Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that affects the toenails and surrounding tissues. Fungi thrive in warm, damp environments, making the feet particularly vulnerable to infection. Toenail fungus often begins with a small white, yellow, or brown spot underneath the nail. The affected toenail may become thick, brittle, crumbly, and the nail may become difficult to trim. Early recognition and treatment can help prevent the infection from becoming more difficult to manage.

Common symptoms of toenail fungus include yellow, white, or brown nail discoloration. Additionally, there may be thickened nail tissue and nails that crumble or split easily. Some people may notice an unpleasant odor or tenderness surrounding the affected nail. In more advanced cases, the toenail can separate from the nail bed, creating space underneath the nail where additional debris and microorganisms can collect. Because several nail conditions can cause similar changes, a proper evaluation can help determine whether a fungal infection is responsible.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing toenail fungus. Among them are excessive foot sweating, poor foot hygiene, and wearing tight or non-breathable footwear. Prolonged exposure to moisture can also create an environment where fungi thrive. Walking barefoot in shared locker rooms and public showers, as well as pools and gym areas, can also increase exposure to infectious fungi. People with weakened immune systems or certain underlying health concerns may have a greater risk of developing persistent infections. Toenail fungus can also spread between nails and to other people through contaminated surfaces, towels, or nail tools.

Preventing toenail fungus starts with keeping the feet clean and dry. Change socks regularly, choose breathable footwear, and allow shoes to dry completely between uses. Wear protective footwear in communal wet areas and avoid sharing nail clippers, files, or other personal tools. If you notice persistent toenail discoloration, thickening, and crumbling, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for an evaluation and effective treatment solutions.

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 one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians 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 offices located in North York and Mississauga, ON . 

Cracked heels occur when the skin surrounding the heels becomes excessively dry, thick, and less flexible. As the skin loses moisture and elasticity, it may struggle to handle the pressure placed on the feet during standing and walking. Small splits can develop and gradually become deeper, creating what are known as heel fissures. Although cracked heels are often mild at first, untreated fissures can become painful and interfere with normal daily activities. Aging is a common contributing factor because skin naturally becomes thinner and less capable of retaining moisture over time. Other causes include frequent hot showers or baths, which can remove natural protective oils from the skin, as well as walking barefoot on hard surfaces.

Footwear and lifestyle habits can also contribute to cracked heels. Wearing open-back shoes and sandals allows the heel to spread outward with each step. This increases pressure on the surrounding skin and makes moisture loss more likely. Prolonged standing, excess body weight, and occupations that require extended periods on the feet may increase pressure on the heels. Certain skin conditions can also cause significant dryness and make heel fissures more likely to develop.

Common symptoms of cracked heels include rough or hardened skin, peeling, and visible cracks around the edges of the heel. Mild fissures may cause tightness or discomfort, while deeper cracks can become painful when standing or walking. Severe heel fissures may bleed and create an opening through which bacteria can enter, increasing the risk of infection.

Early treatment can help prevent cracked heels from becoming more severe. Applying a moisturizer regularly can help restore hydration and improve skin flexibility. Wearing supportive, properly-fitting footwear can reduce pressure on the heels, while avoiding prolonged exposure to hot water and dry conditions may help protect the skin. If cracked heels are painful, deep, bleeding, or persistent, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for an evaluation and personalized treatment recommendations.

Dry, cracked heels are more than a cosmetic inconvenience. For many people, they are uncomfortable, deep, painful, and may even bleed. If you suffer from cracked heels, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Causes

• Prolonged standing
• Wearing open-back shoes
• Wearing shoes that don’t cushion the heels
• Living in a cold or dry climate
• Taking long, hot showers
• Not moisturizing the heels
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Palmoplantar keratoderma
• Juvenile plantar dermatosis

Treatments

• Soaking the feet
• Exfoliating with a pumice stone
• Moisturizing the heels
• Wearing closed-back shoes that cushion heels
• Avoiding prolonged standing
• Taking warm, rather than hot, showers
• Treating underlying skin conditions 

While milder cases of cracked heels can be treated at home, some patients present with deep, painful, bleeding heel fissures that are at risk of becoming infected and may require medical care. Additionally, patients with diabetes or any other conditions that affect the immune system should be monitored by a chiropodist. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in North York and Mississauga, ON . 

Foot corns are easy to identify once understood. They appear as raised, thickened skin with a central core that presses into deeper layers, causing pain during walking or standing. These areas may look yellowish or gray. They are commonly found on pressure points, such as the tops of toes or between them. Hard corns are the most common and feel firm, while soft corns appear between toes due to moisture and tend to be more tender. Symptoms include sharp pain when pressure is applied, surrounding redness, and skin irritation. The primary causes include friction from wearing tight shoes, repeated stress on specific foot areas, and structural imbalances. Risk factors such as aging, improper gait, and prolonged standing increase susceptibility. Understanding their appearance and causes can support early intervention and reduce discomfort. If you notice persistent or painful corns, it is strongly suggested you consult a chiropodist for effective relief and prevention tips.

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 one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians 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 offices located in North York and Mississauga, ON . 

Toe pain is a common condition that affects the small joints, soft tissue, and nails of the toes, often interfering with walking and physical activity. In runners, one frequent cause of toe pain is the development of black toenails. Medically known as a subungual hematoma, this occurs when blood collects under the nail due to repeated impact. This condition is often caused by running extensive miles, repetitive trauma, and the toe repeatedly hitting the front of shoes during movement. Symptoms include discoloration of the nail, tenderness, throbbing pain, and pressure beneath the nail surface. Risk factors include wearing tight or poorly fitted running shoes, long-distance training, downhill running, and improper nail trimming. Continued friction and pressure can worsen discomfort and lead to nail loss if untreated. Preventive steps include selecting well-fitted footwear, maintaining proper nail care, and reducing repetitive stress. If you have toe pain or black toenails from running, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist to explore effective relief and management solutions.

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 one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians 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 offices located in North York and Mississauga, ON .