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!
Blisters are fluid-filled bubbles of skin that can appear on any part of the body and are particularly common on the feet. Most foot blisters form due to friction. As you walk, run, or go about your daily activities, your shoes may rub against specific areas of your feet, causing the skin to become damaged. The top layer of skin then separates from the lower layers of skin. The area between the separated layers fills with a fluid called serum, whose purpose is to cushion and protect the raw skin below the blister.
If you find a friction blister on your foot, it is highly recommended that you do not pop it. Popping the blister drains the fluid inside of it and exposes the raw skin underneath, increasing your risk of infection. Instead, protect the blister by loosely covering it with a bandage. You can also use special padding around the blister to protect it. Typically, friction blisters naturally heal over the course of one to two weeks. Friction blisters can be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and moisture-wicking socks. Wearing soft bandages over areas of your foot that tend to blister may also help.
Sometimes foot blisters can be caused by problems other than friction. Blisters can develop due to a sunburn, frostbite, or exposure to an allergen, as well as from medical conditions such as fungal infections or eczema. If you frequently find blisters on your feet, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist.
Many people are conscious of the number of steps they walk each day, and having a blister on the foot can cause pain and discomfort. They can develop for various reasons, including wearing shoes and socks that are too tight and having feet that excessively sweat. Additionally, there may be medical conditions that can cause blisters to form. These can include chickenpox, psoriasis, eczema, or bacterial infection. Having a bad sunburn can also lead to blisters forming, and it is beneficial to use sunscreen on the feet while at the beach or the pool. Some patients have blisters as a result of an allergic reaction to an insect bite or a specific chemical. It is beneficial to allow the blister to drain naturally, and this will happen when new skin has formed underneath it. Blisters on the feet can cause difficulty in completing daily activities, and it is suggested that you consult with a chiropodist who can guide you toward effective preventive methods.
Blisters can usually be treated at home, however, if you have recurring blisters or experience significant discomfort or 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 a Blister?
A blister is a small pocket of fluid in the upper skin layers and is one of the body’s natural responses to injury or pressure. Blisters can also result from burns, fungal or viral skin infections, and the feet are particularly prone due to ill-fitting footwear and friction. Friction on the skin causes the upper layer of skin to separate from the lower layers. The space that this separation creates then becomes filled with a liquid called serum, which protects the lower layers of skin.
Treatment
If you notice a blister on your foot, you can cover it with a soft bandage or dressing to protect it. Popping the blister is discouraged. Doing so exposes the raw skin underneath it to bacteria and also raises the risk of infection. If a blister pops naturally, let it drain before covering it with a bandage. Blisters usually heal on their own or with home treatment, however, if your blister is recurring, very painful, or appears infected, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment.
Prevention
You can help to prevent blisters by wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes. Keep your feet dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks and dust your feet with talcum powder if they tend to get sweaty. If you have areas on your feet that are more susceptible to blisters, you might be able to prevent the blister from forming by covering it with a pad.
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.
Gout is a type of arthritis that can affect the foot. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid levels become excessive, this substance can create crystals in the joints, causing severe pain, intense swelling, redness, and warmth. Typically this occurs in the big toe joint.
You may be at an increased risk of developing gout if you are a middle-aged man or postmenopausal woman, have family members who have had gout, drink alcohol, take certain medications, or have a medical condition like high blood pressure, kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, or sleep apnea. Gout may also be more likely to develop if you consume a diet high in sugars or purines, a substance that turns into uric acid when it breaks down. Foods high in purines include organ meats, red meat, oily fish, certain vegetables, beans, and mushrooms.
Gout that is left untreated can become chronic and lead to arthritis. Gout can be treated by a chiropodist. Treatment options may include taking medications to relieve pain and prevent future gout attacks, modifying your diet, and reducing alcohol intake. For more information about gout, please consult with a chiropodist.
Gout attacks are known to flare up, and then subside. Each attack can last for approximately one week and can cause severe pain and discomfort. Gout is considered to be a form of arthritis, and it is caused by excess uric acid in the blood. This can come from genetic reasons, or from eating foods that have high levels of purines. Shellfish, red meat, alcohol, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar can fall into this category, and may cause crystals to form in the joints of the big toe. Gout can affect the other toes as well, and often begins in the big toe. Research has shown it generally affects men who are over 40 years old, and it can target individuals with existing medical conditions. These can include high blood pressure, kidney disorder, and psoriasis. Lifestyle changes may help to prevent future gout attacks, consisting of gently exercising daily, drinking plenty of water, and eating healthy foods. If you have gout attacks, it is strongly urged that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can treat gout, and help you to manage this painful condition.
Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. 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 Gout?
Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. This type of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid crystallizes in a joint, often the joint of the big toe, it can bring about a gout attack.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gout include:
Sudden and severe pain
Swelling
Redness
Warmth
Joint stiffness
Joint deformity
Diagnosis
A chiropodist will ask questions about your personal and family medical history, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout. A sample of fluid taken from your joint can show whether it contains uric acid.
Treatment
Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Patients with chronic gout can also use behavioral modifications such as diet, exercise, and decreased intake of alcohol to help minimize the frequency of gout attacks. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided since purines are converted in the body to uric acid. If left untreated, this painful condition can leave your joint permanently damaged and swollen.
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.
Heel pain can range in severity from mild and annoying to severe and debilitating. Usually caused by an injury, heel pain can become chronic if it's left untreated. There are many different types of injuries that can bring about heel pain. When describing your pain, it is important to note the location and type of pain, as well as when the pain started and what activities make it better or worse.
Perhaps the most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, a condition in which the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed due to repetitive overuse or trauma. This condition causes stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel. The pain is usually at its worst when you take your first few steps after a period of rest, like when you first get up in the morning. Plantar fasciitis is also sometimes accompanied by bone spurs, calcium deposits on the heel bone that can cause sharp pain that gradually evolves into a dull ache. Other possible causes of heel pain include Achilles tendonitis, heel fractures, bursitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and Sever’s disease.
Although treatment for heel pain depends on the underlying cause, most treatments involve resting, icing, and elevating the affected foot. Your chiropodist will also typically suggest that you wear more comfortable, supportive shoes or orthotics to help your heel heal. Over-the-counter pain medications are usually sufficient to manage heel pain. For more information about heel pain, please consult with a chiropodist.
Heel pain is generally considered an overuse injury, most commonly caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or arthritis. Other causes include heel bursitis, stress fractures, and tarsal tunnel syndrome. Plantar fasciitis, the most common form of heel pain, is frequently caused by wearing shoes that lack support or proper cushioning while running or jumping on hard surfaces. Other causes include flat feet, high arches, aging, and being overweight. These conditions can cause the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that connects the toes to the heel, to get overstretched and become inflamed. Achilles tendonitis is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the leg bones to the heel. Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, sacs of fluid behind the heel. Stress fractures can be caused by heavy pounding on the heel, during certain sports activities or running. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by a pinched nerve. Aging can cause the fat pads in the heel to thin out, resulting in less natural cushioning. Obesity places extra pressure on the heel, even during normal daily activities. Please consult a chiropodist for help with any heel pain you may be experiencing.
Heel pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you suffer from heel pain, 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.
When it comes to heel pain, the exact location and type of pain are important to note. Some of the conditions that may cause heel pain include:
Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot; it causes a stabbing pain under the heel that is at its worst when taking your first few steps after a long rest and while standing on your tiptoes or climbing stairs
Achilles tendonitis - An inflammation of the tendon in the back of the calf; it causes pain in the back of the heel that is at its worst after resting, as well as ankle and calf stiffness, swelling, and tenderness
Bone spurs - Bony lumps on the back of the heel bones that cause sharp pain upon first standing up; the pain becomes dull and achy over time
Heel fractures - A break or crack in the heel bone that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking
Retrocalcaneal bursitis - Swelling of the small, fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone; it causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the back of the heel
Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Compression of the posterior tibial nerve which causes a pins and needles sensation in the heel, foot, and calf
Your chiropodist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and prescribe the right treatments for you. 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!
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own otherwise healthy joint lining. This condition can affect any of the 33 joints of the feet, as well as the ankle joints. RA symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and warmth. It may become difficult to stand, walk, or exercise due to joint pain. RA can also affect the biomechanics of the feet. When the structure of the foot changes, this can affect one’s gait or walking pattern. Foot deformities, such as bunions and hammertoes, also become more likely. RA’s negative effects on mobility could impact one’s overall quality of life.
Although there is no cure for RA, your chiropodist can help you manage symptoms and maintain the health of your feet and your mobility. They may recommend conservative treatments such as resting and icing the feet and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain. Orthotic inserts and braces can help reduce pain and give the feet structure and support. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections can be used to relieve pain as well.
Surgical treatments for joint pain are another possible option for those with RA, particularly if the conservative treatment methods described above prove ineffective. Joint fusion surgery or joint replacement surgery may help. Deformities like bunions and hammertoes can be surgically corrected as well.
To learn more about living with RA, please consult with a chiropodist near you.
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.
