Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows into the surrounding skin rather than over it. This can affect any toe, but most often happens on the big toe. Signs of an ingrown toenail include the surrounding skin becoming tender, painful, swollen, red, and warm. In some cases, the area can become infected, and white or yellow pus may drain from the area. If an ingrown toenail is showing signs of infection, it is recommended that you seek medical treatment. 

Ingrown toenails are usually caused by wearing poorly fitting shoes or trimming the toenails improperly. Shoes that are too tight and have narrow, pointed toes or high heels can compress the toes and cause the toenails to curl and grow into the skin. Trimming your nails into a rounded shape or cutting them too short can cause the edges of the nail to grow into the skin. Other potential causes for ingrown toenails include sustaining an injury near the toenail, having a fungal nail infection, using certain prescription medications, and having an abnormal nail shape. Some people also have a genetic predisposition to developing ingrown toenails. 

Preventing ingrown toenails begins with proper trimming. Trim your nails regularly using nail clippers rather than nail scissors. Nail clippers cut the nail straight across, avoiding the rounded edges that can make ingrown toenails likely to develop. Make sure that while trimming the nails that you do not cut them too short. Wear comfortable shoes with low heels and a wide toe area to keep your toes from squishing together. 

For more information about ingrown toenails, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Ingrown Toenail Facts

An ingrown toenail is a condition where the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain and potential infection. This commonly affects the big toe and can worsen if not properly managed. Causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes that put pressure on the toes, genetic factors, or injury to the toenail. Repeated stress from activities such as running or kicking can also contribute to the problem. Symptoms often include redness, swelling, tenderness, and discomfort along the nail border. If an infection develops, there may be pus, increased pain, and warmth in the affected area. Ingrown toenails can be painful and may become serious if infected. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you promptly 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.

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High Heels and the Feet

Did you know that people who wear high heels may be more likely to need the care of a chiropodist? This is because high heels are notoriously bad for foot health. While they may be stylish, they can also be dangerous and are often to blame for a variety of foot and ankle problems. 

High heels force your feet into an unnatural, downward extended position. This puts excess pressure and strain on the toes and balls of the feet, increasing the risk of foot pain and toe deformities like hammertoes and bunions, as well as corns, calluses, and blisters. The tendon and ligaments that support the arch of the foot can tighten, causing plantar fasciitis and heel pain. The unnatural foot position also requires you to change your posture and gait in order to balance in these shoes. Your steps tend to become shorter and less efficient, increasing the risk of foot and ankle injuries. Your posture becomes more rigid and strains your muscles, leading to hip and back pain. 

The ankle joint is also damaged by high heel wear. When wearing these shoes, the ankle has a limited range of motion and power, causing the calf muscles to shorten. The Achilles tendon may also contract, becoming inflamed and leading to a condition called Achilles tendonitis. High heels also increase the risk of twisting your ankle and sustaining an ankle sprain. 

If you are dealing with foot and ankle pain related to wearing high heels, a chiropodist can help diagnose the problem and find the right treatment for you.

How Wearing High Heels Can Harm the Feet

Wearing high heels may enhance a woman’s appearance, but prolonged use can negatively impact her foot health. High heels shift the body's weight forward, increasing pressure on the forefoot and altering posture. This unnatural positioning forces the lower body forward and the upper body backward, leading to muscle strain and discomfort. The higher the heel, the greater the stress placed on the bones, tendons, and joints. Gait is also affected, as the foot is prevented from rolling naturally from heel to toe, causing additional strain on the knees, hips, and lower back. Over time, these changes can contribute to foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas, as well as conditions like Achilles tendonitis and osteoarthritis. High heels also reduce stability, increasing the chances of a sprained ankle or fall. A chiropodist can assess your foot structure, provide guidance on supportive footwear, and recommend treatments for pain or deformities caused by high heels. If you have foot pain from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.

High heels have been in style for centuries, but unfortunately, they have also been damaging feet for centuries. If you would like to learn more about how high heels can hurt 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. 

High heels can cause a variety of problems, including:

  • Foot and ankle pain

  • Foot and ankle injuries

  • Toe pain and deformities 

  • Gait abnormalities

  • Achilles tendonitis 

  • Changes in posture

  • Difficulty balancing

  • Leg, hip, and back pain

If you are reluctant to abandon your high heels, you can still wear them, but should take measures to minimize damage to your feet: 

  • Wear shoes with heels no higher than 2 inches

  • Choose properly fitted shoes

  • Choose shoes with a wide toe box

  • Wear high heels infrequently 

  • When wearing high heels, take them off periodically to stretch and relax 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.

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Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Arthritic Foot Care

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage located on the ends of joints deteriorates over time. Cartilage is very important, as it protects and cushions the bones during movement. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is associated with aging. It can affect any of the joints in the body, and frequently affects the joints of the feet and the ankles. Though rarer, osteoarthritis can also occur as a consequence of an injury, such as as a sprain or fracture, or as a result of abnormal foot biomechanics. 

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain and stiffness in the joints, swelling, and difficulty walking or bending the joints. In some cases, bony protrusions called bone spurs can develop on the affected joints. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, meaning that it worsens over time. Diagnosing the condition early allows for earlier treatment, which can help preserve the health and function of your joints. 

