Items filtered by date: October 2023

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that primarily affects the feet and toes. This condition is particularly prevalent among sweaty feet confined in tight-fitting shoes. The fungi thrive in warm, and moist environments. As a result, athlete’s foot may be caused by walking barefoot in public locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools, and showers. Athlete's foot is caused by fungi, with dermatophytes being the main culprits. These fungi enter the feet and toes through small cracks in the skin. This infection is contagious, even when symptoms are not present. Common symptoms can include red, inflamed skin, often accompanied by itching. As it progresses, the skin may develop scaling, painful cracking, and fluid-filled blisters. If you suspect you have been infected by the athlete's foot fungus, it is advisable to make an appointment with a chiropodist who can provide appropriate treatment options. These may include antifungal medications, creams, or ointments. Treating the condition promptly can help relieve discomfort and prevent further complications.

Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating this condition, 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 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 office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Taking care of your feet daily is important for maintaining overall foot health and comfort. Start with proper hygiene, washing your feet daily with mild soap and warm water, and ensuring they are thoroughly dried, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections. Trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails, and moisturize your skin, except between the toes, to keep hydrated. Choose comfortable, well-fitting shoes with good arch support, and rotate your shoes to prevent odor and fungal growth. Incorporate simple foot exercises into your routine to enhance flexibility and strength. Regularly inspect your feet for cuts, blisters, or sores, especially if you have diabetes or reduced sensation in your feet. Always protect your feet, even indoors, to prevent injuries. Opt for breathable socks, change them daily, and consider orthotic inserts for added support. Finally, maintain a balanced diet for overall foot health. If you encounter persistent foot problems or want to know more about everyday foot care, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist who can provide treatment and additional tips.

Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, 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. 

There are many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including: 

• Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly

• Washing the feet daily with soap and water

• Drying the feet thoroughly

• Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet

• Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly 

• Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises 

A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. 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.

An ingrown toenail, scientifically known as onychocryptosis, is a common issue affecting people of all ages and can significantly disrupt daily life, including sports, work, and school. It occurs when a toenail starts to grow into the surrounding skin or nail base, leading to trauma, inflammation, and pain. Unfortunately, this can create an entry point for infections, intensifying the discomfort. Several factors can contribute to ingrown toenails, including the shape of the nail bed which can indicate flat, curved, wide, or narrow nails. Common causes also include improper nail trimming, and wearing tight-fitting footwear such as high heels, pointed shoes, and certain sports shoes. Additionally,  sweaty feet, poor hygiene, bunions, and fungal infections may cause an ingrown toenail to develop. Symptoms of ingrown toenails can include localized pain, and the affected area may be warm, swollen, and tender. In severe cases, there may be pus drainage. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist who can guide you toward the correct treatment.

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.

Heel spurs are bony protrusions on the underside of the heel bone, which can be excruciating and disrupt your daily activities. While they often develop due to plantar fasciitis, exercises can help alleviate the associated pain and discomfort. Stretching exercises can be particularly beneficial.  Calf stretches are done by placing your hands on a wall, one foot behind the other, and leaning forward. This stretches the calf muscles and can relieve tension on the heel. Another effective exercise is towel curls. Place a small towel on the floor and use your toes to scrunch it towards you to strengthen the muscles in your arch and reduce strain on the heel. Additionally, foot flexor stretches may be effective in providing moderate relief for heel spur discomfort, and are done by gently pulling your toes backward. These exercises can improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and reduce the strain on your heel. If you have developed a heel spur, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can provide you with additional heel spur stretches and exercises.

Heel spurs are bony outgrowths from calcium deposits. They occur at the back of the heel bone or underneath the heel bone and usually form in response to chronic irritation of the Achilles tendon or plantar fascia. They are often asymptomatic, but if you are suffering from heel 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. 

Symptoms of Heel Spurs

• Tenderness

• Heel pain

• Pain when walking

• No symptoms

Diagnosis

Since heel spurs are often asymptomatic, they are usually only diagnosed when they are found on the heels incidentally during an X-ray taken for another reason. Nevertheless, if you have heel pain, and particularly if you have plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, it may be worth it to see if you have heel spurs too. 

Treatment

Unless they are causing symptoms, heel spurs typically don’t require any treatment. When they are symptomatic, treatments are typically conservative. They may include resting and icing the affected foot, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing orthotics or supportive footwear, especially while exercising. 

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.

Blisters on the feet are fluid-filled sacs that form on the skin's surface due to friction, pressure, or irritation. These common nuisances typically occur in response to wearing ill-fitting shoes, prolonged friction from walking or running, or excessive moisture accumulation. When friction or pressure disrupts the layers of skin, the body's defense mechanism kicks in, leading to the formation of blisters. Footwear that is too tight, loose, or made of abrasive materials can easily cause blisters, especially during vigorous physical activities. Additionally, sweaty feet trapped in damp socks or shoes create a favorable environment for blister development. To prevent blisters, it is crucial to wear properly fitted, breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks. Keep feet clean and dry, and apply lubricants or padding to areas prone to friction. If blisters do form, resist the urge to pop them, as this can increase infection risk. Instead, protect the blistered area with a clean bandage and allow it to heal naturally. If you would like more information about effective prevention techniques for foot blisters, it is suggested that you speak to a chiropodist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

Blisters can usually be treated at home, however, if you have recurring blisters or experience significant discomfort or 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. 

What Is a Blister? 

A blister is a small pocket of fluid in the upper skin layers and is one of the body’s natural responses to injury or pressure. Blisters can also result from burns, fungal or viral skin infections, and the feet are particularly prone due to ill-fitting footwear and friction. Friction on the skin causes the upper layer of skin to separate from the lower layers. The space that this separation creates then becomes filled with a liquid called serum, which protects the lower layers of skin. 

Treatment 

If you notice a blister on your foot, you can cover it with a soft bandage or dressing to protect it. Popping the blister is discouraged. Doing so exposes the raw skin underneath it to bacteria and also raises the risk of infection. If a blister pops naturally, let it drain before covering it with a bandage. Blisters usually heal on their own or with home treatment, however, if your blister is recurring, very painful, or appears infected, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can help to prevent blisters by wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes. Keep your feet dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks and dust your feet with talcum powder if they tend to get sweaty. If you have areas on your feet that are more susceptible to blisters, you might be able to prevent the blister from forming by covering it with a pad. 

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.