Items filtered by date: June 2024

Sore feet are a common issue that can result from various factors, including overuse, wearing improper footwear, or underlying medical conditions. Standing or walking for extended periods, particularly on hard surfaces, can strain the muscles and ligaments in the feet, leading to soreness. Wearing ill-fitting shoes or high heels can also cause discomfort by placing excessive pressure on certain areas of the feet. Medical conditions such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or flat feet can further contribute to foot pain. Sore feet can feel achy, tender, or even sharp, making it difficult to walk or stand comfortably. To alleviate sore feet, start by resting and elevating them to reduce swelling. Wearing supportive, well-cushioned footwear and using orthotic inserts can provide additional comfort and prevent future soreness. Regular stretching and strengthening exercises for the feet can also be beneficial. For persistent or severe foot pain, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.

Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have foot pain, 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 you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis. 

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:

• Stress fractures

• Sinus tarsi syndrome

• Extensor tendonitis

• Tibialis anterior tendonitis

• Gout

• Athlete’s foot

• Ganglion cysts

Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Foot cramps

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

• Plantar fibromatosis

• Posterior tibial tendonitis

• Stress fractures

• Flat feet

Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:

• Ankle sprain

• Cuboid syndrome

• Peroneal tendonitis

• Stress fractures

• Bunions

• Corns or calluses

• Posterior tibial tendonitis

Heel pain may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Achilles tendonitis

• Bone spurs

• Heel fractures

• Retrocalcaneal bursitis

• Sever’s disease 

Pain in the toes may be caused by:

• Gout

• Hammertoe

• Turf toe 

• Bunions

• Ingrown toenails

• Blisters 

• Arthritis

These and many more conditions can be treated by a chiropodist. 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.

Ingrown toenails, often affecting the big toe, occur when the nail's edge grows into the soft surrounding flesh. This results in pain, swelling, inflamed skin, and sometimes infection. Non-surgical treatments of ingrown toenails can effectively address mild to moderate cases without significant pain or drainage. One simple method involves soaking the affected foot in warm, soapy water for 10 to 20 minutes, followed by applying a topical antibiotic or steroid cream to reduce inflammation and aid healing. Another conservative approach is placing wisps of cotton or dental floss under the nail's edge, which can alleviate discomfort and promote proper nail growth. This technique provides immediate pain relief and poses minimal risk of infection. Additionally, a gutter splint made from a sterilized vinyl tube can be affixed to the nail edge with adhesive tape or acrylic resin, supporting the nail and preventing further ingrowth. These non-surgical treatments that can be performed by a chiropodist offer cost-effective solutions that minimize discomfort and downtime. For relief from ingrown toenail pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, 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 an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include: 

• Pain

• Swelling

• Redness

• Warmth

• Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail. 

Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers. 

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.

Cuboid syndrome, often overlooked, is a painful condition caused by the displacement, or subluxation, of the cuboid bone in the foot. It frequently results from acute injury or repetitive stress, particularly in athletes. Diagnosis can be challenging as symptoms mimic other conditions, such as lateral foot pain and difficulty walking. A thorough physical examination and a detailed medical history are essential for accurate identification. Relief involves a combination of manual manipulation to reposition the cuboid bone, followed by rest and taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. Stretching exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve flexibility can prevent recurrence. Wearing supportive footwear and orthotic inserts also plays a critical role in recovery. If you have pain in the outside of your foot, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist who can properly diagnose and treat foot pain.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joint and ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone in the foot become injured. If you think that you may have cuboid syndrome, 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

The cuboid bone is one of the seven tarsal bones located in the foot. Cuboid syndrome develops when the cuboid bone moves down and out of alignment with the other bone (calcaneus bone) in the joint of the foot. Cuboid syndrome can be the result of a sudden injury like an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly over time from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures. 

Symptoms

The most common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain on the outside of the foot which may worsen with activity. 

Other possible symptoms include: 

• Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot

• Swelling

• Sensitivity on the bottom of the foot

• Reduced range of motion  

Diagnosis

A chiropodist can diagnose cuboid syndrome based on your medical history and a physical examination of the foot. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, often fail to show the dislocated cuboid. 

Treatment

Treatment often includes resting, icing, compressing and elevating the affected foot, taping, wearing orthotic inserts, and taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain. The chiropodist may also be able to manipulate the dislocated bone back into alignment.

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 shoe size is essential for comfort, support, and overall foot health. To ensure a proper fit, start by measuring both feet while standing, as they may vary in size. Use a ruler or measuring tape to gauge the length and width of feet, with toes relaxed and socks worn if typically worn with shoes. Pay attention to the longest toe, which may not always be the big toe, and ensure a thumb's width of space between the longest toe and the shoe's tip. Consider the shoe's design and material, as some styles may run larger or smaller than others. Try on shoes at the end of the day when feet are at their largest, and walk around to assess comfort and fit. Remember that shoe size can change over time, so it is important to measure regularly and prioritize comfort over vanity. Wearing shoes that fit correctly may help to prevent painful foot conditions. If you have foot pain from wearing the wrong size shoes, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can offer you effective treatment options and guide you on how to select the right size shoes.

Finding the right shoes can be a hassle, however, wearing properly fitted shoes is one of the best things that you can do to prevent future foot problems. For more information about the importance of wearing the right shoe size, 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.

Tips for finding shoes that fit

• Measure your foot - This should be done later in the day when your feet are naturally at their largest. An associate at a shoe store can measure your foot using a Brannock device. 

• Wear the right socks - You should be wearing the socks or other hosiery that you intend to wear with the kind of shoe you are looking for. For example, if you are shopping for running shoes, wear the socks that you would normally wear while running.

• Remember these numbers - When trying on shoes, there should be about ½ an inch of space between the end of your longest toe and the end of the front of the shoe, and ⅛ of an inch between the back of your heel and the shoe

• Don’t “break them in” - Any shoes you buy should be immediately comfortable; don’t settle for shoes that you have to “break in" before you can wear them out. 

A chiropodist can help you find the best shoes and orthotics to help maintain the health of your 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.