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Plantar warts, also known as verruca warts, are a common skin condition caused by the human papilloma virus, or HPV. While there are over 100 different strains of HPV, only a select few cause warts on the feet, with the others are more likely to affect hands, face, or genitals. Plantar warts often appear on weight-bearing areas, like the heels, due to their contagious nature. Although they are generally not a serious health concern, the discomfort caused by plantar warts can be quite painful, especially given their location on the sole of the foot. Warts can go away on their own, but plantar warts may require active treatment and removal, which can vary in duration. A chiropodist can offer several treatment options, such as microwave technology or freezing them off with cryotherapy. In some cases, warts may clear up without such intervention, but ignoring severe plantar warts can lead to prolonged discomfort and changes in posture or gait. Further, the virus can spread to other body parts and even be transmitted to other people. If you or your child has been infected with plantar warts, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for treatment options.

Plantar warts can be uncomfortable or even painful. If you’re suffering from warts on 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. 

What Does a Plantar Wart Look Like? 

Plantar warts are fleshy growths that generally have a rough, grainy texture. They may look and feel like a callus and are usually small and can grow individually or in clusters. Plantar warts may have small, black dots at their center that are actually tiny blood vessels. Warts interrupt the natural lines of your skin. 

Treatment Options

• Salicylic acid - A chemical solution applied directly to the wart

• Cryotherapy - Freezing the wart off with liquid nitrogen

• Minor surgery - Removing the wart through excision

• Laser treatment - A concentrated beam of light is used to remove the wart

• Wearing comfortable shoes and socks to avoid irritating the wart

• Over-the-counter medications for pain relief

• Patches to keep pressure off the warts

Plantar warts can go away on their own, but this may take several months to years. If your plantar warts are bothering you, seeking medical treatment is suggested. 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.

Aching feet can affect your daily activities and overall quality of life. From walking and running to simply standing in the kitchen, healthy feet are essential for a pain-free existence. If you find yourself constantly dealing with aching feet, here are four valuable tips to help you find relief and maintain better foot health. First, invest in high-quality shoes that fit properly. Ill-fitting shoes can make foot pain worse and lead to issues like blisters, calluses, and corns. Look for shoes that provide adequate arch support that does not squeeze your feet too tightly. Second, performing regular leg muscle workouts, such as weight training, can significantly benefit your feet. Strong leg muscles can help to distribute your body weight evenly and reduce the strain on your feet. Third, relieve foot pain and inflammation by indulging in a relaxing foot bath. A warm Epsom salt water soak can work wonders for tired and aching feet. Finally, it is beneficial to engage in stretching exercises to maintain pain-free feet. While aching feet may be a symptom of fatigue on any given day, chronic foot pain should not be ignored. For help with aching feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist who can determine the cause and offer more advanced remedies.

Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, 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 many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including: 

• Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly

• Washing the feet daily with soap and water

• Drying the feet thoroughly

• Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet

• Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly 

• Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises 

A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. 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.

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.

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common source of heel pain in physically active young individuals, typically emerging during puberty. It occurs more frequently in boys than girls and has no known single cause but likely results from factors like overuse and increased body weight. This condition involves the Achilles tendon's attachment to the heel bone, which is still in the process of changing from cartilage to bone in pre-teens. Symptoms include heel pain during physical activity, worsened pain after exercise, limping, and tiptoeing. Several factors contribute to Sever's disease, including changes in height, weight, increased physical activity volume, type of activity, and footwear choices. Treatment varies based on the level of pain and may include activity modification, load management, heel raises, orthotics, and time for the condition to improve. If your child has heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Sever’s disease typically affects young children and teenagers. If your child complains of 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. 

What Is Sever’s Disease? 

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It is typically caused by overuse due to repetitive activities such as running, jumping, and playing certain sports. This condition most frequently affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of Sever’s disease include: 

• Pain in the back or bottom of the heel

• Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed

• Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the heel

• Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in usual activities

• Fatigue 

Diagnosis

Sever’s disease is diagnosed by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, can help rule out other injuries like a fracture. 

Treatment

Sever’s disease typically heals without any long-term complications. Treatment involves resting the affected foot by reducing typical activities, wearing orthotics to support the foot, immobilizing the affected foot, taking medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and stretching the foot. 

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 stress fractures, which are hairline cracks in the bones of the foot, can often bring athletic activity to a halt. Stress fractures, primarily a result of repetitive strain, stem from several factors. The key trigger for foot stress fractures is the excessive force applied to foot bones during rigorous activities, such as running, jumping, and fast-paced sports. The foot's repetitive impact on hard surfaces initiates the problem, making runners, football players, and gymnasts highly susceptible. Despite the seemingly tiny nature of these fractures, they can lead to immense pain and discomfort. Inadequate muscle support also plays a role in foot stress fracture formation. When individuals rapidly escalate their activity levels, such as taking up a new sport or intensifying training, the muscles may lack the necessary strength and endurance to support it. This deficiency compromises the support of the foot bones, resulting in an overload of force onto them. This then can lead to small cracks forming within the bones. If you believe you have developed stress fractures in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for an exam and treatment options.

A stress fracture often requires medical attention as it can progress and worsen over time. 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. 

A stress fracture refers to a fine crack in a bone. This type of fracture is especially common in the feet, as they often endure repetitive pressure from daily activities such as walking or running. Stress fractures occur when the affected bone can not support the load being placed on it. Stress fractures in the foot can occur in any bone, but often affect the metatarsal bones which connect the toes to the rest of the foot, the heel bone, or the navicular bone on the top of the foot. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of a stress fracture may include: 

• Deep, dull pain

• Sharp, localized pain

• Intermittent pain

• Tenderness 

• Weakness

• Swelling

• Bruising 

• Changes in the biomechanics of the foot

Diagnosis

Stress fractures in the foot are diagnosed via medical history and a physical exam. You may also need to have diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, bone scans, or an ultrasound performed to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out any other problems.  

Treatment

Nonsurgical treatment options include resting, icing, compressing and elevating the affected foot, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications, modifying your footwear, wearing a cast, and using crutches. Certain types of foot fractures, such as navicular fractures, respond poorly to nonsurgical treatment and may need surgery to fully heal. 

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.