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Cracked heels, characterized by dry, fissured skin on the heels and feet, are a common foot problem often caused by dryness and thickened skin. Symptoms include visible cracks, redness, itching, and pain, especially when standing or walking. Effective prevention involves regular moisturizing with emollients to keep the skin hydrated and supple. Exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and wearing properly fitting shoes also help prevent cracks. When cracks occur, relief focuses on moisturizing creams containing urea or salicylic acid to soften thickened skin and promote healing. Applying petroleum jelly or coconut oil overnight under socks can accelerate healing. For severe cases, a chiropodist can remove thickened skin and prescribe specialized creams. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you visit this type of healthcare professional who can effectively treat this condition.

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can cause pain and discomfort. If your cracked heels are bothering 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. 

Dry, thickened skin around the rim of the heel is typically the first sign of cracked heels. While this condition is common and usually just a nuisance, some cases can be more severe. If left untreated and as more pressure is placed on the heel, the cracks become deeper and eventually walking and standing can be painful. These deep cracks or fissures can bleed and also become infected. Those with diabetes need to be especially careful as fissures could lead to diabetic foot ulcers. 

Causes

Cracked heels can be the result of several different factors, including: 

• Dry skin

• Taking long, hot showers or using harsh soaps

• Standing for long periods of time

• Walking barefoot

• Walking in shoes with an open back, such as sandals or flip flops

• Wearing shoes that do not fit properly

• Living in a cold or dry climate 

• Certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis

Treatment

There are many at-home treatment remedies for cracked heels. Applying moisturizers to the heel can help hydrate the skin. Soaking your feet in warm water and exfoliating them with a loofah or pumice stone can help to buff away dead skin cells. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can prevent cracked heels by:

• Avoiding standing in one position for prolonged periods of time

• Wearing well-fitted shoes with a closed back

• Washing your feet with gentle soaps and lukewarm water

• Moisturizing the feet daily

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.

Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to deviate towards the others. A tailor's bunion, or bunionette, occurs on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. Bunions develop due to prolonged pressure on the foot joints, often from wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, genetics, or conditions like arthritis. They appear as swollen, painful bumps that can cause significant discomfort, redness, and calluses. Walking and wearing shoes can exacerbate the pain. Individuals with a family history of bunions, those with foot deformities, or people who frequently wear high heels or narrow shoes are more susceptible. Prevention involves wearing properly fitting, supportive shoes with a wide toe box and avoiding high heels. Severe cases might require custom orthotics or surgery. If you suffer from bunion pain, it is suggested that you consider regular appointments with a chiropodist for effective management and long-term relief.

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

Swollen feet may result in foot pain, and can happen from various factors, each impacting overall health. High salt intake often leads to fluid retention, causing swelling in the feet. Being overweight puts extra pressure on the feet, leading to discomfort and swelling. Certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure or diabetes, can also cause fluid retention and swelling as a side effect. Additionally, Insect bites may trigger localized swelling due to an allergic reaction or inflammation. More serious underlying conditions, such as heart or kidney problems, can lead to poor circulation and fluid buildup in the lower extremities. Identifying the root cause of swollen feet is essential for effective treatment, which may include lifestyle changes, medication adjustments, or medical intervention. If your feet have become swollen, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can offer you effective relief and treatment options.

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your 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. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

• Plantar fasciitis

• Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes

• Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet

• Arthritis

• Flat feet

• Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

• Heel pain

• Arch pain

• Toe pain

• Ball of foot pain

• Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality

• Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

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.

As we age, our feet undergo various changes that can lead to common foot problems among elderly individuals. One prevalent issue is bunions, where the big toe joint becomes swollen and painful due to the misalignment of the bones. Another common concern is hammertoes, characterized by the abnormal bending of the toes, often causing discomfort and difficulty in wearing shoes. Additionally, elderly individuals frequently experience foot pain from conditions such as arthritis, which can cause inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Furthermore, decreased circulation and nerve damage can lead to peripheral neuropathy, resulting in numbness, tingling, and a heightened risk of foot injuries. To alleviate these issues, it is essential for seniors to wear comfortable and supportive footwear, maintain proper foot hygiene, and seek regular care from a chiropodist to address any emerging problems promptly. If you are elderly and are experiencing any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you are under the care of this type of doctor who can help you find relief.

Foot problems can become increasingly common as we age, making everyday foot care especially important. To learn more about maintaining proper foot health, 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 Foot Problems

Certain foot problems may be more likely to affect older adults. 

Some examples of foot conditions that can be common in older adults include: 

• Dry, cracked skin

• Calluses and corns

• Blisters

• Ingrown toenails

• Deformities such as bunions or hammertoes

• Fungal infections

• Plantar warts

Systemic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, are also more likely to affect older people and manifest symptoms in the feet and ankles. 

Daily Foot Care Tips

Having a daily foot care routine can help detect problems early on and prevent future issues. 

Things that you can do at home to care for your feet include: 

• Washing the feet daily with warm water, drying them thoroughly, and then applying a moisturizer 

• Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails

• Performing daily foot exercises to improve foot strength and mobility

• Wearing shoes when walking to avoid injury

• Inspecting the feet daily for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities and seeking prompt treatment if any problems are discovered 

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.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and inflammation. In stage one, the toe is swollen and tender with mild pain. Stage two involves increased pain, redness, and possible infection with pus. In stage three, the inflammation is severe, and there is significant infection and overgrowth of skin tissue. Symptoms progress from discomfort and redness to intense pain and oozing fluid. Preventing ingrown toenails involves proper nail care, consisting of trimming toenails straight across without rounding the corners, avoiding cutting them too short, and wearing shoes that fit well to reduce pressure on the toes. Maintaining good foot hygiene and regularly inspecting the feet can also help prevent the development of ingrown toenails and the complications associated with them. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, there may be significant pain, and it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can effectively 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 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.

The proper running foot strike is a critical element in enhancing performance and preventing injury. It refers to the part of the foot that first makes contact with the ground during a stride. There are three main types of foot strikes, which are heel, midfoot, and forefoot. Experts often recommend a midfoot or forefoot strike for most runners as these methods can promote a more natural running form, reduce the impact on joints, and improve overall efficiency. To achieve this, runners should focus on landing softly with their foot directly beneath their hips, rather than in front of the body. This technique helps in maintaining proper alignment and balance. A slight forward lean from the ankles, not the waist, can also aid in promoting a more efficient foot strike. Additionally, increasing cadence, or the number of steps taken per minute, can help in adopting a lighter and more responsive foot strike. If you have endured a foot injury due incorrect running form, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can offer you relief methods, in addition to guiding you toward the correct running form.

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.

Corns are painful, thickened areas of skin that commonly form on the small toes due to increased pressure from bony prominences. This pressure causes the skin to harden and thicken, resulting in discomfort, especially while walking. Non-operative treatment options for corns include padded corn sleeves, which distribute pressure more evenly, and toe spacers, which reduce friction between the toes. Corn donuts are another useful tool, off-loading pressure from the central painful area to the surrounding skin. Regularly trimming the callus can also help, though it is best to be done by a chiropodist, as the corn often recurs if the underlying issue is not addressed. In some cases, an X-ray may be necessary to identify the bony prominence causing the corn. Surgery is rarely needed, but can be considered if conservative treatments fail. Surgical options focus on removing the bony prominence and possibly straightening the affected toe joint. If you have painful corns, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

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