What Are Corns?

Corns are small bumps of thickened skin that can appear on the foot. They usually occur in response to excessive friction from ill-fitting footwear. There are several different types of corns. Hard corns are typically found on the tops of toes and are characterized by a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin. Soft corns are typically found between the toes. They are soft due to their exposure to sweat. There are also seed corns, tiny bumps on the soles of the feet that typically occur in multiples. Seed corns are often asymptomatic, but hard and soft corns can cause pain and discomfort, especially if the affected area experiences frequent pressure, friction, or irritation. If you have painful corns, it is suggested that you seek the care of a chiropodist. 

Corns are small bumps or dry, hardened skin that can arise on the feet, usually in response to friction. Corns can be asymptomatic, or they can be uncomfortable or painful. If you have corns that are bothering you, 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 three types of corns:

  • Hard corns
    • Often occur on the tops of toes
    • Feature a hard core surrounded by dry, irritated skin
    • Can be painful
  • Soft corns
    • Often occur in between the toes
    • Soft due to constant exposure to sweat
    • Can be painful
  • Seed corns
    • Tiny
    • Often occur on the soles of the feet
    • Usually asymptomatic

Corns can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit properly. They are typically benign and don’t require medical treatment. However, if your corns are causing you pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to a chiropodist near you for treatment options. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON

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Are Flip-Flops Bad for My Feet?

Flip-flops might be the choice footwear for the summer, but they are not the choice footwear for maintaining the health of your feet. If you’ve ever worn flip-flops, you may have noticed that they can be difficult to keep on your feet as you walk. To to prevent them from slipping off, you must walk with your toes bent around the ends of the shoes. This toe posture can increase your risk of foot deformities, such as hammertoes and bunions. Frequently wearing flip-flops can also change your gait or walking pattern. Although they come in many fun patterns and colors, these flimsy shoes don’t come with much foot protection or arch support, leaving your feet exposed to the elements and at risk of injury. If you must wear flip-flops, it’s suggested that you wear them only for short periods of time. To learn more about the dangers of flip-flops, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Flip-flops, though they may seem harmless, are bad for your foot health. If you would like to learn more about the many problems that can be caused by frequent flip-flop wear, 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. 

Flip-flops are the quintessential summer shoe, seemingly perfect for the beach or pool. Unfortunately, these flimsy shoes are not a good choice when it comes to keeping your feet healthy. 

Frequently wearing flip-flops is associated with: 

  • Hammertoes
  • Bunions
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Heel spurs
  • Cracked heels
  • Plantar warts
  • Athlete’s foot
  • Foot pain
  • Foot and ankle injuries
  • Gait changes
  • Leg, hip, and back pain

The best way to avoid these issues is to swap your flip-flops for more protective and supportive shoes. If you must wear flip-flops, wear them only for short periods of time. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON

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Obesity and the Feet

Obesity affects every part of your body, including the feet. Since the feet bear the weight of the entire body as you go about your day, it’s not surprising that carrying excess weight can strain the muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, and joints of the feet. Having a high BMI is associated with an increased risk of arthritis, tendonitis, and heel pain due to wear and tear on the feet. Obese people are also more likely to develop diabetes, a systemic condition that can also damage foot health. Losing weight can decrease your risk of developing these problems. Your chiropodist can help you find the right shoes, recommend foot and ankle exercises, and prescribe orthotics to help you maintain your mobility and keep your lower limbs healthy. 

Being obese affects every part of your body, and your feet are no exception. Because they bear the full weight of your body as you go about your daily life, your feet are under a lot of pressure. Carrying excess weight can strain the feet and cause a variety of unpleasant side effects. If you are obese and concerned about your foot health, 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. 

Obesity can:

  • Cause foot pain
  • Increase the risk of foot and ankle injuries
  • Reduce mobility
  • Make the feet wider
  • Flatten the arch
  • Make gout more likely
  • Make arthritis more likely
  • Increase the risk of diabetes

Your chiropodist may suggest lifestyle changes to address foot and ankle problems that are caused by or affected by obesity. These may include changes to your diet, exercise, and footwear, as well as wearing orthotics. The treatments for specific injuries or health problems will vary depending on what they are, but weight loss is often suggested to decrease strain on the feet. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON

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Keep Your Feet Healthy So You Can Stay Active

Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.

Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.

Signs and Causes of Poor Circulation

Poor circulation in the lower limbs can be a serious cause for concern. When blood flow to the feet and ankles is reduced, the oxygen and nutrients that keep the lower limbs healthy can’t get to where they need to go. This can cause symptoms such as coldness, numbness, discoloration, and pain in the feet and ankles. The skin may become cracked and dry, and wounds that heal slowly and poorly are more likely to form on the feet. Poor circulation is almost always caused by an underlying health condition, such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease. Your chiropodist can perform quick and non-invasive screenings to determine if you have poor circulation. For more information about keeping your feet and ankles healthy, please consult with a chiropodist. 

When blood flow to a specific part of the body is reduced, you may experience symptoms of poor circulation. Poor circulation is most common in your extremities, like your legs and feet. 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. 

Causes

Poor circulation isn’t a condition in itself. Instead, it results from other health issues. Therefore, it’s important to treat the underlying causes:

  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  • Diabetes
  • Blood clots
  • Varicose veins
  • Obesity
  • Raynaud’s disease 

Symptoms

Symptoms of poor circulation may include: 

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
  • Pain
  • Muscle Cramps

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will perform a physical exam to detect pain and swelling, as well as an antibodies blood test to detect inflammatory conditions, such as Raynaud’s disease. It’s important to disclose any known family history of poor circulation and any related diseases. A blood sugar test, blood pressure test, ultrasound, or CT scan may also be performed.

Treatment

Treatments for poor circulation depend on what is causing it. Compression socks may be used to reduce pain and swelling. An exercise program may be recommended to improve circulation. Various medications may be prescribed to manage underlying conditions that may contribute to poor circulation.  

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON

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