When your entire foot touches the floor as you stand, you probably have flat feet, also known as pes planus. The arches of the feet usually develop during childhood. However, after years of running and standing, the tendon that supports the arch of the foot can become weak, causing the arch to collapse. There is not much you can do to prevent flat feet, but there are some ways to make them less of a problem. Because having flat feet can change the way you stand and walk, other parts of your foot, as well as ankles, knees and hips, may be affected. Keeping to a healthy body weight can lessen some of these side effects. Wearing proper shoes that support the arch, as well as cushion the heel is important. They also should have soles that prevent the foot from rolling inward when you take a step. Custom orthotics or arch supports can help to correct your posture and gait. If you need more information on ways to deal with flat feet, please make an appointment with a chiropodist for a full exam and evaluation of options.

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 Toronto, ON . 

If you have insufficient levels of magnesium or potassium in your body, wear shoes that are too tight, are overweight, or have high blood pressure, you may be at risk of developing nocturnal foot cramps. There are many other causes—both medical conditions and lifestyle factors—that may be responsible for these annoying cramps which can rob you of the restorative sleep you need to stay healthy and active. Nocturnal foot cramps are actually muscle or muscle fiber contractions, and are not to be confused with restless leg syndrome (RLS) which causes bothersome sensations and involuntary urges to move your legs. Nocturnal foot cramps can sometimes respond to stretching, massaging, exercising, orthotics, and changes in footwear. If you are waking up throughout the night with cramps in your feet, make an appointment with a chiropodist who can assess your situation and come up with a plan to help you get a good night’s sleep.

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

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 office located in Toronto, ON . 

Many people can experience a broken toe from stubbing it against a piece of furniture to dropping something heavy on it. Generally, there is immediate bruising and swelling, and walking may be difficult. It is important to have diagnostic testing performed, such as having an X-ray taken. If the fracture is mild, the buddy taping method can be an effective form of healing. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. This is helpful in providing the stability that is needed as it heals. In severe breaks, an infection may develop, and a form of arthritis may develop if the fracture is close to the joints in the toes. Occasionally, if other methods are ineffective, surgery is needed for complete and permanent healing. This type of surgery may require pins, plates, or screws that can align the toe for proper positioning. If you have broken your toe, please speak with a chiropodist who can offer correct healing techniques.

A broken toe typically occurs following either a sudden, traumatic injury, like dropping a heavy piece of furniture on the toe. The impact causes the bone to fracture and produces a variety of painful symptoms. If you suspect that you’ve broken your toe, 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

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Cracking sound at the time of injury
• Difficulty bearing weight on the toe
• Difficulty walking
• Toe resting at an unnatural angle

Diagnosis

Your chiropodist can diagnose a broken toe through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays. 

Treatment

The main goals of treatment are to ensure that the bone heals properly, as a toe fracture that doesn’t heal properly can lead to osteoarthritis. You will typically need to rest the affected toe. You may be prescribed a splint to immobilize the toe while it heals. Icing the affected toe and taking over-the-counter medications can help reduce pain. In cases of severe fractures, surgery may be necessary to reset the broken bones and make sure that they heal correctly.  

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

It can help people who are elderly to properly take care of their feet in order to maintain mobility and be free of pain. There are specific methods that can help keep feet comfortable as the aging process occurs. These can include washing and drying the feet daily, rotating the shoes, and not walking barefoot while outdoors. Many elderly people enjoy performing foot exercises, and this often helps to keep the feet strong and flexible. Additionally, it is important to trim the toenails properly, and this is often done after a shower or bath is taken, so the toenails are softer. Applying a good moisturizer that helps to prevent cracked heels from developing is also key. If you have concerns about an elderly person whose feet must be cared for, please confer with a chiropodist who can answer any questions you may have.

Foot problems can become increasingly common as we age, making everyday foot care especially important. To learn more about maintaining proper foot health, 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 Foot Problems

Certain foot problems may be more likely to affect older adults. 

Some examples of foot conditions that can be common in older adults include: 

• Dry, cracked skin
• Calluses and corns
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Deformities such as bunions or hammertoes
• Fungal infections
• Plantar warts

Systemic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, are also more likely to affect older people and manifest symptoms in the feet and ankles. 

Daily Foot Care Tips

Having a daily foot care routine can help detect problems early on and prevent future issues. 

Things that you can do at home to care for your feet include: 

• Washing the feet daily with warm water, drying them thoroughly, and then applying a moisturizer
• Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails
• Performing daily foot exercises to improve foot strength and mobility
• Wearing shoes when walking to avoid injury
• Inspecting the feet daily for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities and seeking prompt treatment if any problems are discovered 

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

Plantar warts form on the bottom of the feet from a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV). These warts are most often found on the feet of children and teens, as well as those with lowered immune systems.  They are also common among dancers, gymnasts, and swimmers because they are more apt to go barefoot in communal areas. These warts often feel hard and rough to the touch. They can be raised or flat and sometimes a black dot is visible in the center. These warts can appear alone or in groupings of warts and may cause pain when walking. Plantar warts are contagious when caused by the HPV virus and can spread, especially in warm, wet environments. Because they can be confused with corns or calluses on the feet, it is suggested that a chiropodist be consulted for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar warts can be uncomfortable or even painful. If you’re suffering from warts on your feet, 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 Does a Plantar Wart Look Like? 

Plantar warts are fleshy growths that generally have a rough, grainy texture. They may look and feel like a callus and are usually small and can grow individually or in clusters. Plantar warts may have small, black dots at their center that are actually tiny blood vessels. Warts interrupt the natural lines of your skin. 

Treatment Options

• Salicylic acid - A chemical solution applied directly to the wart
• Cryotherapy - Freezing the wart off with liquid nitrogen
• Minor surgery - Removing the wart through excision
• Laser treatment - A concentrated beam of light is used to remove the wart
• Wearing comfortable shoes and socks to avoid irritating the wart
• Over-the-counter medications for pain relief
• Patches to keep pressure off the warts

Plantar warts can go away on their own, but this may take several months to years. If your plantar warts are bothering you, seeking medical treatment is suggested. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON .