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.

Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of the toenail presses into the surrounding skin, often causing redness, pain, and swelling. This commonly affects the big toe and may worsen if left untreated. One of the main causes of ingrown toenails is wearing shoes that squeeze the toes, which pushes the nail into the skin. Improper nail trimming, especially rounding off the corners or tearing at the edge, can increase the risk. A proper trim should leave a straight edge across the nail. If the area becomes increasingly painful, red, or begins to drain fluid, the problem may be progressing. A chiropodist can examine the affected toe, clean the area carefully, and offer non-surgical methods to ease pressure from the nail. Footwear advice and proper nail care guidance may also be given. If you have developed a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for help.

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.