Corns are dense, rounded patches of hard skin that form on the foot in response to repeated pressure or friction. Corns often appear on the top or side of the toes, or along weight-bearing areas of the foot. They develop when skin attempts to protect itself from continued rubbing, usually from wearing footwear that is too tight, narrow, or lacks cushioning. Walking long distances, going barefoot, or not wearing socks can also increase the risk of corns. Although small, corns can become extremely painful, especially when pressed, and may affect mobility or balance, if left unaddressed. A chiropodist can assess the cause and safely reduce thickened skin using specialized tools, provide padding to relieve pressure, and advise on shoe choices or orthotic inserts to prevent recurrence. If you are in pain from a foot corn, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for appropriate relief and prevention tips.

Corns are small bumps or dry, hardened skin that can arise on the feet, usually in response to friction. Corns can be asymptomatic, or they can be uncomfortable or painful. If you have corns that are bothering you, 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 three types of corns:

• Hard corns
  • Often occur on the tops of toes
  • Feature a hard core surrounded by dry, irritated skin
  • Can be painful
• Soft corns
  • Often occur in between the toes
  • Soft due to constant exposure to sweat
  • Can be painful
• Seed corns
  • Tiny
  • Often occur on the soles of the feet
  • Usually asymptomatic

Corns can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit properly. They are typically benign and don’t require medical treatment. However, if your corns are causing you pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to a chiropodist near you for treatment options. 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.

Turf toe is a sprain of the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint, which is the main joint at the base of the big toe. Turf toe occurs when the toe bends too far upward toward the top of the foot. This injury is common in athletes and dancers when they push off forcefully from the forefoot during running or jumping, especially on hard surfaces. Turf toe can develop suddenly, such as during a misstep, or gradually through repetitive stress. Symptoms often include pain at the base of the big toe, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and limited toe movement. Structures that may be involved include the plantar plate, sesamoid bones, tendons, and ligaments. If not addressed, turf toe can lead to long-term discomfort and reduced mobility. A chiropodist can assess the severity of the injury, recommend proper footwear or taping, and help with recovery strategies that do not involve surgery. If you are experiencing pain at the base of the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for help.

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot 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. 

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 office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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.