Foot Care Archives | Feet First Clinic

Fall Footwear Essentials Everyone Can Use

Posted on September 24, 2021September 24, 2021 by Brittany

It’s time for a fall footwear overhaul! While it’s always a downer to say goodbye to summer, fall adds a crisp and picturesque quality to downtown Toronto. It’s time for those cozy sweaters, stylish coats, and of course – new footwear!

To help you get into the fall spirit, Feet First Clinic is here to remind you of some fall footwear staples that benefit many people when the temperatures start dropping. Some of these are pretty obvious, while others you may not have thought of before. With that said, let’s get into some fall footwear essentials that can help with foot pain and foot conditions, protect you from the weather, and keep you feeling warm and toasty.

Here are Some Fall Footwear Essentials We’ll Discuss Today

Fall boots (think comfortable and waterproof!)
Moisture-wicking socks
Compression stockings
Slippers
Foot Cream

Fall Boots

One of the most critical fall footwear essentials is an excellent pair of boots. When the temperatures start dropping, it’s time to suit up with something protective and warm to avoid those chilly nights and numb toes! Boots should also be waterproof, but that doesn’t mean it has to be like the clunky rubber boots you wore as a kid. Waterproof boots can match all of your outfits and pair nicely with dressy and casual looks. Lastly, and as always, your shoes need to support the natural shape of your feet, fit snugly, help prevent the development of foot pain and keep you moving comfortably. Here are a couple of examples of boots we’re excited about this fall:

Sorel’s Madson II Chelsea Boot

This classic Chelsea boot for men offers sleek style and long-lasting protection from the elements. The removable molded EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) footbed provides consistent support for days spent on your feet with comfort levels similar to your favourite sneakers! It works to absorb the impact of walking, ensuring every step is gentle. EVA footbeds are also highly durable and flexible. This footbed is a component of many Sorel shoes, and we’ll be mentioning it quite a bit.

You may be wondering what makes this boot so convenient for wet, fall weather. The Madson II rubber outsole provides traction (grip) during rainfalls, which lets you avoid the sudden slips that may happen with a lower quality shoe. Not only that but it’s also made with waterproof synthetic leather or suede, offering an impenetrable barrier between you and the weather.

Sorel’s Emelie II Lace Boot

For the ladies, an Emelie II Lace boot from Sorel is a great option for a snug fit, comforting warmth, and protection from the weather. The waterproof quality comes from the full-grain leather and suede combination used to make this fashion-forward boot. While the laces aren’t waterproof, the boot provides sufficient protection from heavy rainfall where it counts and is extremely durable. The canvas and synthetic lining protect your feet from getting soaked, while the rubber outsole gives you a firm grip on wet pavement and surfaces. Like the Madson II, the Emelie II also includes superb cushioning, shock absorption, and long-lasting comfort with the EVA footbed.

Waterproof Boots for Kids

Don’t worry; there’s a great fall boot for your kids’ feet as well! Sorel also makes some fantastic fall boots for children. The Youth Whitney Puffy is a protective boot that will keep your child’s feet warm and dry all day long. These boots include a cozy microfleece lining and top cover on the footbed, and waterproof nylon. They’re also slip-on boots, making them easy to put on without a fuss. The best thing about these boots is that they can easily transition to winter and handle heavy snowfalls.

Moisture Wicking Socks and Compression Stockings

When the fall hits, you may want to also consider including some moisture-wicking socks in your fall footwear collection. Socks that control moisture and give you an extra layer of warmth and protection are essential for many people. Not only are they great for repelling perspiration for athletes, but they also add an extra layer of sweat control for long days in your favourite fall boots. These socks are a great companion to your outdoor fall activities (think hiking and raking up those beautiful fall leaves). Furthermore, they can fight foot odour, blister formation and promote a healthy foot climate by regulating temperature.

As we’ve mentioned, many office workers will still be working from home this fall. Knowing this, you may want to invest in a pair of compression stockings to accompany your homebody lifestyle. A good pair of compressions stockings is a game-changer when it comes to healthy blood circulation. With many people sitting for long hours in their work-from-home setups, issues due to poor circulation can arise, such as pain and swelling in the feet and ankles. Sitting for prolonged periods can also increase your risk of developing varicose veins.

If you know you’re going to be spending your days at home and would like to prevent foot and lower leg discomfort, you can arrange for an assessment with a chiropodist to see if compression stockings are right for you. A foot and ankle specialist can prescribe compression stockings and assure you end up with the right pair. At our Toronto foot clinic, our chiropodists and trained staff can also measure you to make sure you get the right fit. On average, compression stockings retain their compression levels for about six months.

Sigvaris Group

Sigvaris Group is one of the best brands for your compressions stocking needs. They have several collections tailored to provide support for people with different concerns. These include sheer stockings that are fashionable, breathable and pair well with several outfits. They also have stockings that are thermoregulating. Rest assured, they all help relieve the symptoms of tired, achy feet and legs and promote blood flow. Furthermore, Sigvaris makes moisture-wicking socks! These include the Motion High Tech series and the Motion Comfort series for men and women. They provide the same qualities as a compression stocking with the added benefit of moisture control.

Slippers

Many people make the mistake of forgetting that even a house slipper should promote foot health! As we’ve mentioned, many Torontonians will still be working from home this fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While this might save you a trip on the TTC, it’s still a good idea to suit up with some supportive, protective and comfy slippers while spending the day at home.

Prolonged walking on hard surfaces like marble and hardwood can cause foot pain over time while your feet try to conform to the hard surfaces. To avoid achy feet, your slippers should have supportive technology built into the footbed to help prevent joint and muscle strain. Slippers can also help protect your feet from sudden toe stubs, cuts, scrapes and other minor injuries. Plus, they’ll keep your feet nice and toasty on cold hard floors! Here are some example of slippers you might love to try:

Manawan II Slipper From Sorel

If you’re looking to add a slipper to your fall footwear collection, you should go all out! The Manawan II from Sorel is a classy, exceptionally comfortable slipper that will keep you warm and comfortable all day long. Made with a stunning suede exterior and a wool-polyester combination for the interior, these slippers are built to last. You can also use these slippers for short errands, thanks to the thick rubber sole made with natural crepe rubber. You can easily step outside to get your mail, bring out your garbage, or grab something at the store. Lastly, the EVA footbed supports your feet and prevents foot and ankle pain.

Go™ Coffee Run Slipper From Sorel

This classic slipper from Sorel makes you feel like you’re walking on a cloud and is perfect for your work-from-home day. In addition to next-level softness, these slippers also offer proper foot support with the classic EVA footbed. Like the Manawan and other Sorel staples, it cushions and supports your feet. These slippers are also made with the sturdy rubber outsole you’ll find on other Sorel products, meaning you can wear them outside for a quick coffee run (hence the name)!

While we want to stress the importance of wearing slippers inside, it’s equally important to give your feet time to breathe during the day. Doing so will also prevent foot odour, skin irritation and stimulate healthy blood flow. It also gives you the perfect opportunity to apply your favourite foot cream (more on that below).

Foot Cream

As the weather gets colder and dryer, so does the skin on our feet. It’s very common to get dry cracked heels during fall, which can be quite a nuisance. To beat the chilly fall weather, try comforting your feet with some soothing balms from Gehwol. They’ll moisturize your feet, while replenishing and strengthening your skin’s protective barriers, giving your feet the perfect defence from the elements. One of the best foot creams for fall from Gehwol is the Fusscraft Red. It’s made for dry, rough skin and will warm your cold feet.

We’ve Got Your Fall Footwear Needs Covered!

We hope highlighting some exciting fall boots and other fall footwear essentials gave you some insight into your foot health and goals! Don’t forget to consult our complete product catalogue for everything you need for your fall footwear overhaul! You may also need to see a qualified foot specialist to give your feet the attention they deserve. Call or cook today, and we’ll have you in asap! Open six days a week; we’ll be happy to help inform you and solve all your concerns any day at your convenience!

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Book Your Assessment Today!

How Changing Seasons Can Affect Your Feet

Posted on September 22, 2021 by Brittany

Summer is coming to a close in Toronto, and soon the temperatures will be chilly, and the air will feel dry – although the leaves will look stunning! Most people know there are preparation and lifestyle changes involved with seasonality. These include simple things like needing new, warmer clothes and suddenly not feeling so dependant on your air conditioner. However, did you know that your body can feel different throughout the year due to the changing seasons? This certainly applies to your feet, which can go through adjustments that affect the skin, joints and even cause fluid accumulation.

Don’t worry; you’re not alone if you feel like the changing seasons affect your feet. People with certain foot conditions may notice this more, but it can even happen to people without debilitating foot conditions. This article will break down some of the ways the changing seasons affect your feet. We’ll also provide several tips to help you manage these changes.

How Changing Seasons Can Affect Your Feet

Cracked and peeling skin
Swollen feet
Weight fluctuations
Storm season and joint pain

Cracked and Peeling Skin

Cold air in the fall and winter can lead to dry skin that can crack and even bleed. However, it’s not just dipping temperatures alone that affect your foot health; it’s the combination of cold outdoor weather with indoor heating. American Foot notes that low humidity, heated homes and cold outdoor temperatures can be a recipe for disaster in terms of skincare. Cracked skin and cracked heels can form when the dry air from the outdoors combines with low humidity and your toasty home. Symptoms include thick skin that feels like plaster, cracked skin, inflammation, pain, and sometimes bleeding.

