Gout is an inflammatory condition that commonly affects the big toe and can cause extreme pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling. Attacks of gout can come on suddenly and usually dissipate after a week or so. The main cause of gout is an excess of uric acid in the bloodstream. Gout that goes untreated can result in joint damage and worsening pain. Gout can limit the range of motion in the toe, making it difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish daily tasks.  Gout is most common among men over 40, but many women become more at risk after menopause. Besides genetics, risk factors for gout include obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders. Pain from gout is generated by the formation of uric acid crystals, or tophi, in the joint of the big toe. This is the result of the reduced ability of the body to rid itself of excess uric acid. Certain foods that are rich in purines also contribute to the pain of gout. Eliminating them, losing weight, and eating well can go a long way to preventing frequent gout attacks. Certain medications are also available to reduce gout symptoms. For more information about treatments for gout, please visit a chiropodist. 

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. 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 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 offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Exercising your feet can prevent and relieve discomfort. Two exercises that help with the most common foot aches are the toe stretch and the heel reliever stretch. The toe stretch is done by sitting in a chair with the right leg crossed over the left thigh. With your left fingers, grab your right toes. Squeeze the fingers and toes together and hold for 10 seconds and then stretch wide for 10 seconds. For the tennis ball stretch, stand with the tennis ball under the second toe of the right foot. Slowly roll the ball around the sole of the foot for one to three minutes. These exercises should be repeated on each foot three times a day for maximum effectiveness. To learn more about the importance of stretching your feet, visit a chiropodist today.

Stretching the feet can improve their flexibility and overall strength, and can help prevent or reduce the impact of foot injuries. For more information about stretching your feet, 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. 

Why Stretching the Feet Is Important

Your feet support the weight of your entire body as you go about your daily activities. As with any other part of your body, stretching and exercising the feet can help maintain their overall health, reduce foot pain, and prevent future injuries. 

How to Stretch 

There are a variety of foot stretches and exercises that you may try. It is recommended that you speak with a chiropodist to learn which exercises are best for you. 

Some examples include: 

• Heel Raises - Hold onto a wall for balance as you slowly rise up on your tiptoes. Hold the position for several seconds, then lower your feet back to the ground. Repeat 10 times. 

• Toe Splay - Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Spread your toes as far apart as you can, holding for several seconds. Repeat 10 times. 

• Towel Scrunches - Sit in a chair and lay a towel flat on the floor in front of you, placing your foot on top of it. Using only your toes, scrunch up the towel pulling it towards you. Repeat several times with each foot. 

• Plantar Fascia Massage - Sit in a chair and place a round or cylindrical object (such as a tennis ball, water bottle, or foam roller) under the arch of your foot. Slowly push your foot forward and backward while applying pressure to the object. Maintain the object between your heel and toes. Do this for about 30 seconds. Repeat on the other foot. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A chiropodist is the medical professional you go to for all foot and ankle ailments. They can help prevent, diagnose, and treat conditions of the feet so that you can stay mobile and active. Given how much we all depend on our feet to get us through life, virtually all of us will suffer from foot or ankle pain or discomfort at times. A chiropodist can treat a variety of conditions from athlete’s foot to bunions, heel pain, broken ankles, and gout. These healthcare providers can also assess your gait to see whether there are problems with your lower limbs that require correction. Chiropodists need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in science and often will spend 1,000s of hours in clinically supervised training. Furthermore, they must register with The Health and Care Professions Council to practice. If you are having foot or ankle problems, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a chiropodist.

If you have any foot or ankle concerns, contact one of the chiropodists of Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians can provide the care you need to keep you on your feet.

A chiropodist is a healthcare professional that specializes in the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. With the amount of work the feet do in a lifetime, the whole body works better if the feet are properly supported. Chiropodists must have a bachelor’s degree in science and complete a three to four-year chiropody program. They can then work independently or as part of a team. Chiropodists are like podiatrists, the only difference being the country they obtained where they obtained their degrees. The field can be called podiatry in the United States and chiropody elsewhere. A chiropodist is a popular term for this profession in the UK and Canada. Chiropodists treat a variety of foot problems from corns and calluses to fungal infections. Some also offer orthotics. They might provide a variety of foot therapies, injections, and surgical procedures. Normally one sees a chiropodist when they are experiencing pain but visiting one regularly, as one would a dentist, can help ensure the feet are in top form and help prevent future problems. If you suffer from foot or ankle pain or have questions about your lower extremities, book an appointment with a chiropodist today.

What Does a Chiropodist Do?

A chiropodist helps people with problems with their feet and ankles with the goal of making their lives more comfortable. A chiropodist takes care of blisters, corns, bunions, cracked heels, nail problems, and sprained ankles, just to mention a few things that can go wrong with our feet. A chiropodist will take your medical history and examine your feet for blood circulation and any other problems going on. They will watch you walk and how you move when you walk. They will discuss any findings they come up with and discuss a treatment plan with you.

What Does It Take to Become a Chiropodist?

Chiropodists must have seven to eight years of post-secondary school before beginning to practice. They must obtain a bachelor’s degree in science and complete a three-to-four-year chiropody program. Chiropodists work independently or as part of a team.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in North York and Mississauga, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A small area of thickened skin on the side of the pinky toe or on top of the toes may indicate a corn has developed. It can cause extreme discomfort, despite its small size. They form as a result of excess friction that typically comes from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. It is the body’s natural defense to protect skin that has become irritated. It presses on sensory nerves, and that’s what causes the pain. Soft corns form between the toes. They remain soft from the constant moisture from sweat glands that are found there. Corns on the sides or top of toes may feel better when the foot is soaked in warm water, and small corns may be filed down with a pumice stone. Stubborn or larger corns often need medical attention, and if you are afflicted with this ailment, it is suggested that you speak with a chiropodist as quickly as possible who can provide you with relief options.

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