Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, occur when the skin on the heels becomes dry, thickened, and splits open. These fissures can be caused by prolonged standing, wearing ill-fitting shoes, obesity, and skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Risk factors include aging, diabetes, and poor circulation. Your heels may appear as dry, yellow, or thickened skin with visible cracks that can cause pain or bleeding. A chiropodist can remove thickened skin, treat fissures, and recommend moisturizers and footwear to prevent recurrence. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of infection and discomfort. If you see beginning signs of having cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can provide effective relief and treatment remedies. 

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 Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist 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 office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet occur when the entire sole makes contact with the ground while standing, which means the foot has little or no arch. There are two main types of flatfoot. Flexible flatfoot shows an arch when the person is sitting or lying down, but the arch disappears when standing. Rigid flatfoot has no visible arch whether or not the foot is bearing weight. In children, flexible flatfoot is common and often seen as part of their normal development. In adults, flatfoot may develop over time due to strain or weakness in the tendon that helps support the arch. Flat feet can also be linked to obesity, pregnancy, aging, diabetes, nerve issues, or certain bone and ligament conditions. A chiropodist can help by evaluating your foot structure, offering orthotic support devices, and reducing pressure on the affected areas. If your feet hurt, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for help.

Flat feet are a common foot condition. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to flat feet, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Are Flat Feet? 

Flat feet are feet that do not have a well-defined arch in the middle of the sole of the foot. Flat feet may be flexible or rigid. Flexible flat feet have an arch when there is no pressure put on the foot, such as when one is sitting, but the arch disappears upon standing. Rigid flat feet lack an arch regardless of whether one is standing or not. 

Causes

Flat feet can be present from birth or acquired over time due to a weakening of the ligaments in the arch. Sometimes flat feet are caused by illnesses, injuries, or pregnancy. 

Symptoms

Flat feet often cause no noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience pain and discomfort due to their flat feet. 

Symptoms associated with flat feet include:

• Pain in the arch, heel, ankle, or along the outside of the foot
• Overpronation of the foot
• Shin splints
• Aching or fatigue in the feet or legs
• Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back

Treatment 

In cases where flat feet cause symptoms, there are various treatments available. Wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes to provide more arch support, performing stretches, and taking medications may improve your symptoms. If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve pressure on the feet. In severe cases, surgery may be considered. 

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

Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of the toenail presses into the surrounding skin, often causing redness, pain, and swelling. This commonly affects the big toe and may worsen if left untreated. One of the main causes of ingrown toenails is wearing shoes that squeeze the toes, which pushes the nail into the skin. Improper nail trimming, especially rounding off the corners or tearing at the edge, can increase the risk. A proper trim should leave a straight edge across the nail. If the area becomes increasingly painful, red, or begins to drain fluid, the problem may be progressing. A chiropodist can examine the affected toe, clean the area carefully, and offer non-surgical methods to ease pressure from the nail. Footwear advice and proper nail care guidance may also be given. If you have developed a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for help.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include: 

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail. 

Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers. 

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

Achilles tendon injuries are among the most common issues runners face, often linked to the repetitive stress placed on the tendon during training. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and plays a key role in pushing the body forward during running. When runners increase mileage too quickly, skip recovery, or wear shoes that lack adequate support, the tendon can become inflamed, leading to pain along the back of the heel or lower calf. This discomfort may feel worse when starting activity but sometimes eases as running continues, which can delay attention to the problem. Ignoring these warning signs may increase the risk of a more serious strain or even a complete tear. A chiropodist can examine the tendon, suggest orthotic devices to reduce tension, recommend stretching and strengthening routines, and advise on a gradual return to activity. If you are experiencing Achilles tendon pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

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 Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist 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 office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.