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Types of Foot Injuries

Feet are vulnerable to sprains, strains, fractures, stress injuries, and pressure-related wounds. A sprain, one of the most common foot injuries, involves overstretched or torn ligaments, often caused by twisting the foot or ankle. Strains affect muscles or tendons, and may occur from overuse or sudden force. Fractures are breaks in bones and can range from small cracks to complete breaks. Stress fractures are tiny bone cracks that often result from repeated impact during activities like running or jumping. People with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, may also develop ulcers or wounds on the feet, especially when skin is exposed to prolonged pressure or friction. A chiropodist can assess the type and extent of the injury through examination and may coordinate imaging, if necessary. They can provide care such as custom orthotics, footwear advice, wound management, and structured plans to support healing and mobility. If you have sustained a foot injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for advice and guidance.
Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot pain, 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.
Causes
There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes
- Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet
- Arthritis
- Flat feet
- Ingrown toenails
Symptoms
The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you.
Common types of foot pain include:
- Heel pain
- Arch pain
- Toe pain
- Ball of foot pain
- Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality
- Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation
Diagnosis
A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in North York and Mississauga, ON .
How Diabetes Affects Foot Health

Diabetes can have a serious impact on foot health by reducing blood flow and damaging nerves, leading to numbness and sores that will not heal. Without proper care, these wounds can become infected and cause further complications. To protect your feet, wash them daily in warm water, dry thoroughly, and keep the skin soft with gentle moisturizers. Wear comfortable shoes and clean socks to prevent injury, and avoid walking barefoot. Additionally, limiting alcohol intake can help improve circulation. A chiropodist can check for nerve damage, assess circulation to the feet, and provide advice on daily foot care. If you have diabetes and notice foot changes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can help you to manage this serious condition.
Diabetes can cause serious problems in the lower limbs if proper preventive measures are not taken and diabetic wound care is not performed. If you would like to learn more about caring for diabetic feet, 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.
Diabetes can lead to a host of foot and ankle complications, including:
- Poor circulation
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers
- Infection
- Corns and calluses
- Dry, cracked skin
- Nail disorders
- Hammertoes
- Bunions
- Charcot foot
If you have diabetes, you must be vigilant of any changes in your foot health. This is best done through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you if necessary, look for any:
- Cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds
- Bruising or discoloration
- Swelling
- Rash
- Foul odor
- Nail changes
- Hair loss
- Warmth and inflammation
- Deformities
- Lower limb pain
- Strange sensations (numbness, tingling, burning, pins, and needles)
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in North York and Mississauga, ON .
Psoriatic Arthritis in the Feet and Coping Methods

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects both the skin and joints, and when it involves the feet, it can cause significant discomfort. The joints of the toes and ankles may become swollen, stiff, and painful, making it harder to walk or stay active. Inflammation can also occur where tendons and ligaments attach, leading to added strain in the feet. Managing psoriatic arthritis requires both physical and mental care. Physically, wearing supportive footwear, orthotics, stretching, and prescribed medications can help reduce pain and protect joint function. Mentally, coping with a chronic condition may feel overwhelming at times, so stress management, relaxation techniques, and connecting with supportive communities can be very beneficial. If you are noticing persistent pain, swelling, or stiffness in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a chiropodist for guidance on treatment and overall management.
Osteoarthritis in the feet or ankles can be a painful and disabling condition that may interfere with your daily activities. If you have arthritis, 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 Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the protective layer of cartilage in the joints breaks down over time. This loss of cartilage causes the bones to rub together during movement, leading to pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is associated with aging, and often affects the small joints of the feet and ankles.
Symptoms
Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
- Joint pain
- Joint stiffness
- Swelling in or around the joint
- Restricted range of motion
- Difficulty walking
Diagnosis
Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed through physical examination. You may also need to have an X-ray taken to assess the extent of the damage caused by arthritis.
Treatment
Treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on reducing symptoms and improving the function of the affected joints. Conservative treatments include oral pain medications, orthotic devices, bracing or immobilizing the affected foot or ankle, steroid injections into the affected joint to reduce inflammation, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in North York and Mississauga, ON .
Managing the Challenges of Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy affects the tendon at the back of the ankle, often leading to stiffness and pain that worsens with activity. Many people first notice discomfort during running, climbing stairs, or after long periods of standing. The tendon may feel tender to the touch and sometimes develops swelling or thickening as the problem progresses. Contributing factors include sudden increases in exercise, tight calf muscles, and footwear that does not provide adequate support. Early care focuses on reducing strain with rest and gentle stretching. Structured strengthening programs, especially calf exercises, are often highly effective for recovery. Left untreated, the condition can increase the risk of tendon rupture, which requires more extensive treatment. If soreness in your Achilles tendon is interfering with daily activity or exercise, it is suggested that you seek evaluation from a chiropodist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Achilles tendonitis is a common injury of the Achilles tendon, a band of fibrous tissue that runs along the back of the lower leg. The Achilles tendon can also rupture, making it impossible to lift the foot. If you are suffering from heel or calf pain, 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 of Achilles tendon injuries include:
- Repetitive stress or overuse
- Sudden increase in activity levels
- High impact injury
- Calf muscle tightness or weakness
- Altered foot biomechanics
- Heel bone spurs
- Underlying medical conditions that weaken the tendon
Symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury include:
- Heel and calf pain that worsens following exercise
- Chronic heel and calf pain
- Sudden pain in the back of the ankle or calf
- A popping or snapping sensation
- Thickened lump in the Achilles tendon
- Ankle and calf stiffness
- Decreased range of motion in the affected foot
- Swelling
- Difficulty walking
Treatment
- Resting the affected leg
- Applying ice
- Compressing the foot and ankle
- Elevating the injured leg
- Wearing orthotics
- Low impact exercises
- Stretches
- Strengthening exercises
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Cortisone injections
- Surgery, if the tendon is ruptured
Achilles tendon injuries can be very painful and lead to reduced mobility if left untreated. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in North York and Mississauga, ON .
