contact your chiropodist immediately.

Diabetes can cause serious problems in the lower limbs if proper preventive measures are not taken and diabetic wound care is not performed. If you would like to learn more about caring for diabetic 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. 

Diabetes can lead to a host of foot and ankle complications, including: 

• Poor circulation

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers

• Infection 

• Corns and calluses

• Dry, cracked skin

• Nail disorders 

• Hammertoes 

• Bunions

• Charcot foot

If you have diabetes, you must be vigilant of any changes in your foot health. This is best done through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you if necessary, look for any: 

• Cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds

• Bruising or discoloration 

• Swelling

• Rash

• Foul odor

• Nail changes 

• Hair loss 

• Warmth and inflammation

• Deformities 

• Lower limb pain

• Strange sensations (numbness, tingling, burning, pins, and needles)

If you detect anything unusual, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. 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.