If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
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The ankle joint is a complex combination of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. For that reason, there are many causes of ankle pain. The most common is a sprain, which happens when a ligament is stretched beyond its normal range and tears or ruptures. Another cause of ankle pain is stress fractures, which are hairline cracks in the bones that are caused by the type of repetitive pounding that occurs while running or playing sports. Other causes of ankle pain include arthritis, gout, and Achilles tendonitis. Gout is an inflammatory condition related to the overabundance of uric acid in the body. Crystals can form within the ankle joint and cause extreme pain. Achilles tendonitis is largely the result of overuse in the tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the heel. Resting the ankle is the first on the treatment list, but if bearing weight on the injured foot is difficult or impossible, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for help.
Ankle pain is a common symptom of many lower limb problems. If you are experiencing ankle 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.
The ankle is composed of a number of muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. There are many conditions which may cause ankle pain.
Causes
Ankle strains or sprains
Achilles tendon injuries
Fractures
Bursitis
Arthritis
Gout
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Symptoms
If you have ankle pain, you may also experience a variety of other symptoms depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Some of these symptoms may include ankle swelling, bruising, redness, numbness or tingling, instability, and difficulty walking.
Diagnosis
The underlying cause of ankle pain can be diagnosed by a chiropodist. Diagnoses are typically made based on your medical history, a physical examination of the affected ankle, and imaging studies such as X-rays.
Treatment
Treatment for your ankle pain will depend on its underlying cause. Often, the chiropodist will recommend that you rest the affected ankle. You might also need to ice, compress, and elevate the ankle, wear an orthotic device, or take medications to reduce pain and inflammation.
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.
Blisters, shin splints, and swollen feet are just a few of the foot problems that can result from standing all day at work. There are various ways to take the load off your feet, during your working hours and after. Some of these include making sure to wear properly fitting, supportive, cushioned, close-toed, and comfortable shoes. Using anti-fatigue mats for repetitive tasks, doing exercises to strengthen the feet and legs for demanding work endurance, and taking regular breaks also help. Massaging your feet and soaking them after work may help relieve aches and pain. There are many other ways to prepare and take care of the feet when you must stand on them for prolonged periods. It is suggested that you visit a chiropodist to find out more.
If you stand all day, you may be at an increased risk of developing various foot conditions. If you are experiencing foot pain of any kind, 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 Foot Problems Are Caused by Standing?
Standing all day at work may increase your risk of developing foot or ankle problems.
Some common foot conditions that may arise from spending all day on your feet include:
Foot pain
Blisters
Corns and calluses
Arthritis
Flat feet
Bunions
Sprains
Athlete’s foot
Prevention
If you stand for prolonged periods of time for work, taking preventative measures to preserve the health of your feet is strongly recommended.
Measures you can implement to help prevent foot problems include:
Wearing shoes that are comfortable and fit well - these shoes should be made of breathable materials and provide you with arch support and cushioning. It is best to avoid shoes that have heels or narrow toe boxes.
Taking breaks to rest, walk, and stretch your feet throughout the day
Maintaining good foot hygiene - wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day
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.
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
Some people find the elliptical machine to be an enjoyable and effective form of cardio fitness. These machines typically include an arm workout along with the movement of the legs. It is important to use these machines properly as repetitive stepping motion can cause foot pain. Heel pain is often a risk of using such machines in the wrong way. Some things to tend to when relying on this form of exercise include wearing running shoes that are comfortable and supportive, stretching the feet before embarking on a workout, and making sure feet are placed flat on the pedals of the machine rather than pushing off from the toes. If you use the elliptical machine as a form of exercise and would like to learn more about using it safely, it is suggested that you consult with a chiropodist for more 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.
Mildly cracked heels may feel better when a good moisturizer is applied daily. This is a foot condition that can happen for various reasons, including standing on hard surfaces for most of the day. It may also occur from wearing shoes that have an open back, such as flip flops, or possibly from washing the feet with harsh soaps. There may be existing medical conditions that can cause cracked heels to develop. This condition may be common for diabetic patients to get, who are often aware of the serious consequences if prompt medical attention is not received. Many people who are diabetic are unable to feel cuts on their feet, and cracked skin on the heels may rapidly become infected. Some people get cracked heels from a vitamin deficiency, or from a skin or thyroid disorder. If you have cracked heels, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can provide you with the correct treatment techniques.
Dry, cracked heels are more than a cosmetic inconvenience. For many people, they are uncomfortable, deep, painful, and may even bleed. If you suffer from cracked heels, 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.
Causes
Prolonged standing
Wearing open-back shoes
Wearing shoes that don’t cushion the heels
Living in a cold or dry climate
Taking long, hot showers
Not moisturizing the heels
Eczema
Psoriasis
Palmoplantar keratoderma
Juvenile plantar dermatosis
Treatments
Soaking the feet
Exfoliating with a pumice stone
Moisturizing the heels
Wearing closed-back shoes that cushion heels
Avoiding prolonged standing
Taking warm, rather than hot, showers
Treating underlying skin conditions
While milder cases of cracked heels can be treated at home, some patients present with deep, painful, bleeding heel fissures that are at risk of becoming infected and may require medical care. Additionally, patients with diabetes or any other conditions that affect the immune system should be monitored 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.
Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!
The side of the pinky toe can be an area where a bunion develops. It is referred to as a bunionette, or tailor’s bunion, and may happen from wearing shoes that are too tight. This can cause a misalignment in the metatarsal bone, and the toe ligaments may gradually weaken. The pinky toe may become deformed, as the toe squeezes into the shoes. Additionally, having tight calf muscles may lead to developing a tailor’s bunion, which can be a result of extra pressure that is exerted on the outside of the foot. Mild relief may be found when a protective pad is worn over the bunion, and it can help to wear shoes that have large toe areas. Having surgery performed to permanently remove the bunion may be an option if the pain becomes unbearable. If you have developed a bunionette, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can properly treat this condition.
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
The tibial nerve is found within the tarsal tunnel that is located in the back of the ankle. An injury can cause this nerve to become compressed or irritated, which may lead to tarsal tunnel syndrome. This is a narrow area, and may become swollen if a sprained ankle has occurred. Additionally, there may be an existing bone spur or varicose veins that can cause this condition. Patients who have medical conditions such as flat feet, high arches, diabetes, or a thyroid disorder may be prone to having this ailment. Common symptoms include foot and toe pain, and overall weakness in the foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is generally confirmed by having an examination performed. The inability to move the toes may lead to a positive diagnosis, which may be followed by having a nerve biopsy done. Treatment may include performing specific stretches, in addition to elevating the foot as often as possible. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can guide you toward additional treatment methods.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause pain and progress over time. If you are experiencing any symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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 Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the posterior tibial nerve, which is located within a structure called the tarsal tunnel on the inside of the ankle, is squeezed. Compression of the posterior tibial nerve can be caused by injuries, such as ankle sprains, systemic diseases like diabetes or arthritis, strain on the tarsal tunnel due to flat feet, or an enlarged structure like a cyst squeezing the nerve.
Symptoms
Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear suddenly and are generally worsened by physical activity.
Common symptoms include:
Tingling, burning, or electrical shock sensation on the inside of the ankle or bottom of the foot
Numbness
Shooting pain
Diagnosis
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed through physical examination. If initial treatment is ineffective, imaging or nerve studies may also be necessary.
Treatment
Nonsurgical treatments for tarsal tunnel syndrome include resting and icing the foot, bracing or immobilizing the foot, wearing an orthotic device, modifying your footwear, and taking medications to relieve pain. Surgery may be needed if nonsurgical treatments are ineffective.
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.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
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