The Benefits of Medical Pedicures

May 1, 2023

Medical pedicures can significantly enhance and supplement your overall foot care routine. Think of a medical pedicure as a way to relax while having your feet inspected and relieved of pain. By working with a licensed chiropodist or foot care professional, you can ensure your feet receive the care they need to stay healthy and pain-free.

Medical pedicures perform double duty in that they’re a blend of foot care and nail care, combined with the foot care benefits provided by chiropodists.

This article covers how a medical pedicure can benefit you and your feet.

1. Improved foot health

First and foremost, a medical pedicure can serve as both a treatment and a preventative method for common foot problems. During a medical pedicure, any number of the following can be prevented or treated:

We recommend routine medical pedicures for patients prone to foot issues or those with diabetes.

2. Reduced risk of infections

A medical pedicure can also help prevent you from developing infections in several ways. First, medical pedicures use sterile instruments and follow strict hygiene to reduce the risk of infections. Suppose you have any conditions or auto-immune diseases that increase your health risks. A medical pedicure performed by a chiropodist would be safe for you.

The second is that leaving certain foot care routines to a foot specialist – like toenail clipping, corn removal, blister care, or callus debridement – takes the unknown out of the equation. Sometimes, leaving treatment to a professional outweighs the risk of doing it yourself at home (and risking mishaps).

3. Pain relief

A medical pedicure can relieve pain for people with foot problems, such as corns, calluses or ingrown toenails. A foot care professional can safely treat these conditions, reducing pain and discomfort. Corns and calluses can have some side effects, including altering your gait and could lead to other foot conditions if you’re not careful, so it’s a good idea not to let these conditions linger.

4. An up-close look at your feet

A chiropodist takes a complete medical history for any underlying conditions or concerns you have. Additionally, they thoroughly examine your feet to diagnose unknown issues or conditions that may worsen. A complete picture of the health of your feet is reassuring for your feet’s future, and you’ll be provided with foot care advice and a treatment plan to keep your feet healthy going forward.

5. Relax and moisturize your feet

Beyond preventative and treatable measures, a medical pedicure can be a relaxing experience. In addition to tending to your skin and toenails, chiropodists apply an intense moisturization treatment with high-quality medical strength moisturizing products leaving your feet soft and smooth, stronger, and more elastic. Moisturizing isn’t just about soft feet; it strengthens your skin’s protective barrier and makes your feet less susceptible to future issues.

Book a medical pedicure at Feet First Clinic

Many private health insurance companies cover medical pedicures. Check your insurance package for more details.

To start your path to healthy feet, book your medical pedicure today with our online booking form or call us at 416-769-FEET(3338) – no referral required!

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July 31, 2020

Cosmetic vs Medical Pedicure

Many People May Confuse a Foot Clinic With a Nail Salon or Spa The truth of the matter is, the two are very different. One focuses on the assessment and treatment of your foot issues, and the other on aesthetics and beauty. Here we will describe the similarities and differences (but mostly differences) of one particular service a foot clinic and a nail salon may offer pedicures. This quick and easy read will help you decide which service, a cosmetic pedicure or a medical pedicure, is best suited for you and your foot needs. If cosmetic pedicures and medical pedicures have one thing in common, it is that they both tend to the toenails and skin of an individual’s foot. The purpose and details of these treatments are where the differences lie. A cosmetic pedicure is described as a beauty and therapeutic treatment for the toenails and feet. It involves removing dead skin, softening the skin, trimming and shaping the toenails, cutting back cuticles, and the optional application of polish. It is focused on providing space and time for pampering and relaxation. Medical pedicures, on the other hand, involve the assessment and treatment of toenail and skin pathologies of the foot. They are performed by a medical health professional, specifically a chiropodist or a podiatrist, who specializes in the assessment, management, and prevention of dysfunctions, disorders, and diseases of the foot. At an appointment for a medical pedicure, a chiropodist will start by taking a full medical history, including current and past health conditions or morbidities, a list of active medications, and the main concern that prompted the visit. He or she will then proceed to check for the following: Proper and adequate circulation/blood flow Proper and adequate nerve function Signs and symptoms of infection (ie bacterial, fungal, or viral) Signs and symptoms of skin pathologies (ie callus, corns, psoriasis, eczema/dermatitis) Signs and symptoms of nail abnormalities (ie thickened toenails, ingrown toenails, discoloured toenails) Treatment Treatment involves proper trimming and filing of the toenails as well as addressing any significant medical findings and complaints of pain. This may include the use of prescription or over the counter medications, physical reduction of nails and thickened skin, and education on how to prevent complications or reoccurrence. For instance, chiropodists treat fungal toenail infections using mechanical reduction of the nail and topical prescription medications. They also safely remove thickened calluses and painful corns down to normal skin using the precision of a surgical blade. Healthy, properly trimmed nails and smooth supple skin on your feet reduce risks of infection and can ultimately, significantly improve the quality of your life. All treatments from a chiropodist are performed using medical grade products and a fresh set of sterilized instruments for each client. The sterilization process used by chiropodists will remove and kill all forms of life that should not be transferred between individuals, in particular micro-organisms such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and spores. Finally, A medical pedicure is typically pain-free and can be relaxing as well. In fact, many clients will leave an appointment feeling much more comfortable than when they arrived. You can say, a medical pedicure is a way to pamper yourself in a health-conscious way. In the end, choosing what kind of pedicure is right for you will depend on what you are aiming to accomplish. If you are looking to groom your feet and leave with a freshly painted set of toenails, a cosmetic pedicure may be the right choice for you. If you are looking to address any nail or skin abnormalities and/or other foot concerns, no matter how mild or severe, a medical pedicure is the right choice for you. If you have health conditions that put you at risk such as diabetes, it is highly recommended to seek nail care from a medical health professional. Routine medical pedicures will ensure your feet are on the right path to proper foot health by managing existing problems as well as detecting issues early on and treating them in their early stages. Looking for a Foot Clinic in Downtown Toronto? We Can Help!  Book an appointment with one of our licensed chiropodists for a medical pedicure today. Whether you’re on the mild or severe side of the spectrum, or you are just looking to have a general assessment of your nails and skin, you can rest easy knowing we’re able and happy to solve all your foot care needs. Call us at 416-769-3338 or Click to Book Your Assessment Today!

