Athletes rely on their feet and ankles for speed, balance, and power, so it is no surprise these areas are prone to injury. From sudden sprains to overuse injuries, foot and ankle problems can sideline athletes at any level. Ankle sprains are one of the most frequent sports injuries, often caused by rolling the ankle during quick movements. Stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and turf toe are also common, particularly in sports that involve running, jumping, or abrupt direction changes. If not treated properly, these injuries can lead to chronic pain or instability. Rest, compression, and elevation are useful first steps, but persistent pain or swelling should be evaluated by a podiatrist. Depending on the injury, treatment may involve bracing, orthotics, or surgery, in severe cases. If you have suffered a foot or ankle injury during sporting activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a thorough evaluation and individualized care.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, 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. 

Common Injuries Among Athletes: 

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Ankle strains or sprains

• Plantar fasciitis

• Fractures

• Turf toe 

• Joint dislocations

• Sever’s disease

• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

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.

Children can have different types of flat feet, commonly referred to as pediatric flatfoot. Most babies are born with what appears to be flat feet due to the presence of fat pads. This condition, which is known as flexible flatfoot, is typically painless, and the arch becomes visible when the child is sitting or standing on tiptoe. As your child grows, foot muscles develop, and the arch often forms naturally. A second type, flexible flatfoot with a short Achilles tendon, is less common and can cause discomfort or difficulty with movement. The third type, rigid flatfoot, results from an issue with the bones in the foot and is the least common, often leading to pain and difficulty walking. A chiropodist can assess your child's flat feet through a physical examination and may recommend stretching exercises, orthotics, or other treatment if discomfort is present. If your child's flat feet are causing pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for an evaluation.

Flat feet are a common foot condition. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to flat 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. 

What Are Flat Feet? 

Flat feet are feet that do not have a well-defined arch in the middle of the sole of the foot. Flat feet may be flexible or rigid. Flexible flat feet have an arch when there is no pressure put on the foot, such as when one is sitting, but the arch disappears upon standing. Rigid flat feet lack an arch regardless of whether one is standing or not. 

Causes

Flat feet can be present from birth or acquired over time due to a weakening of the ligaments in the arch. Sometimes flat feet are caused by illnesses, injuries, or pregnancy. 

Symptoms

Flat feet often cause no noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience pain and discomfort due to their flat feet. 

Symptoms associated with flat feet include:

• Pain in the arch, heel, ankle, or along the outside of the foot

• Overpronation of the foot

• Shin splints

• Aching or fatigue in the feet or legs

• Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back

Treatment 

In cases where flat feet cause symptoms, there are various treatments available. Wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes to provide more arch support, performing stretches, and taking medications may improve your symptoms. If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve pressure on the feet. In severe cases, surgery may be considered. 

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.

Haglund’s deformity, commonly known as pump bump, is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel that causes irritation to the surrounding soft tissues. Pump bump often results in pain, swelling, and redness caused by pressure placed on the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the Achilles tendon. The primary cause of pump bump is repetitive friction from wearing stiff-backed footwear, such as high heels or ice skates. People with high arches or tight calf muscles may be more prone to developing this condition, as these factors alter foot mechanics and increase pressure on the heel. Walking patterns that place more weight on the outer edge of the foot can also contribute to its development. A chiropodist can assess the severity of the deformity and recommend treatment, including stretching exercises, footwear modification, or orthotic supports to relieve pressure on the affected area. If you notice a painful bump on the back of your heel, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for advice.

Heel pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you suffer 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. 

When it comes to heel pain, the exact location and type of pain are important to note. Some of the conditions that may cause heel pain include: 

• Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot; it causes a stabbing pain under the heel that is at its worst when taking your first few steps after a long rest and while standing on your tiptoes or climbing stairs

• Achilles tendonitis - An inflammation of the tendon in the back of the calf; it causes pain in the back of the heel that is at its worst after resting, as well as ankle and calf stiffness, swelling, and tenderness 

• Bone spurs - Bony lumps on the back of the heel bones that cause sharp pain upon first standing up; the pain becomes dull and achy over time 

• Heel fractures - A break or crack in the heel bone that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking

• Retrocalcaneal bursitis - Swelling of the small, fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone; it causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the back of the heel

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Compression of the posterior tibial nerve which causes a pins and needles sensation in the heel, foot, and calf 

Your chiropodist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and prescribe the right treatments for you. 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.