Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a medical condition that causes poor circulation in the lower limbs. This is due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries which leads them to narrow and harden, thereby reducing blood flow. Many people with PAD do not have any symptoms, especially in the initial stages of the disease. Over time, symptoms such as muscle cramps, weakness, and fatigue in the legs may develop. These symptoms may intensify particularly while walking or exercising. PAD is diagnosed through a physical examination, medical history, and non-invasive vascular testing. Treatment for this condition focuses on relieving symptoms and reducing the risk for further complications, such as a heart attack or stroke. To learn more about PAD, please consult with a chiropodist near you. 

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that causes poor circulation in the lower limbs. If you have PAD, 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. 

What is peripheral artery disease? 

Peripheral artery disease is characterized by reduced blood flow to the lower limbs. This occurs due to a buildup of a fatty substance called plaque in the arteries. The plaque causes the arteries to become narrow and harden, which makes it difficult for blood to get to the lower limbs. Without adequate blood flow, the tissues of the legs, ankles, and feet do not get enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly, which can lead to various symptoms as the condition progresses. Having poor circulation also increases your risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. 

Symptoms

In its initial stages, PAD is often asymptomatic. If symptoms do arise, they often include: 

• Muscle cramps
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Pain that gets worse with physical activity
• Balance problems
• Difficulty walking

Diagnosis

PAD can be diagnosed through a thorough physical examination, medical history, and vascular testing. There are many simple, non-invasive tests that your chiropodist can use to determine your risk of having PAD. These include the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test and Doppler ultrasounds. 

Treatment

Treatments for PAD focus on lifestyle changes and medication management to lessen symptoms and prevent heart attacks and strokes. Your chiropodist may suggest various foot and ankle exercises to increase the strength and flexibility of your feet and ankles, boost circulation, and improve mobility. They may also suggest routine visits to monitor and maintain the health of your feet since poor circulation can lead to a variety of foot and ankle complications. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space on the inside of the ankle that contains arteries, veins, tendons, and nerves. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when one of these nerves, the posterior tibial nerve, is squeezed or compressed. This can occur due to an abnormal structure in the area such as a cyst or bone spur, an injury that causes inflammation such as an ankle sprain, or diseases like arthritis and diabetes. Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome are an electric shock-like tingling or burning sensation on the inside of the ankle or bottom of the foot, as well as numbness and shooting pain. Treatments for this condition include resting and icing the affected foot, taking oral medications to reduce pain and inflammation, bracing or immobilizing the foot, and wearing specialized shoes or orthotics devices. Left untreated, tarsal tunnel syndrome may cause permanent nerve damage. If you have symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause pain and progress over time. If you are experiencing any symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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 Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the posterior tibial nerve, which is located within a structure called the tarsal tunnel on the inside of the ankle, is squeezed. Compression of the posterior tibial nerve can be caused by injuries, such as ankle sprains, systemic diseases like diabetes or arthritis, strain on the tarsal tunnel due to flat feet, or an enlarged structure like a cyst squeezing the nerve. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear suddenly and are generally worsened by physical activity. 

Common symptoms include: 

• Tingling, burning, or electrical shock sensation on the inside of the ankle or bottom of the foot
• Numbness
• Shooting pain 

Diagnosis

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed through physical examination. If initial treatment is ineffective, imaging or nerve studies may also be necessary. 

Treatment

Nonsurgical treatments for tarsal tunnel syndrome include resting and icing the foot, bracing or immobilizing the foot, wearing an orthotic device, modifying your footwear, and taking medications to relieve pain. Surgery may be needed if nonsurgical treatments are ineffective.  

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

Arthritis is a medical condition that causes the breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. This can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected joints. Osteoarthritis, which is associated with aging, is the most common type of arthritis and often affects the joints of the feet and ankles. Because of the pain and discomfort caused by osteoarthritis and the effect that it can have on mobility, it is important to seek treatment. Common treatments for arthritis include oral medications to reduce pain and inflammation, wearing orthotics in the shoes to cushion the feet and minimize pain, bracing or immobilizing affected joints, steroid injections directly into the affected joints to reduce inflammation, and physical therapy. If you believe you may have osteoarthritis in the feet, a chiropodist can help you manage this condition. 

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 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 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 office located in Toronto, ON . 

Some foot conditions are not only experienced by adults but also by children. Foot conditions that are common in children include ingrown toenails, plantar warts, flat feet, and heel pain. Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This can cause pain and become infected when left untreated. Plantar warts are warts that grow on the bottom of the feet due to a viral infection. They typically appear as a circular area of thickened skin with black dots in the center and can be painful when pressure is applied to them. Flat feet are feet that have minimal or no arches in the middle of the sole of the foot. Flat feet typically don’t cause symptoms but may require treatment if your child complains of foot or leg pain or difficulty walking. Heel pain in children can have a variety of underlying causes, including plantar fasciitis and Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease typically occurs in the growth plate of the heel and affects children who are active and 8 to 14 years of age. If your child complains of any type of foot pain, it is recommended that you take them to a chiropodist for proper treatment. 

If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, 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. 

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 office located in Toronto, ON .