November 9, 2023

The Benefits of a Foot Bath: Relaxation and Beyond

What’s in a foot bath, really? A combination of comfortably warm water and medicinal ingredients (think herbal oils, camphor, urea, and more) from companies like Gehwol may be the perfect marriage. And not only is enjoying a foot bath one of the most relaxing experiences for your tired feet, but it can also take your foot health to new levels. Let’s explore everything there is to know about foot bath benefits. Photo credit: iStock Benefits of a Foot Bath Drawing up a foot bath is one of the best relaxation techniques around, but foot baths go beyond calming oneself; they can also address your foot health by fighting pre-existing conditions and preventing their development. Here are some of the top benefits: Improved circulation and pain management Exfoliation and skin health Swelling and inflammation reduction Photo credit: iStock Improved Circulation and Pain Management Bath salts and the thermal effects of hot water can boost circulation in your feet, ankles and lower legs. Furthermore, warm water is a vasodilator, meaning it expands the blood vessels, improving circulation and helping your muscles relax - all of which can reduce pain. Some conditions a foot bath can help include plantar fasciitis and osteoarthritis. Exfoliation and Skin Health Not only are foot baths an excellent hygienic practice, but the right foot bath products and bath salts can penetrate the skin, leaving it softer and more hydrated than ever before. Foot baths can also eliminate dead skin cells, remove dirt and bacteria, and reduce foot odour with ingredients like lavender oil. Camphor is also present in a lot of foot soak products, which naturally treats skin irritation. Swelling and Inflammation Reduction As we mentioned before, the blood vessels dilate when the feet are immersed in warm water. This allows more oxygen and nutrients to flow through the circulatory system, which reduces inflammation. Some foot soaks can also encourage lymphatic drainage, which helps the body eliminate excess fluids. Photo credit: iStock

