Items filtered by date: October 2024

Runners often experience foot injuries resulting from the repetitive impact of running, overtraining, or improper footwear. Two common foot injuries are blisters caused by friction from shoes and toenail damage that occurs when toes repeatedly rub against the front of a shoe. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, is also common, especially among those with flat or high arches. Stress fractures caused by repetitive stress without adequate recovery are another source of foot pain in runners. Metatarsalgia and Morton’s neuroma, which involve pain in the ball of the foot, often affect runners. A chiropodist can assess the underlying causes of these foot injuries, provide guidance on proper footwear, and prescribe custom orthotics to minimize strain. If you have an injury that results from running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for help.

Although running is a wonderful exercise to keep you in shape, it can wreak havoc on your feet and ankles if you don’t take preventive measures. If you have sustained a foot and ankle injury from running, 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. 

Some common running injuries include:

• Achilles tendonitis

• Shin splints

• Ankle sprains

• Stress fractures

• Plantar fasciitis

• Bursitis 

What causes injuries? 

These injuries are usually caused by overtraining, wearing the wrong shoes, running on hard surfaces, having tight and inflexible muscles, or having biomechanical issues in the feet or ankles. 

What can I do to prevent injuries? 

• Train slowly and gradually

• Give yourself plenty of time to recover following a run

• Wear shoes that fit properly and support your foot

• Avoid running on hard surfaces, like concrete

• Stretch and strengthen the muscles of your lower legs

• Warm-up prior to a run

• Have your gait analyzed and your feet examined by a chiropodist to determine if there are any biomechanical problems that need to be treated 

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.

Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes. It often starts as redness, itching, and flaking in these areas but can spread to the soles and sides of the feet. The main causes of athlete's foot include exposure to fungi in warm, damp places like locker rooms or swimming pools, and wearing tight, sweaty footwear for long periods of time. People with a weakened immune system may be more susceptible. There are several types of athlete’s foot, such as interdigital, moccasin, vesicular, and ulcerative infections, each varying in severity and symptoms. A chiropodist can diagnose the type of athlete’s foot and provide suitable antifungal treatments to manage the infection effectively. If you have a troublesome athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for advice.

Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating this condition, 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. 

What Is Athlete’s Foot? 

Athlete’s foot refers to an infection of the skin on the feet that is caused by a fungus. This fungus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments. It is often spread in common areas such as public pools, locker rooms, and showers. It can also spread when sharing personal items, like shoes or towels, with an infected person. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of athlete’s foot may include: 

• Itching, stinging, or burning of the skin on the feet

• Cracking or peeling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles of the feet

• Scaly, red rash on the foot

• Blisters 

• Foul odor

Treatment

Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves using over-the-counter topical antifungal medications on the feet. When over-the-counter options are ineffective, you may need to take prescription oral medications or topical antifungal drugs, or a combination of both. 

Prevention

Preventing athlete’s foot places an emphasis on good foot hygiene practices. 

You can prevent athlete’s foot by:

• Washing and drying your feet thoroughly every day

• Wearing shoes when walking in public areas

• Not sharing personal items, like shoes or socks, with others

• Wearing shoes and socks made out 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.

Excess body weight places added pressure on your feet, often leading to discomfort and pain. As weight increases, the force exerted on your feet rises, potentially affecting foot posture and function. Obesity has been linked to flatter feet and reduced range of motion, which can contribute to foot instability. Additionally, carrying extra weight can increase plantar pressures, particularly under the midfoot, which may result in painful conditions like plantar fasciitis. Over time, this strain can impact the way you walk, leading to further complications. A chiropodist can help by assessing your foot structure and gait, offering personalized treatment plans to relieve pain and prevent further issues. They may suggest orthotics, exercises, or other interventions tailored to your needs. If you have foot pain related to your weight, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for guidance.

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 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Fungal infections of the toenail occur when fungi invade the nail bed, often leading to discoloration, thickening, and brittleness. These infections typically arise in warm, moist environments, making public spaces like swimming pools and locker rooms common breeding grounds. To diagnose a toenail fungal infection, a chiropodist may examine the nail and take a sample for laboratory testing. Early detection is essential for effective treatment. To protect your nails from infection, maintain good foot hygiene by keeping them clean and dry, and wearing breathable footwear. Regularly trimming nails and avoiding tight shoes can also help prevent fungal growth. Toenail fungus can be unsightly. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can effectively treat this ailment.

Toenail fungus can be uncomfortable and unsightly. If you have diabetes or a compromised immune system, it may also be dangerous. To learn more about treatment options, 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. 

What Does Toenail Fungus Look Like? 

A fungal infection of the toenail may cause the affected nail to become thickened, brittle, crumbly, and yellowish or brown in color. Sometimes the toenail may separate from the nail bed, become deformed, emit a foul odor, or cause pain or discomfort. 

What Causes Toenail Fungus? 

Toenail fungus is caused by a fungus that infects the nail bed. The fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments and is also contagious. Athlete’s foot, which is a fungal infection of the skin, may spread to the nails and cause toenail fungus. 

What Treatments Are Available? 

Potential treatments for toenail fungus may include oral antifungal medications, topical antifungal medications, such as medicated nail polishes that are applied directly to the affected nail, and laser therapy. Sometimes, a combination of treatments is prescribed. 

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, a form of inflammatory arthritis, occurs when excess uric acid in the blood forms crystals in the joints leading to sudden and severe pain and swelling. When left untreated, gout can cause permanent joint damage making movement painful and difficult. It can also affect the kidneys, increasing the risk of kidney stones and even kidney disease which could progress to kidney failure. Additionally, gout has been linked to cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure due to potential damage to blood vessels. People with gout are more likely to have related health concerns, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity that can further complicate their overall health. A chiropodist can assist in managing gout by addressing joint pain and providing guidance to reduce uric acid levels through lifestyle adjustments. If you have gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. 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. 

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.