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The practice of reflexology uses pressure points on various parts of the body. The feet have over 15,000 nerves, and this is what makes the feet ticklish and sensitive when touched. The central nervous system is connected to the brain and spinal cord, and research has shown that signals are sent to the organs. Since there are pressure points on the feet that are linked to specific organs, touching the feet may bring an overall feeling of well-being to the body. Interesting connection points include part of the ball of the foot that corresponds to the shoulder, and the digestive organs are linked to the arch in the foot. Additionally, the reproductive system may correlate to the points in the heels and ankles. There are many reasons why people prefer reflexology as a successful type of foot therapy. If you would like to learn more about how to perform this, please confer with a chiropodist who can answer any questions you may have.

If you have sore feet or are recovering from an injury, then you may need foot therapy. For more information about foot therapy, 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.

Physical therapy is often helpful for those who suffer from foot pain or injury, and may include:

• Stretching - Increases the feet’s flexibility and mobility

• Strengthening Exercises - Help muscles in the injured area build strength 

• Massage - Activates and relaxes muscles

Physical therapy can optimize healing and increase one’s chances of full recovery following an injury. 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.

Your feet get you where you want to go every day. For that reason, it’s important as you age to remember that your feet need extra care. Here are some tips aimed at keeping you on your feet. Probably the best way to prevent falls is by wearing shoes that fit properly, provide cushioning to protect the feet and toes, and have non-skid soles. Avoid going barefoot or wearing loose or floppy slippers. Remove scatter rugs and loose wires from walking spaces. Keep hallways and stairs free from clutter and well-lighted. Install grab bars in bathtubs, showers, and other areas where a fall to a hard surface is possible. Use walking devices, such as a cane, walker, or walking stick to help keep your balance. Check medications for side effects that may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Try simple exercises to increase muscle strength and promote good balance. If you have a history of falling, please consult a chiropodist for more information.

Falls are a common but preventable problem for older adults. If you would like to learn more about preventing falls, 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. 

Did you know that most falls occur in the home? Fortunately, there are many simple changes that you can make to the living environment to reduce the risk of falling. 

In the Bathroom:

• Install grab bars near toilets, bathtubs, and showers

• Put non-skid mats on all surfaces that may get wet

In the Bedroom:

• Keep a light near the bed so that you can easily turn it on if you have to get up at night

• Keep the path from your bedroom to the bathroom clutter-free and well-lit

• Consider installing a bed rail for added support

In the Kitchen:

• Use non-skid mats

• Wipe up any spills immediately

• Move commonly used items to areas that are easily within your reach

In the Hallways:

• Place handrails on both sides of the stairs

• Install good lighting in the hallways and around the entire home

• Keep hallways free of clutter

• Don’t use throw rugs or small area rugs

In Other Living Areas: 

• Keep loose cables, cords, and wires near the wall and away from walking surfaces

• Make sure that all carpets and rugs are secure firmly to the floor

• Arrange your furniture so that it is not in your way when you walk

• Use chairs and couches that you can easily get up from

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.

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 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 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. 

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.

Sprained ankles are thought to be the most common sports-related injury. The ankle joint consists of three bones that are held together by several ligaments. These bands of soft tissue give the ankle stability when you walk, run and jump. When a ligament is overstretched or torn, it is referred to as a sprain. There are three main types of sprains in the ankle joint: lateral, medial, and high. Lateral sprains, which account for about 85 percent of sprained ankle injuries, affect the outer part of the joint. They occur when the foot turns inward, causing the ankle joint to push outward. Basketball, volleyball, and soccer players are most likely to be at risk, as these sports call for quick changes in direction. A medial sprain involves ligaments on the inside of the ankle. This sprain often accompanies other injuries, including fractures of the tibia bone of the leg. A medial sprain can be caused by your foot being forced outward or by direct trauma. A high sprain involves ligaments that connect the leg bones above the ankle joint. It is usually caused by a sudden twisting, turning, or cutting motion while running, jumping, or skiing. If you believe you have sprained your ankle, immediate and proper treatment from a chiropodist is important.

When one or more ligaments in the ankle overstretch or tear due to injury, an ankle sprain occurs. If you would like to learn more about ankle sprains, 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 an ankle sprain vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include: 

• Pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Tenderness

• Difficulty walking

• Ankle instability

• A reduced range of motion in the ankle 

Treatments for an ankle sprain may consist of: 

• Resting the injured ankle

• Applying ice

• Elevating the ankle

• Compressing the ankle

• Over-the-counter pain medications

• Ankle braces or other devices to take weight off of the ankle

• Ankle exercises 

• Surgery (in rare cases) 

It’s important for the sprained ankle to heal correctly and fully in order to avoid repeated injury. 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.