November 6, 2023

Numb Toes: Common Causes and When to Seek Help

Have you ever experienced that uncomfortable sensation of numbness in your toes? It's a temporary disconnect between your brain and lower extremities and may leave you wondering, "What's going on?" Numb toes range from a minor problem to a potentially severe issue, and understanding the reasons behind this unique sensation is the first step toward finding relief. So, if you've ever wondered why your toes sometimes go on strike, keep reading to learn more about the leading causes of numb toes and when to seek medical attention. Numb toes: The most common causes There are several causes of numb toes. Below, you'll find some of the top contributors and their signs. Poor Circulation Reduced blood flow to the toes can lead to numbness. This can occur due to sitting or standing in one position for too long, wearing tight shoes, or sitting with your legs crossed. In these cases, the numbness is usually temporary and goes away once you change your position or remove any constricting clothing or footwear. Peripheral Neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy involves damage to the peripheral nerves, often due to diabetes, alcohol abuse, vitamin deficiencies, or other underlying medical conditions. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and pain in the toes and feet. Nerve Compression Conditions like sciatica or a herniated disc in the lower back can compress the nerves that supply sensation to the legs and feet, causing numbness and tingling in the toes. Frostbite or Frostnip Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing the skin and underlying tissues. Your skin becomes cold and red, then numb, followed by hardening and paleness. Depending on the severity, you may experience frostnip (the early onset of frostbite or superficial frost bite) or deep frostbite, which involves more severe stages of nerve damage. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Like carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, tarsal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the tibial nerve in the ankle, leading to numbness and tingling in the toes. The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space inside the ankle next to the ankle bones, through which the tibial nerve runs. A thick ligament covers the tunnel and helps contain its inner workings – veins, arteries, tendons, and nerves. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is the most common kind of nerve compression in the ankle. Underlying causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome include direct trauma to the tarsal tunnel, flat feet, fallen arches, growths in the tarsal tunnel, and varicose veins. Morton's Neuroma Another type of nerve compression, Morton’s neuroma, may lead to numbness in your toes. The most common site is at the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes. As this nerve is thicker than its surroundings, it’s at a greater risk of being blocked, which can cause numbness in the toes. You may feel a numbing sensation or like you have a pebble in your shoe. Raynaud's Disease Raynaud's causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to constrict excessively in response to cold temperatures or stress. This can lead to numbness and discoloration of the affected digits. Injuries Trauma to the foot or toes, such as fractures or compression injuries, can cause temporary numbness. For instance, ankle or Achilles heel injuries can directly or indirectly impact the tarsal tunnel region. Infections or Abcesses Toe or foot infections can lead to numbness, mainly if they spread to the nerves. Circulatory Disorders Conditions like atherosclerosis or blood clot formation can reduce blood flow to the toes, causing numbness. Tight Footwear Shoes that are too narrow in width or too small in length can compress your toes and reduce blood circulation. Ensure you are correctly fitted with the right pair of footwear to allow enough space for your toes to move. You can even do a shoe sizing and fitting session here at Feet First Clinic, choosing from leading footwear. When should you seek medical help for numb toes? We recommend that you seek help for numb toes if any of the following apply: The numbness in your toes is persistent, recurring, or unexplained. You have diabetes - Numbness in the feet can be a sign of diabetic neuropathy, which requires proper management. You experience numbness, weakness, coordination loss, or other neurological symptoms. There is a sudden onset of numbness, especially after an injury or in combination with other concerning symptoms. It's crucial to remember that numbness in the toes can be a symptom of various underlying conditions. An accurate diagnosis from a healthcare provider can be helpful when treating and ruling out any serious underlying issues.

October 23, 2023

Can Menopause Lead to Foot Problems?

Menopause and foot health have an indirect relationship. In other words, the symptoms and body changes you experience during this time can eventually cause foot conditions. On the bright side, foot problems during menopause are usually not serious and within one’s control. This is a relief for women who have enough to deal with during this challenging time! Today we’ll investigate what happens to your feet during menopause and what prevention strategies and foot care routines you can master to keep your feet feeling happy and healthy. Photo by iStock Hard and Dry Skin Studies show that estrogen aids in the prevention of skin aging by retaining moisture. So when menopause hits and estrogen levels drop, the padding on the heel of the feet can become hard and dry over time. This may lead to cracked heels, which may become progressively more painful if you don’t treat them. What You Can Do Practice a healthy self-care / foot care routine with an emphasis on moisturizing at least twice per day. Try Gehwol medicinal products with added urea. Burning Feet While hot flashes and night sweats are not always fully understood by medical experts, for those going through menopause they are very real. Somewhat related are the burning sensations also felt in the feet, which may be caused by poor circulation and dropping estrogen levels. What You Can Do Submerge your feet into a nice, warm (not too hot!) foot bath to help with circulation. Make the most of it by adding a Gehwol bath salt product to the water. You can also work on improving your circulation by practicing easy, low-impact foot exercises. Photo by Macrovector From freePik Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis and heel pain in menopausal women starts with collagen reduction, according to Foundation Podiatry. This causes less elasticity in the plantar fascia and the resultant pain. Furthermore, menopausal weight gain can cause you to place excessive pressure on the feet and change your walking patterns, causing even more discomfort. What You Can Do Orthopedic shoes and custom orthotics can help correct your walking patterns and ease the symptoms of menopausal foot pain. Photo By iStock Corns, Blisters and Calluses Abnormal gait patterns, placing pressure on vulnerable parts of the feet due to weight gain, and less healthy skin can all lead to more painful little nuisances for your feet. Years of wearing ill-fitting shoes are also not doing you any favours when it comes to skin issues for your feet. What You Can Do A chiropodist can remove and smooth corns and calluses, and treat painful blisters. You can also try products like corn and blister pads. Most importantly, you should ensure you always wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes (a shoe fitting can set you up with the right pair). Photo by FreePik

