Everyday Foot Care

Good foot care is proactive, rather than reactive. While a chiropodist can diagnose, treat, and help you manage a variety of foot and ankle conditions, preventing foot problems and keeping the feet healthy is something that you can do at home as well. Having and following an established daily foot care routine can be very beneficial. 

Maintaining good foot hygiene helps prevent a variety of foot problems, including infections like athlete’s foot and fungal toenails. It is important to wash your feet every day using lukewarm water and mild soap. Wash the entire foot, from heel to toe. Then dry the foot thoroughly, taking extra care to dry in between the toes. Moisturizing the heels and soles of the feet after washing them can help keep the skin soft, hydrated, and free of cracks. 

Stretching and strengthening the feet can maintain or improve their mobility. There are many easy foot exercises that you can do to keep your feet strong and flexible, such as toe scrunches and heel raises. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help keep your weight under control, relieving excess pressure and strain on the feet. 

Finally, wearing the right shoes is one of the easiest ways to care for the feet. Many people wear shoes that are too tight or narrow, shoes that don’t support the feet adequately, and shoes that are made of materials that trap moisture on the foot. Opt for comfortable, properly-fitted shoes that support and protect your feet. 

For more information about daily foot care practices for good foot health, please consult with a chiropodist.

Dealing With Swollen Feet

Swelling of the feet and ankles is caused by a buildup of fluid that makes the area look puffy. It generally is an indication of an unrelated malady and is usually not a problem in and of itself. Swelling may be a sign of poor circulation or a reaction to trauma. You can tell if swelling is present by pressing on the area. If it leaves an indentation on the skin, which may be shiny and tight, the area is swollen. It also can be recognized if an indentation appears on the skin when you take off your socks. Common reasons for swelling include injury, infection, inflammation, or an insect bite. In addition, some autoimmune diseases, circulatory problems, and medications may cause swelling. Sometimes, resting, icing, and elevating the foot or ankle is enough to reduce the swelling. If swelling continues, even after taking these measures, it is a good idea to visit a chiropodist for a detailed examination to identify the underlying cause. Treatment options will be determined by the source of the swelling. 

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.

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Achilles Tendon Injuries

The Achilles tendon, located at the back of the lower leg, is a strong band of fibrous tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. There are several different types of Achilles tendon injuries. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendon ruptures. 

When the tendon is injured due to repetitive strain and overuse, it can result in a condition called Achilles tendonitis. This injury is characterized by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, heel and calf pain, thickening of the tendon, ankle and calf stiffness, and a decreased range of motion. In the initial stages of Achilles tendonitis, pain primarily occurs following physical activity, but it can become constant and chronic if the injury is left untreated. 

When the Achilles tendon fully tears, it is known as an Achilles tendon rupture. This usually occurs following a sudden, high-impact injury. Symptoms include a sudden, stabbing pain in the back of the affected leg, a popping or snapping sensation, swelling, and difficulty walking and raising the foot. This condition requires prompt treatment to prevent further damage to the tendon. 

There are a variety of treatments available for Achilles tendon injuries. Achilles tendonitis can often be treated through conservative methods, such as resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, taking over-the-counter pain medications, and doing gentle stretches. Achilles tendon ruptures may require surgical treatment to avoid reinjury. For more information about Achilles tendon injuries, please consult with a chiropodist. 

What Is Tendonitis?

Tendonitis is when there is damage to a tendon that connects muscles to bones. It can be difficult to diagnose because it has some of the same symptoms as other ailments. When you have a problem with your Achilles tendon there will likely be pain, stiffness, swelling to nearby joints, and weakness in the surrounding muscles. You may also experience a grinding sensation when a hand is placed on the tendon because the damaged, injured cells are brought to the surface, a possible popping or snapping sound when the tendon is stretched across the bone and redness or discoloration at the site. If you are suffering several of these symptoms at the same time it is likely you have an injury to your Achilles tendon. If these progress to fever, infection is probably present and an appointment with a chiropodist is in order. A chiropodist can properly diagnose tendon or other foot and ankle issues as well as provide appropriate treatment options.

