Items filtered by date: May 2025

Degenerative arthritis, also called osteoarthritis, is a condition where the cartilage in the joints gradually wears down, over time. In the feet and ankles, this can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty walking. As the protective cartilage becomes thinner, bones may rub against each other, causing discomfort and reduced movement. This condition often develops with age but may also result from past injuries or repeated stress on the joints. Symptoms may come and go or slowly worsen over the years. Supportive shoes, orthotics, targeted exercises, and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and improve function. In advanced cases, joint injections may be recommended. Staying active with low-impact exercises can also help maintain joint flexibility. If you are finding it harder to walk or move comfortably due to joint pain, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for a thorough evaluation and care options.

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

Gout is an especially painful type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid in the blood, which leads to the formation of crystals in the joints. These crystals often settle in the feet, particularly the big toe, but may also affect the ankles and midfoot. Gout commonly develops in two forms. Acute gout involves sudden, intense pain and swelling that typically affects one joint at a time, and may resolve within days. Chronic gout develops over time if gout is not properly managed. This can lead to repeated flare-ups, joint damage, and deposits called tophi beneath the skin. Tophi are firm lumps made of uric acid crystals that can appear around the toes, heels, or ankles, and may eventually affect joint movement. Contributing factors include genetics, obesity, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and a diet rich in red meat, seafood, or alcohol. A chiropodist can help assess foot and joint symptoms, confirm the presence of gout, and offer guidance on how to reduce uric acid buildup. If you are suffering from gout symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for appropriate treatment and helpful advice.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. 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 Gout?

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. This type of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid crystallizes in a joint, often the joint of the big toe, it can bring about a gout attack. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of gout include: 

• Sudden and severe pain

• Swelling

• Redness

• Warmth 

• Joint stiffness

• Joint deformity

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will ask questions about your personal and family medical history, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout. A sample of fluid taken from your joint can show whether it contains uric acid. 

Treatment

Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Patients with chronic gout can also use behavioral modifications such as diet, exercise, and decreased intake of alcohol to help minimize the frequency of gout attacks. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided since purines are converted in the body to uric acid. If left untreated, this painful condition can leave your joint permanently damaged and swollen.  

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.

Sever’s disease affects the growth plate in the heel, most often during periods of rapid growth in active children. It typically appears in boys aged 10 to 12 and girls aged eight to 10, especially those involved in sports that include running or jumping. Sever’s disease occurs when tight tendons in the lower leg pull on the heel bone, causing irritation and pain at the back of the foot. Children with this ailment may walk with a limp, complain of pain during or after activity, or tiptoe to avoid heel pressure. Such pain usually increases with physical activity and may be present in one or both heels. A chiropodist can examine the affected heel and identify tenderness around the growth plate. They may recommend treatments to reduce stress on the heel, such as orthotics or footwear adjustments, and help manage the condition while the foot continues to grow. If your child complains of heel pain after activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for advice.

Sever’s disease typically affects young children and teenagers. If your child complains of 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. 

What Is Sever’s Disease? 

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It is typically caused by overuse due to repetitive activities such as running, jumping, and playing certain sports. This condition most frequently affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of Sever’s disease include: 

• Pain in the back or bottom of the heel

• Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed

• Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the heel

• Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in usual activities

• Fatigue 

Diagnosis

Sever’s disease is diagnosed by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, can help rule out other injuries like a fracture. 

Treatment

Sever’s disease typically heals without any long-term complications. Treatment involves resting the affected foot by reducing typical activities, wearing orthotics to support the foot, immobilizing the affected foot, taking medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and stretching the foot. 

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.

Running is a high-impact activity that often leads to injuries involving the feet and ankles. Repetitive stress is a leading cause of foot injuries, contributing to conditions like plantar fasciitis, which causes heel pain due to inflammation in the tissue along the bottom of the foot. Achilles tendinitis is also common, often caused by increased training intensity, and felt as soreness above the heel. Stress fractures, especially in the toes and heel, develop from overuse and can cause persistent pain that worsens with activity. Shin splints and ankle sprains may result from sudden changes in running volume or uneven surfaces. Even issues like ingrown toenails and bursitis may arise from friction and repeated pressure when running. A chiropodist can assess your running-related injury, provide custom orthotics or footwear advice, and guide you in preventing recurrence. If you have sustained an injury from running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for guidance.

Although running is a wonderful exercise to keep you in shape, it can wreak havoc on your feet and ankles if you don’t take preventive measures. If you have sustained a foot and ankle injury from running, 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. 

Some common running injuries include:

• Achilles tendonitis

• Shin splints

• Ankle sprains

• Stress fractures

• Plantar fasciitis

• Bursitis 

What causes injuries? 

These injuries are usually caused by overtraining, wearing the wrong shoes, running on hard surfaces, having tight and inflexible muscles, or having biomechanical issues in the feet or ankles. 

What can I do to prevent injuries? 

• Train slowly and gradually

• Give yourself plenty of time to recover following a run

• Wear shoes that fit properly and support your foot

• Avoid running on hard surfaces, like concrete

• Stretch and strengthen the muscles of your lower legs

• Warm-up prior to a run

• Have your gait analyzed and your feet examined by a chiropodist to determine if there are any biomechanical problems that need to be treated 

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.