October 22, 2023

Fall Footwear Flair: Ensuring Healthy Feet in Autumn Fashion

Seasonal foot health is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for fall footwear. It’s not just about replacing your sandals with boots — it’s about ensuring your feet are protected with high quality materials, and investing in brands that use effective technologies to prevent painful foot conditions. Ara Debbie. Source: Ara Autumn Shoe Trends: Healthy Footwear Meets Style So, what exactly do you need for fall? Take a look below for what you should be on the hunt for when revamping your fall shoe collection. Warm and Waterproof Materials Many high-quality manufacturers are using Gore-TEX membrane in their shoes to protect your feet from unwanted moisture, which can be a real issue in the fall. The material works by grouping together billions of miniscule pores that make it impossible for water to get through. Shoes made with Gore-TEX are also good for blocking the cold air from the wind while maintaining breathability. You can hold off on highly insulated boots and features like shearling lining til the winter rolls around, but it’s still important to keep your toes cozy in the fall. Look for boots and shoes with good seam sealing and leather or suede waterproof uppers. High-quality rubber outsoles can also help trap warmth. Image Credit: iStock Comfort Your shoes should always allow for a pleasant walking experience. With proper fall footwear, your feet won’t feel painful at the end of a long day. Look for comfortable boots and runners with a good amount of shock absorption and cushioning to protect your joints, muscles and bones from the ground’s impact. You can also find shoes with removable footbeds so you can easily wear them with your own custom orthotics or inserts. Traction A solid grip on slippery, wet pavement is crucial all year long. However, this is extra important in the fall when it gets colder and black ice starts to form. Search for shoes with molded rubber outsoles and high traction rubber to avoid a painful foot injury. As a bonus, high traction can also enhance your running performance. Saucony Excursion with traction-ready grip. Source: Saucony Not Sure What to Buy? Try These Stylish Examples Need some fall footwear inspiration for comfortable boots and shoes? We’ve got you covered! Light, stylish fall boots and booties are a must for many women. Try the Sorel Lennox Chelsea WP and Ara Debbie for combined comfort and style. For hiking adventures and excursions, the Mephisto Nigata-TEX for women and Canyon TEX for men are highly protective choices and keep you on your feet for long hours and help you navigate unpredictable terrain and weather. The ASICS Gel-Sonoma is also designed for outdoor exploration, and the Saucony Excursion is great for trail running in colder temperatures. Mephisto Nigata Tex Red. Source: Mephisto Canada

October 21, 2023

Runner’s Knee: What Is It?

Runner's knee is a condition that causes pain around the front of the knee, particularly near the kneecap. Don't let the name fool you: runner's knee doesn't just affect runners. Individuals who engage in repetitive knee-bending activities, such as cycling, jumping, or squatting, can experience this form of knee pain. The condition is characterized by discomfort or pain often felt during and after physical activities. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or lacing up your running shoes for the first time, understanding the ins and outs of this common ailment is helpful for preventing and managing its onset. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into runner's knee – its causes, symptoms, prevention strategies, and rehabilitation techniques – to ensure that you stay pain-free and on your feet. Runner's knee: What is it? Runner's knee, formally known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), is a condition characterized by pain around the front of the knee. Any activity that repeatedly stresses the knee cap or the areas around the knee cap can aggravate the condition. It is more common in women than men. This is believed to be due to a greater susceptibility to knee misalignment in women. Runner's knee symptoms include: Pain around the knee cap, especially during activities that involve bending the knee, such as running, walking downstairs, or squatting. Pain after prolonged sitting and a stiff feeling in your knee Cracking or popping sensation Swelling and inflammation in and around the patella What cause's runner's knee? Many causes of runner's knee are not specific to the knee, but rather are abnormalities with the surrounding muscles and joints. Because the knee is a hinge joint, it relies on many different parts of the leg to properly perform its job. Common causes of runner's knee are: Misalignment of the patella: Improper tracking of the patella can lead to increased pressure on the joint. Muscle imbalances: Quad, hip, and knee imbalances can lead to biomechanical deficiencies that overexert the knee. Overuse: Repeated knee bending and straightening during activities can cause excessive stress on the patellofemoral joint, leading to irritation and pain. Poor biomechanics: Issues with how the lower extremities function during movement, such as flat feet or overpronation, can contribute to developing a runner's knee. Inadequate warm-up or stretching: Failing to properly warm up before exercise, or neglecting to stretch, can increase the risk of developing PFPS. Too much, too soon: A sudden increase in activity level, such as increasing mileage or intensity too quickly, can strain the knee joint and lead to a runner's knee. Inadequate footwear: Improper footwear that does not provide adequate cushioning and support can contribute to knee pain. How do I treat runner's knee? There are several ways of treating a runner's knee. First and foremost, understanding the cause(s) will help you get back to being healthier faster. Common treatments include: Rest and ice: Give your knees time to rest, and apply ice to reduce inflammation and pain. Reduce intensity: Reduce or stop the physical activity that could be causing the pain. Alternatively, reduce all activity while you consult a professional to diagnose the exact cause, at which point you can slowly re-introduce physical activity. You can also try low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling to maintain fitness while giving your knees a break. Physical therapy: Physiotherapy, massage therapy, and a strength program can help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve biomechanics. Engage in exercises stretching and strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, hip, and calf muscles. Orthotics and proper footwear: Custom orthotic inserts or appropriate footwear can help correct biomechanical issues contributing to the condition. A shoe fitting and video gait analysis can help reveal any biomechanical deficiencies and provide a helpful guide into choosing the right shoe. Patellar taping: Taping techniques can help reposition the patella and reduce pain during activity. When to see a chiropodist for a runner's knee? If the pain persists despite conservative treatments, consult a healthcare professional like a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Addressing the runner's knee early is essential to prevent further complications and ensure a timely recovery.