To solve your cracked skin concerns this fall and winter, you should find the time to practice routine foot care. Exfoliation and moisturizing can work wonders for dry skin. Specifically, our Toronto chiropodists recommend investing in Gehwol products to treat your skin. One example is Gehwol Hydrolipid Lotion, which is known for its healing and preservation properties. Not only does it treat dry, scaly skin during the colder seasons, it also strengthens the skin and protects your skin’s natural resiliency. The ceramides, natural oils, glycerine and urea components shine by preserving moisture in those deep skin layers.

Gehwol’s Med Salve for Cracked Skin is also a favourite in the fall and winter months. The Vaseline, Lanolin, and medicated soap help soften dry skin and protect it from future damage. Bisabolol and panthenol also work to smoothen small cracks in the skin, and the menthol component cools irritated and inflamed skin.

Below you’ll see some other ways to be kind to your feet!

Swollen Feet

Does it feel like the size of your feet never seems consistent? Is it because your foot width or length has changed? The culprit may be swollen feet and ankles, and those size fluctuations could be season and weather-related. You may feel like your summer sandals are bigger than your fall boots, which can cause frustration and confusion over your actual shoe size. If you have diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or another issue that causes swelling, this can get much worse when the weather is humid.

The National Library of Medicine notes that seasonality is a significant contributor to swelling. More specifically, hot summer weather can trigger your body’s natural cooling mechanism. When your body gets too hot, your veins dilate (widen) to try to cool your body down. However, when veins dilate, fluid can also leak to the surrounding tissues. If your body can’t recirculate this fluid, it will accumulate and begin to pool, which leads to swelling. It’s easy for fluid to pool in the foot and ankle area because your veins have to work against gravity to pump blood from the feet back into the heart. If your veins are struggling they can’t do that, which causes your feet to swell.

There are ways you can try to manage the effect of swollen feet. Low sodium intake, healthy eating and frequent movement and exercise can help your body pump blood more efficiently and reduce or prevent fluid accumulation in the feet and ankles. Compression stockings can also be beneficial by applying graduated pressure to the ankle and calf to give your veins the boost they need to pump blood back to your heart. Don’t worry about being uncomfortable in thick socks! On the contrary, you can get compression stockings that are breathable and sheer for the hot weather. You can even get styles with open toes for the summer.

If you feel like your foot size tends to fluctuate from swelling, you can also inquire about professional shoe stretching. Our Toronto foot and ankle clinic offers shoe stretching services to make sure your shoes fit as comfortably as possible.

Another excellent remedy for swollen feet is a foot scrub or foot soak. Gehwol’s Refreshing Foot Bath is known to boost circulation in the lower limbs and feet. Another option would be to try making your own foot soak or scrub using Epsom salt. The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt may reduce swelling and inflammation in the feet and improve circulation.

Weight Fluctuations

Do your feet feel more achy and sore in the fall or winter? Did you feel light on your feet in the summer, but suddenly taking a walk at the end of the year seems more difficult? This could be due to simple weight fluctuations.

It’s no surprise that people tend to stay home when it’s cold. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to increased inactivity and poor eating choices, which can ultimately cause weight gain. Likewise, when people gain weight, it can place more pressure on their feet. The extra weight can exhaust the many ligaments and tendons in the feet. This can cause onset foot pain that you may not have felt if you were a lower weight in the summertime.

Weight gain can be a risk factor for certain foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis (inflammation and microtears of the tissue that connects the heel to the ball of the foot) and posterior tibial tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon that attaches the calf muscle to the bones of the foot).

You can help manage your foot pain by noticing your footwear habits so you can make any needed improvements and adjustments. Proper fitting footwear can go a long way in terms of coping. Custom orthotics can also help position your feet more favourably and correct any biomechanical irregularities with the way you move. These irregularities are often the underlying cause of many common foot conditions. Correcting biomechanical issues can help manage pain symptoms in the heel, arch, ball of the foot, ankles and even the knees. Custom orthotics can also prevent long-term joint damage and make it easier to exercise and get in shape comfortably. Superfeet insoles are also great for preventing and managing foot pain: they provide arch support, cushioning and shock absorption, and are engineered to redistribute pressure in your foot.

Storm Season And Joint Pain

You know all those rainstorms that hit around September and October? Well, those storms can cause joint pain in the feet. This is due to barometric pressure decreasing during storm season, causing the foot joints and muscles to expand. According to The Active Times, this can worsen pain that already exists in someone with joint inflammation, particularly in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

New, well-fitting footwear can help people manage the symptoms of joint pain. High-quality brands that promote foot health, offer proper arch support, and have innovative cushioning technology are the way to go. These are vital features that can help relieve some of the pressure on your muscles and joints while walking. Other ways to help deal with joint pain include custom orthotics, over-the-counter insoles and regular strengthening and stretching exercises, which can you check out on our Pinterest board! (the toe flex and raise and single calf raise are great examples!)

