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.

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone. They can sometimes cause pain, especially when linked with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue running from the heel to the toes, and when it becomes inflamed, it adds stress in the heel area. Exercises can play an important role in easing the discomfort caused by heel spurs in several ways. They help to improve flexibility, reduce strain on the fascia, and strengthen supporting muscles. Gentle calf stretches, foot flexes, and toe towel grabs help loosen tight tissues. Other exercises, like rolling a ball under the foot, can reduce tension along the arch. Strengthening and stretching routines performed regularly can improve mobility and reduce recurring discomfort. A chiropodist can evaluate the source of your heel pain, design an appropriate exercise plan, and recommend footwear or orthotic supports to reduce strain. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for appropriate treatment solutions.

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.

Hallux rigidus is a form of arthritis that affects the big toe joint, causing stiffness, pain, and limited movement. It often develops gradually as the joint wears down over time, sometimes following past injuries or due to genetic foot structure that increases stress on the toe. Patients often notice discomfort when walking, difficulty bending the toe, or swelling surrounding the joint. As the condition progresses, simple activities like climbing stairs or standing for long periods of time can become increasingly uncomfortable. Treatment may include wearing supportive footwear, orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or, in some cases, surgery to restore movement and relieve pain. Early care can help slow the progression and maintain mobility. If you are experiencing persistent stiffness or pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a chiropodist who can evaluate your condition and recommend the most effective treatment.

Toe pain is common and can have a variety of causes. Causes can range from a broken toe to an ingrown toenail. Many types of toe pain can be corrected, but any toe pain that inhibits your activities for an extended period should be discussed with a chiropodist. If you suffer from toe pain, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist can help you maintain the health of your feet.

Common Causes of Toe Pain 

• Trauma or fracture
• Cuts, sores, or bruises
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Turf Toe
• Morton’s neuroma
• Blisters
• Corns
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar warts
• Athlete’s Foot

Symptoms of Toe Pain

• Toe deformity
• Burning
• Numbness
• Toenail deformity
• Wart or ulcer
• Swelling
• Redness

When to See a Chiropodist

• Bleeding or severe swelling
• Trauma, such as a broken bone
• Discoloration or extreme swelling
• Inability to bear weight
• Persistent pain
• Wounds that won’t heal

Diagnosis of Toe Pain

A chiropodist can conduct a thorough examination of the painful toe or toes in order to determine the best course of treatment. The exam may include assessing the tenderness of the area, taking an X-ray or other diagnostic test, or assessing your gait and range of motion. A discussion of what led to the advanced pain issue may follow. Included will likely be a health history, as well as a list of medications you are taking and other previous injuries you may have sustained.

Treatment for Toe Pain

With such a wide range of possible causes for toe pain, treatment can be varied in scope and length. Sometimes, the chiropodist will recommend lifestyle and activity changes. In cases of trauma or other injuries, X-rays or imaging tests will likely be used to determine the severity of the problem, particularly if any bones have been broken. Treatment may also include injections of pain-relief medication or anti-inflammatory drugs. Certain injuries will require the splinting, bracing, or wrapping of injured toes. Orthotics or special shoes may be prescribed in cases of bone deformities and gait issues. Removal of warts, calluses, and corns may be needed. In other cases, such as with patients who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, ongoing treatment may be required to avoid more serious problems. 

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 ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that connect the bones in the ankle are stretched or torn, usually due to an injury that forces the foot out of its normal position. Ankle sprains can vary in severity. A grade 1 sprain involves mild stretching of the ligaments, causing minimal pain and swelling, allowing for normal walking. A grade 2 sprain is a partial tear of the ligament, resulting in more pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. The most severe, grade 3 sprains, involve a complete tear of the ligament, causing intense pain, significant swelling, and instability, making walking nearly impossible. Ankle sprains can also be classified by the direction of injury. Inversion sprains occur when the foot rolls inward, affecting the outer ankle ligaments. Eversion sprains happen when the foot twists outward, affecting the inner ligaments.  A chiropodist can help with diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can provide appropriate treatment solutions.

When one or more ligaments in the ankle overstretch or tear due to injury, an ankle sprain occurs. If you would like to learn more about ankle sprains, 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 an ankle sprain vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include: 

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Difficulty walking
• Ankle instability
• A reduced range of motion in the ankle 

Treatments for an ankle sprain may consist of: 

• Resting the injured ankle
• Applying ice
• Elevating the ankle
• Compressing the ankle
• Over-the-counter pain medications
• Ankle braces or other devices to take weight off of the ankle
• Ankle exercises
• Surgery (in rare cases) 

It’s important for the sprained ankle to heal correctly and fully in order to avoid repeated injury. 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.