September 18, 2023

Why Your Ankle Cracks When Rotating: A Comprehensive Guide

Although it may sound scary, ankle cracking isn't necessarily a sign to worry about. Often, ankle cracking is normal and, fortunately, harmless. There's a minor chance ankle popping can signify an underlying condition like a sprain or tendon damage, but that's not generally the case. Ankle cracking or popping when rotating can be a common occurrence for some people. However, this doesn't mean you should ignore ankle cracking altogether. You should monitor and assess whether you experience pain elsewhere or any other symptoms associated with the ankle popping (for instance, deep pain that could be a sign of a stress fracture). Understanding your recent history also helps - be extra careful if you've experienced a recent injury or trauma. Whether severe or a non-issue, we recommend brushing up on the possible reasons your ankle cracks when rotating. Read more in our comprehensive guide below. Gas bubble release The most common cause of ankle cracks when rotating is cavitation. When you rotate your ankle, the movement can cause tiny gas bubbles to form and collapse within the synovial fluid that lubricates the joint. This sudden collapse of gas bubbles can produce an audible cracking or even popping sound. Ankle cracking in this context is normal and harmless. Ligament or tendon movement Ankle cracks when cracking can also be due to the movement of ligaments or tendons over bony structures in the ankle joint. They may produce a popping sensation or sound as they shift during rotation. Tendon snapping Why Your Ankle Cracks When Rotating Sometimes, a tendon can snap over a bony prominence in the ankle, leading to a popping sensation or sound. This typically occurs due to repetitive movements or increased physical activity. Scar tissue or adhesions Past injuries or trauma to the ankle may create scar tissue or adhesions around the joint. These tissues may stretch or release during ankle rotation, causing a cracking noise. Joint instability Ankle cracking can be associated with joint instability. If the ligaments supporting the ankle are lax or weakened, the bones may move more than usual during rotation, leading to a popping sensation. Arthritis Occasionally, arthritis or inflammation in the ankle joint can cause cracking or popping sounds during movement. This is often accompanied by pain and stiffness. Synovial cysts Synovial cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop within the ankle joint. These cysts may cause cracking or popping sensations when they move or change position during ankle rotation. Bone-on-bone movement In rare cases where there is existing significant wear and tear in the ankle joint, bone surfaces may rub against each other during movement. This results in cracking sounds. Be careful with bone-on-bone friction; it's a recipe for developing bone spurs, which are calcium deposits that build up over time into outgrowths. How do I know when ankle cracking is severe? In most cases, ankle cracking during rotation is benign and not a cause for concern. However, we recommend seeing a professional if you experience pain, swelling, or instability along with the cracking or other concerning symptoms accompanying the cracking. They can thoroughly evaluate and provide appropriate advice or treatment based on the underlying cause. How do I prevent or reduce ankle cracking? To reduce the occurrence of ankle cracking and maintain ankle health, you can consider the following preventive measures: Regularly perform ankle exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the joint. Warm up properly before physical activity to prepare the ankles for movement. Avoid excessive or forceful rotation of the ankles, especially if it causes pain or discomfort. Wear appropriate footwear that provides support and cushioning for the ankles.

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