Achilles tendonitis is a common injury of the Achilles tendon, a band of fibrous tissue that runs along the back of the lower leg. The Achilles tendon can also rupture, making it impossible to lift the foot. If you are suffering from heel or calf 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. 

Causes of Achilles tendon injuries include: 

  • Repetitive stress or overuse

  • Sudden increase in activity levels

  • High impact injury

  • Calf muscle tightness or weakness

  • Altered foot biomechanics

  • Heel bone spurs

  • Underlying medical conditions that weaken the tendon

Symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury include: 

  • Heel and calf pain that worsens following exercise

  • Chronic heel and calf pain

  • Sudden pain in the back of the ankle or calf

  • A popping or snapping sensation

  • Thickened lump in the Achilles tendon

  • Ankle and calf stiffness

  • Decreased range of motion in the affected foot

  • Swelling

  • Difficulty walking 

Treatment

  • Resting the affected leg

  • Applying ice 

  • Compressing the foot and ankle

  • Elevating the injured leg 

  • Wearing orthotics

  • Low impact exercises

  • Stretches

  • Strengthening exercises 

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications

  • Cortisone injections

  • Surgery, if the tendon is ruptured 

Achilles tendon injuries can be very painful and lead to reduced mobility if left untreated. 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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Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Ankle Pain

The ankle is the region that joins the foot and leg. It consists of three joints that allow the foot to move. Pain in the ankle is typically the result of injury or inflammation from a wide variety of conditions, such as strains, sprains, fractures, or arthritis. Symptoms that often co-occur with ankle pain include swelling, bruising, numbness, tingling, stiffness, joint instability, and difficulty walking. 

The underlying cause of your ankle pain can be diagnosed by a chiropodist. A diagnostic visit to this specialist typically involves providing a medical history, describing your ankle pain, and undergoing a physical examination. In some cases, the chiropodist may order imaging studies, such as an X-ray or ultrasound, to rule out or confirm a diagnosis. 

The right treatment for your ankle pain will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. In many cases, your chiropodist may recommend that you follow the R.I.C.E. acronym: resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected ankle. Taking these actions generally decreases swelling and inflammation, reduces pain, and promotes healing. Taking over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also help with pain management. The chiropodist may also prescribe custom orthotics, immobilize the affected ankle, or recommend activity and footwear modifications. In cases of more severe injuries, surgical treatment may be necessary. 

If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is recommended that you seek the care of a chiropodist. 

Ankle Pain After Running

Running is an important way in which individuals across the country burn their daily calories. However, running can be taxing on your body if you are not taking care of it properly. For example, running can sometimes cause ankle pain. If you are experiencing ankle pain after a run, there are several potential reasons for the pain. You might have suffered from an ankle sprain, an ankle strain, tendinitis or a stress fracture. Regardless of the cause of your ankle pain, it is important to remember to take care of the ankle and cease activities that exacerbate the pain. You might consider taking a break from running when your ankle is causing you pain. You might also apply an ice pack to the affected area periodically, for about 10-15 minutes at a time, during the first few days of discomfort. If you are a runner and want to learn about more ways in which you can be protecting your ankles, talk to a chiropodist.

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.

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Heel Pain

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.

Exercises to Alleviate Heel Pain

Many people across the country suffer from some kind of heel pain. Commonly, you might experience heel pain because of a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Although there are a multitude of different reasons why you might be experiencing heel pain, performing certain exercises might help alleviate the pain felt. One of the most common exercises is to stretch out your plantar fascia. This can be done from a seated position. Simply put one foot at a time on top of a cold water bottle and slowly roll the foot back and forth over the bottle, being careful and while gently rolling. This exercise can be performed for about one minute on one foot before alternating to the other foot. Additionally, you might try stretching your calves. This can be done by facing a wall and placing the palms of both your hands against the wall. Put one foot in front of you and another behind you. Slowly and repeatedly bend the knee of the leg in front of you as you lean forward with each bend. These are just some of the many different exercises that you might perform to alleviate heel pain. For more information, be sure to contact a chiropodist who can help.

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. 

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Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

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