Items filtered by date: December 2023

Everyday foot care, often overshadowed in the realm of self-care, holds profound significance in fostering overall well-being. Your feet, the unsung heroes of mobility, endure daily stress and strain, necessitating thoughtful attention. Regular cleansing and thorough drying serve as foundational practices, preventing moisture-related issues such as fungal infections. Proper nail trimming, with straight cuts and avoiding rounded edges, reduces the risk of ingrown toenails. Wearing well-fitted, supportive footwear is a cornerstone, ensuring comfort and minimizing the likelihood of conditions like bunions or calluses. Gentle foot massages not only promote relaxation but also enhance circulation. Inspecting the feet for any abnormalities, such as discoloration or swelling, empowers early detection of potential issues. Incorporating these simple yet impactful habits into daily life safeguards against common foot ailments and contributes to a harmonious interplay between foot health and overall wellness. If you would like additional tips on everyday foot care routines, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

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 Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist 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.

Big toe pain can stem from various conditions, ranging from common to more severe. One prevalent cause is arthritis, specifically hallux rigidus, which tends to affect older individuals, particularly women. Ingrown toenails are another common culprit, often occurring due to improper nail trimming or wearing tight shoes. Gout, characterized by the accumulation of uric acid in joints, frequently targets the big toe joint, leading to crystallization and pain. Athletes may experience turf toe, an injury resulting from repetitive bending or jamming of the big toe, especially prevalent on artificial turf. Sesamoiditis, marked by inflammation of tendons surrounding the sesamoid bones below the big toe, is frequently seen in runners and ballet dancers. Fractures of the toe, generally caused by accidental trauma or repetitive pressure, can also cause significant discomfort. Bunions, a deformity of the joint, force the big toe to protrude and can worsen due to wearing ill-fitting shoes. Other potential causes of big toe pain include nail infections, Raynaud's disease, Morton's neuroma, and rheumatoid arthritis. The appropriate treatment depends on the specific condition causing the pain. If you have pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and care.

Toe pain is common and can have a variety of causes. Causes can range from a broken toe to an ingrown toenail. Many types of toe pain can be corrected, but any toe pain that inhibits your activities for an extended period should be discussed with a chiropodist. If you suffer from toe pain, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist can help you maintain the health of your feet.

Common Causes of Toe Pain 

• Trauma or fracture
• Cuts, sores, or bruises
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Turf Toe
• Morton’s neuroma
• Blisters
• Corns
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar warts
• Athlete’s Foot

Symptoms of Toe Pain

• Toe deformity
• Burning
• Numbness
• Toenail deformity
• Wart or ulcer
• Swelling
• Redness

When to See a Chiropodist

• Bleeding or severe swelling
• Trauma, such as a broken bone
• Discoloration or extreme swelling
• Inability to bear weight
• Persistent pain
• Wounds that won’t heal

Diagnosis of Toe Pain

A chiropodist can conduct a thorough examination of the painful toe or toes in order to determine the best course of treatment. The exam may include assessing the tenderness of the area, taking an X-ray or other diagnostic test, or assessing your gait and range of motion. A discussion of what led to the advanced pain issue may follow. Included will likely be a health history, as well as a list of medications you are taking and other previous injuries you may have sustained.

Treatment for Toe Pain

With such a wide range of possible causes for toe pain, treatment can be varied in scope and length. Sometimes, the chiropodist will recommend lifestyle and activity changes. In cases of trauma or other injuries, X-rays or imaging tests will likely be used to determine the severity of the problem, particularly if any bones have been broken. Treatment may also include injections of pain-relief medication or anti-inflammatory drugs. Certain injuries will require the splinting, bracing, or wrapping of injured toes. Orthotics or special shoes may be prescribed in cases of bone deformities and gait issues. Removal of warts, calluses, and corns may be needed. In other cases, such as with patients who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, ongoing treatment may be required to avoid more serious problems. 

Foot pain during pregnancy is a common concern, arising from the body's profound physiological changes. The increased weight and altered posture place additional stress on the feet, contributing to discomfort. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly the hormone relaxing, affect ligaments and joints, potentially leading to imbalances in foot mechanics. Swelling, a prevalent condition known as edema, can compress nerves and blood vessels, resulting in pain and tenderness. As the body adjusts to accommodate the growing baby, the arch of the foot may flatten, causing conditions like overpronation and plantar fasciitis. Fluid retention, often exacerbated by hormonal influences, may further contribute to the sensation of swelling and pain. Wearing supportive footwear, engaging in gentle exercises, and elevating the feet may help to provide relief. If you are seeking specific advice on foot pain you may have during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist.

Pregnancy can affect your feet in many ways, often causing pain or discomfort, as well as reduced mobility. If you are pregnant and experience foot pain, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

During pregnancy, your belly isn’t the only part of your body swelling. The whole body may experience swelling, especially in the feet and ankles. Since they carry the weight of both your body and the baby’s, caring for your feet during pregnancy is very important. 

Common Foot Conditions During Pregnancy

Various foot conditions can develop during the course of a pregnancy, including: 

• Swelling of the feet and ankles

• Fallen arches, leading to acquired flat feet

• Plantar fasciitis 

• Aching, sore feet

• Changes in the toenails

Caring for the Feet During Pregnancy

Some things that you can do to help maintain the health of your feet during pregnancy include: 

• Wearing comfortable shoes

• Resting and elevating your feet

• Icing sore areas, such as the arch

• Keeping your toenails trimmed

• Soaking and massaging the 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.

Selecting the right pair of running shoes is a critical decision that can significantly impact your running experience. Start by understanding your foot type, whether it is neutral, pronated, or supinated to determine the level of support and cushioning your feet require. Consider the terrain you will be running on, as different shoes are designed for road or trail running, each offering distinct features to enhance performance. Assess the arch support and cushioning of the shoes to ensure proper shock absorption and overall comfort during your runs. Your individual running style and preferences play a vital role, influencing factors like shoe flexibility and drop. If you have specific foot conditions or past injuries, consult with a chiropodist to find shoes that address your unique needs. Regularly evaluate the condition of your shoes and replace them when signs of wear appear, safeguarding against potential injuries. If you would like more information about various factors to be aware of while choosing the right running shoes, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist.

The right running shoes can sometimes be difficult to find. With so many options on the market, it’s important to know the unique needs of your feet prior to buying running shoes. If you require assistance, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

When looking for running shoes, take into consideration:

• The type of running you will be doing

• The terrain you plan to run on

• Your gait or running pattern

• Your arch type 

• Other unique foot needs

A chiropodist can help by examining your feet and your gait to determine what types of shoes may be best for you. Some runners may require motion control shoes, which prevent your foot from rolling too far inward while you run. Others may need stability shoes, which offer more balance, cushioning, and support. When shopping for shoes, make sure that they are the right size, fit comfortably, 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.