Many people have annoying or even painful problems with their feet that are not caused by an injury. There are four main categories of non-injury foot problems: skin, joints, pain, and numbness. All of these can get worse as the years go by, so it’s wise to be aware of them. Skin problems include plantar warts, calluses, corns, and cracked skin, as well as athlete’s foot and infections. Bunions are the most common joint problems, in addition to hammertoe, gout, bursitis, and arthritis. Pain problems include plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of heel pain. Achilles tendonitis is the second most common source of heel pain. Others are heel spurs, flat feet, and bursitis. Numbness is generally associated with nerve damage caused by diabetes or peripheral artery disease. These conditions are also characterized by burning and tingling sensations in the feet. Other causes of numbness can include sciatica, Morton’s neuroma, and tarsal tunnel syndrome. If you are experiencing foot, toe, or ankle pain, please consult a chiropodist for treatment options.  

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 . 

If your feet, ankles, or toes feel stiff or appear swollen, it is likely a sign that you have some type of arthritis, the most common cause of pain among seniors. The term arthritis simply means inflamed. Common forms of inflammation as you age include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The most common is osteoarthritis. This condition occurs when the cartilage that protects joint bones from rubbing against each other thins or wears out. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones begin to rub together, causing extreme pain from inflammation and possible irreparable damage to the bones. Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common form of arthritis. This disease is the result of a faulty immune system that attacks the synovial lining that covers the bones. It is often a lifelong condition, but adults in their 60s can develop it. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body that causes crystals to form in the joints. The main target for gout is the big toe, which becomes swollen, red, and extremely painful. For more information on these and other arthritic conditions, please consult a chiropodist.  

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 . 

Children who are beginning to walk may naturally try to improve their balance by having their arms outstretched and their feet far apart. Many children encounter minor foot problems and it is suggested a chiropodist be contacted if these issues do not correct themselves. In-toeing is also referred to as being pigeon-toed, and this is obvious to see as the child's feet turn inward. The majority of babies are born with flat feet and in most cases, the arch will fully develop during the teenage years. Knock knee is an ailment that is noticeable when the child stands with their knees touching and there is a gap between their ankles. Many parents choose to have their babies crawl and walk barefoot, and this helps strengthen the overall foot. When it is time for the first shoes to be purchased, it is helpful to choose shoes that have laces. This can provide adequate stability while holding the heel in place. If you have concerns about your child's foot development or have questions about what type of shoes to buy, please consult with a chiropodist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

If your child is experiencing foot or ankle 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. 

Common Causes of Foot Pain in Children

While children can experience many of the same foot problems as adults do, some foot problems may be more common during childhood. 

Causes of foot pain in children can include:

• Deformities that are present from birth, such as flat feet or clubfoot
• Sever’s disease, which is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone
• Various sports injuries, such as sprains and fractures
• Ingrown toenails
• Athlete’s foot
• Plantar warts

Prevention

It is important to look after the health of children’s feet in order to prevent future problems from arising. Keep your child’s feet clean and dry, trim their toenails regularly, ensure their shoes fit properly, and keep a watchful eye on any symptoms of foot pain, such as limping. If you notice any symptoms or if your child complains of foot pain, a chiropodist can help. 

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

Runners can make the most of their sport by choosing the right footwear. The first thing to look for, experts suggest, is a shoe specifically designed for running. Technically, you can run in any shoe, but shoes designed for running improve performance, are more comfortable, and help to prevent injuries. The next suggestion is to find a shoe that fits properly, regardless of the color. It is wise to leave a thumb’s width of space between the tip of the shoe and the toes. This keeps the toes from hitting the end of the shoe when running downhill. There also should be enough room in the toe box to wiggle the toes. The upper part of the running shoe should hug your foot so it doesn’t slide around and the heel stays in place. Still, the shoe shouldn't be too tight. Try narrow, regular, and wide options to see which one fits your foot the best. Lastly, try on running shoes at the end of the day, to make sure they will fit properly when your feet are apt to be more swollen. For more information on choosing proper footwear, please consult a chiropodist. 

Finding the right shoes for you can ensure your comfort and help maintain proper foot health. If you suffer from foot pain and need help finding the right shoes for you, 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. 

Tips to Find Great Shoes 

Finding shoes that are well-fitting, supportive, and comfortable can be key in maintaining your overall foot health, but can sometimes seem like a monumental task. 

Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when shopping for shoes. 

• Shop in a brick and mortar store - Your shoe size can change throughout your lifetime. You will be able to try on shoes before you buy them to ensure a proper fit. A salesperson can also provide recommendations on what shoes best serve your specific needs.
• Try shoes on at the end of the day - Your feet swell throughout the day. By trying shoes on in the evening when the feet are at their largest, you ensure a good fit and shoes that are comfortable all day.
• Have your feet measured - Find the right fit by having your feet measured at the shoe store. A salesperson can help by measuring both feet with a Brannock device to determine your true size.
• Opt for comfort and support - Some shoes, such as high heels and flip flops, may look great but can cause damage to the feet over time. Look for shoes that have a low heel, adequate arch support, a wide toe box, and are made of breathable materials. 

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