A variety of treatment options are available for osteoarthritis. Pain can often be minimized by taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, getting steroid injections into the affected joints, and wearing orthotics. Bracing or immobilizing the affected foot or ankle may help reduce inflammation and prevent deformity of the joint. Doing specific exercises can help strengthen the muscles in the feet and ankles to prevent injuries. In cases where more conservative treatments have failed or in which arthritis has progressed significantly, surgery may be an option. If you have osteoarthritis in your feet or ankles, it is recommended that you consult with a chiropodist. 

Recognizing the First Signs of Arthritis in the Feet

Arthritis in the feet can start subtly, but early recognition is key to managing symptoms and preventing further joint damage. One of the first signs is persistent stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Swelling around the joints, particularly in the toes, ankles, or the ball of the foot may occur. Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest is another common early symptom. Some people experience tenderness when pressing on affected areas or difficulty walking due to joint discomfort. Over time, the range of motion may decrease, making it harder to bend or flex the foot. You might also develop a grinding sensation or hear clicking sounds when moving your foot. If you notice these signs, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for an evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

Osteoarthritis in the feet or ankles can be a painful and disabling condition that may interfere with your daily activities. If you have arthritis, 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 Osteoarthritis? 

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the protective layer of cartilage in the joints breaks down over time. This loss of cartilage causes the bones to rub together during movement, leading to pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is associated with aging, and often affects the small joints of the feet and ankles. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include: 

  • Joint pain

  • Joint stiffness

  • Swelling in or around the joint

  • Restricted range of motion

  • Difficulty walking

Diagnosis

Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed through physical examination. You may also need to have an X-ray taken to assess the extent of the damage caused by arthritis. 

Treatment

Treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on reducing symptoms and improving the function of the affected joints. Conservative treatments include oral pain medications, orthotic devices, bracing or immobilizing the affected foot or ankle, steroid injections into the affected joint to reduce inflammation, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. 

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

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Tips on Finding the Perfect Shoe For You

Wearing the right shoes is important for more reasons than your appearance - it can also benefit the health of your feet. Ill-fitting, unsupportive, and uncomfortable shoes can cause or contribute to many foot problems, including bunions, corns, calluses, and hammertoes. Comfortable, supportive, and properly fitted shoes, on the other hand, can prevent and relieve foot pain. 

When shopping for shoes, there are several things to keep in mind. It is best to try on shoes prior to purchasing them. Your feet swell throughout the day and are at their largest in the late afternoon or early evening. It is best to try on shoes at this time to ensure that they will fit your feet throughout the day. Having both feet measured in a shoe store can also help ensure that you get the right size. Your feet grow and change throughout your lifetime, even in adulthood, so your shoe size can change. When you are trying on shoes, be sure to walk around the store in them to see how they fit. If you wear orthotic inserts, bring them with you when you go shopping so you can try them out in the various shoes you try on. 

But what kinds of shoes should you look for? It’s best to avoid shoes that have excessively high heels and narrow or pointed toes, which can increase the pressure on your toe joints and cause foot deformities. A wide toe area that allows you to wiggle your toes will likely be more comfortable. Shoes with a soft but rigid back will prevent your heel from slipping while you walk. You should also look for shoes with adequate cushioning that are made with breathable materials.

For more information about how to find the right shoes for you, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Poorly Fitting Shoes Linked to Foot Problems

Poorly fitting shoes are a common cause of foot pain and structural deformities. Footwear that does not accommodate the natural shape of your foot can contribute to the formation of bunions, hammertoes, corns, and calluses. Since most shoes are manufactured with limited shape variations, many people unknowingly wear improperly fitted footwear. Foot morphology refers to the unique shape and structure of a person’s foot, including length, width, arch height, and toe alignment. These characteristics vary widely, and they must be considered when selecting shoes. Improper fit affects function, meaning shoes may fail to provide proper support, stability, and pressure distribution. Studies suggest that many people wear shoes that are too tight or too short, which can lead to long-term foot complications. Measuring both foot length and width while standing is recommended for accurate sizing, as weight-bearing changes foot dimensions. A chiropodist can assess your foot structure, provide guidance on proper footwear selection, and recommend solutions for footwear-related problems. If you need guidance on managing existing foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.

Finding the right shoes for you can ensure your comfort and help maintain proper foot health. If you suffer from foot pain and need help finding the right shoes for 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. 

Tips to Find Great Shoes 

Finding shoes that are well-fitting, supportive, and comfortable can be key in maintaining your overall foot health, but can sometimes seem like a monumental task. 

Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when shopping for shoes. 

  • Shop in a brick and mortar store - Your shoe size can change throughout your lifetime. You will be able to try on shoes before you buy them to ensure a proper fit. A salesperson can also provide recommendations on what shoes best serve your specific needs.

  • Try shoes on at the end of the day - Your feet swell throughout the day. By trying shoes on in the evening when the feet are at their largest, you ensure a good fit and shoes that are comfortable all day.

  • Have your feet measured - Find the right fit by having your feet measured at the shoe store. A salesperson can help by measuring both feet with a Brannock device to determine your true size. 

  • Opt for comfort and support - Some shoes, such as high heels and flip flops, may look great but can cause damage to the feet over time. Look for shoes that have a low heel, adequate arch support, a wide toe box, and are made of breathable materials. 

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.

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It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.