Many children and adults around the world play soccer. It is a relatively safe sport but is fast-paced and includes falls and collisions. Injuries from soccer range from mild to severe. Common foot and ankle injuries sustained during soccer include sprains and fractures. A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that stabilize the ankle. They typically occur when the ankle rolls too far to one side and the ligaments are stretched in the joint. This can happen from playing soccer on an uneven field and from changing directions suddenly. Foot and ankle fractures are breaks in the bone and can result from falls and collisions. Doing ankle strengthening and stretching exercises, and avoiding uneven playing surfaces or ones with holes or divots are among ways to prevent such injuries. Also, making sure cleats fit properly and are tied securely, stabilizing the ankle with an ankle brace, taping the ankle, and being alert will help. If you or your child play soccer and have become injured, see a chiropodist for diagnosis and treatment options.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, 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 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 offices located in North York and Mississauga, ON . 

Toenails protect the toes. They are made of keratin, which makes them tough and resilient for the daily wear and tear they endure. Various things, including friction from ill-fitting shoes, level of physical activity, some pre-existing health conditions, temperature, and moisture can affect toenails. Pain, itching, and discoloration are some of the signs of toenail problems. Toenail fungus or onychomycosis is a common toenail problem. It is more apt to affect older people, with half of all people over 70 developing a toenail fungal infection. It can also impact those who walk barefoot in public areas, like pool areas or locker rooms (with warm, dark, and damp conditions), and those who get sweaty feet, or have diabetes. As the infection makes its way deeper into the toenail, the nail becomes discolored and thickened. The nail may crumble and become jagged at the edge. The infection can spread to other toenails and surrounding skin. If it oozes a foul-smelling pus, the infection is worse. It is important to see a chiropodist if you feel you have toenail fungus, or have any other troubling issues with your toenails, to have the problem properly diagnosed and learn how it should be treated.

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 . 

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is caused by a dermatophyte, which is a type of fungus that thrives in moist environments like bathrooms, showers, and locker rooms. Simply coming in contact with a surface contaminated with this fungus can cause an infection. The result is an itchy, scaly rash that usually starts between the toes where it can sting or burn. Because athlete’s foot is extremely contagious, try to avoid touching it with your bare hands or you may inadvertently spread the infection to other parts of your body. Do not share towels or personal items with another person. Wear flip-flops while in locations that may be contaminated. In many cases, athlete’s foot will go away after applying certain lotions, sprays, or creams. However, reinfection is quite common if shoes, socks, and even bedding that may have been exposed are used again. A chiropodist can prescribe the most effective anti-fungal medication to clear up an athlete’s foot infection. But while it is still present,  wash your feet and wear clean socks every day, and protect your feet in public places. Most importantly, follow the directions given by your chiropodist for taking your medication.

Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating this condition, 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 Athlete’s Foot? 

Athlete’s foot refers to an infection of the skin on the feet that is caused by a fungus. This fungus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments. It is often spread in common areas such as public pools, locker rooms, and showers. It can also spread when sharing personal items, like shoes or towels, with an infected person. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of athlete’s foot may include: 

• Itching, stinging, or burning of the skin on the feet
• Cracking or peeling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles of the feet
• Scaly, red rash on the foot
• Blisters
• Foul odor

Treatment

Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves using over-the-counter topical antifungal medications on the feet. When over-the-counter options are ineffective, you may need to take prescription oral medications or topical antifungal drugs, or a combination of both. 

Prevention

Preventing athlete’s foot places an emphasis on good foot hygiene practices. 

You can prevent athlete’s foot by:

• Washing and drying your feet thoroughly every day
• Wearing shoes when walking in public areas
• Not sharing personal items, like shoes or socks, with others
• Wearing shoes and socks made out of breathable materials

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

Foot pain is common as our feet bear the weight of our bodies when we stand or walk. Pain can present itself in the toes, heels, arches, or soles of the feet and it can be mild to severe and temporary or chronic. Foot pain can be brought on by a medical condition or lifestyle choices. Lifestyle choices that can impact the feet include wearing ill-fitting or high-heeled shoes or there may have been an injury from activities or falls. Medical issues often associated with foot pain are arthritis, diabetes, and obesity. Such pain can come from corns, calluses, bunions, warts, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, athlete’s foot, fallen arches, and plantar fasciitis. Wearing well-fitting, supportive shoes, maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good foot hygiene, resting the feet, applying ice to the affected area, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and elevating the feet may relieve a lot of foot discomfort. However, if your foot pain continues or worsens or you are unable to place weight on the foot, consult with a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and treatment regimen.

Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have foot 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. 

When you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis. 

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:

• Stress fractures
• Sinus tarsi syndrome
• Extensor tendonitis
• Tibialis anterior tendonitis
• Gout
• Athlete’s foot
• Ganglion cysts

Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Foot cramps
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fibromatosis
• Posterior tibial tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Flat feet

Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:

• Ankle sprain
• Cuboid syndrome
• Peroneal tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Bunions
• Corns or calluses
• Posterior tibial tendonitis

Heel pain may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Bone spurs
• Heel fractures
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis
• Sever’s disease 

Pain in the toes may be caused by:

• Gout
• Hammertoe
• Turf toe
• Bunions
• Ingrown toenails
• Blisters
• Arthritis

These and many more conditions can be treated by a chiropodist. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in North York and Mississauga, ON .