Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone. They can sometimes cause pain, especially when linked with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue running from the heel to the toes, and when it becomes inflamed, it adds stress in the heel area. Exercises can play an important role in easing the discomfort caused by heel spurs in several ways. They help to improve flexibility, reduce strain on the fascia, and strengthen supporting muscles. Gentle calf stretches, foot flexes, and toe towel grabs help loosen tight tissues. Other exercises, like rolling a ball under the foot, can reduce tension along the arch. Strengthening and stretching routines performed regularly can improve mobility and reduce recurring discomfort. A chiropodist can evaluate the source of your heel pain, design an appropriate exercise plan, and recommend footwear or orthotic supports to reduce strain. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Heel spurs are bony outgrowths from calcium deposits. They occur at the back of the heel bone or underneath the heel bone and usually form in response to chronic irritation of the Achilles tendon or plantar fascia. They are often asymptomatic, but if you are suffering from heel 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. 

Symptoms of Heel Spurs

• Tenderness
• Heel pain
• Pain when walking
• No symptoms

Diagnosis

Since heel spurs are often asymptomatic, they are usually only diagnosed when they are found on the heels incidentally during an X-ray taken for another reason. Nevertheless, if you have heel pain, and particularly if you have plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, it may be worth it to see if you have heel spurs too. 

Treatment

Unless they are causing symptoms, heel spurs typically don’t require any treatment. When they are symptomatic, treatments are typically conservative. They may include resting and icing the affected foot, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing orthotics or supportive footwear, especially while exercising. 

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.

Hallux rigidus is a form of arthritis that affects the big toe joint, causing stiffness, pain, and limited movement. It often develops gradually as the joint wears down over time, sometimes following past injuries or due to genetic foot structure that increases stress on the toe. Patients often notice discomfort when walking, difficulty bending the toe, or swelling surrounding the joint. As the condition progresses, simple activities like climbing stairs or standing for long periods of time can become increasingly uncomfortable. Treatment may include wearing supportive footwear, orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or, in some cases, surgery to restore movement and relieve pain. Early care can help slow the progression and maintain mobility. If you are experiencing persistent stiffness or pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a chiropodist who can evaluate your condition and recommend the most effective treatment.

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. 

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.

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that connect the bones in the ankle are stretched or torn, usually due to an injury that forces the foot out of its normal position. Ankle sprains can vary in severity. A grade 1 sprain involves mild stretching of the ligaments, causing minimal pain and swelling, allowing for normal walking. A grade 2 sprain is a partial tear of the ligament, resulting in more pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. The most severe, grade 3 sprains, involve a complete tear of the ligament, causing intense pain, significant swelling, and instability, making walking nearly impossible. Ankle sprains can also be classified by the direction of injury. Inversion sprains occur when the foot rolls inward, affecting the outer ankle ligaments. Eversion sprains happen when the foot twists outward, affecting the inner ligaments.  A chiropodist can help with diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can provide appropriate treatment solutions.

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

Pain in the ball of the foot is often caused by issues in the metatarsophalangeal joints, which are located where the long bones of the foot, or metatarsals, meet the base of the toes. These joints are responsible for bearing weight and enabling the toes to bend during walking. When the foot’s alignment is off, such as with excessive pronation or high arches, excess pressure can lead to joint instability. A common result is capsulitis, or inflammation of the joint capsule, which is the soft tissue that surrounds and supports the joint. This condition often affects the second toe and causes tenderness, especially with walking or pushing off the toes. Over time, capsulitis can weaken the joint and contribute to deformities like hammertoes. A chiropodist can assess the structure and motion of the foot, provide orthotics to correct alignment, and reduce pressure and pain in the ball of the foot. If you are experiencing pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can accurately diagnose and offer appropriate treatment options.

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.