If you’re looking for even more information on managing foot pain, check out our Top 12 Tips for Foot Pain Relief.

Are The Changing Seasons Hurting Your Feet? We’re Here For You!

Be sure to check out Feet First Clinic’s product catalogue for your next pair of cozy, protective shoes. Our Bloor west foot clinic also specializes in many services that can help you reach your foot health goals, no matter what time of year it is. Give us a call anytime to inquire about what our Toronto chiropodists do! We’re open 6 days a week and are eager to hear from you! Our main goal is always to get your feet feeling as healthy and happy as possible.

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Book Your Assessment Today!

Foot Care Tips For Working From Home

Posted on September 20, 2021 by Tim

There has been a significant shift in many Canadians’ work-life over the past year and a half. As remote work becomes increasingly prevalent, and preferable for many, more and more people are working from the comfort of their homes.

In fact, at the beginning of 2021, 32% of Canadian employees aged 15-69 worked most of their hours from home, compared with 4% in 2016, according to Statistics Canada. Although remote work eliminates the need for commuting, it comes with certain lifestyle changes that affect our bodies – including our feet. For instance, sitting for long periods of time can have effects on our feet and legs.

In addition, prior to the pandemic, most of us wore shoes for the duration of the workday. Suddenly, many people are working from home and either aren’t wearing shoes or are wearing shoes less than before. This change has contributed to some people developing foot or lower leg pain.

In this article, we break down certain risk factors for working from home, as well as how to maintain healthy feet.

Barefoot at home

A major shift in the work-from-home transition is that people working remotely are likely barefoot for most of the day. Of course, the profession you work in has a direct relationship with specific foot condition risk factors, but generally, those who work from home aren’t wearing shoes like they would in the office.

While being barefoot is not inherently bad, doing too much too soon (especially on hard surfaces) can put you at risk of certain foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or strained calves. To help reduce the risk of at-home injury, you can wear supportive footwear either all the time or on occasion to give your feet a break. In essence, you can wear them like you would wear a house slipper, but with much more support.

We recommend a sandal that you can easily slide in and out of with firm arch support and shock absorption, like Birkenstocks or Mephistos. You can also get orthopaedic slippers or orthopedic footwear. Orthopedic shoes are specially designed footwear that provide more support for the feet and ankles than basic footwear. They are essentially the gold standard of footwear, and are a great option if you have joint and muscle concerns in your lower body. Brands such as Anodyne and Portofino even carry an orthopaedic house slipper: It combines the strong supportive midsole and footbed of a regular shoe with the cozy comfort of a slipper!

Here at Toronto’s leading foot clinic, you can book a footwear assessment with a chiropodist to figure out the best footwear option for you. You can also drop-in if you already know what kind of footwear you’d like.

Stand up regularly and stretch

Compared to working in the office where you socialize, get up and walk around, commute, and collaborate with coworkers, working from home can be a lot more sedentary. It’s not just our movements, but the time we spend working as well. According to Statistics Canada, 35% of all new teleworkers and 51% of managers reported working longer hours from home.

This means we’re likely sitting (or standing) for longer periods of time than we were pre-pandemic. Think about it: how close do you get to your daily 10,000 step count now if you work from home versus when you commuted to the office? Research from Statistics Canada has shown that physical inactivity or sedentary time is associated with a higher risk for chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer.

Being stationary for long periods of time can also put you at risk for the following foot conditions:

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein in your legs. DVT can cause leg pain or swelling. Especially when sitting, blood pools in your legs and blood flow lessens. This can lead to blood clots as your blood isn’t entering and exiting your lower extremities as quickly.
Edema: Edema is the medical term for swelling. Have you ever noticed that your legs are more swollen later in the day, especially after sitting for long periods? This condition occurs when your blood vessels leak fluid into nearby tissues.
Varicose Veins: Varicose Veins are swollen, twisted veins that are typically visible just below the surface of the skin. The actual cause is weak or damaged vein walls and valves.

Standing up, moving around and stretching periodically helps encourage blood flow throughout your body, and can help prevent the conditions you see above. Additionally, investing in compression stockings can be beneficial. These are specialized garments that put therapeutic pressure on your legs in order to increase circulation and prevent swelling.

Reduce inflammation

One major byproduct of working from home (and sitting for long periods of time) is inflammation.

Even avoiding certain foods can help prevent inflammation. For example, sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, fried foods, artificial trans fats, vegetable oils, and refined carbohydrates all induce inflammation. On the other hand, there are certain foods that can fight inflammation. These include vegetables (tomatoes, spinach, kale, and collards), nuts, fatty fish, fruits (strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges), and even coffee.

Another way to reduce inflammation is to drink water. Something as simple as staying hydrated throughout the day will, by extension, force you to get up to go to the bathroom. This is a double-win: You stay hydrated and you have a reason to get up and walk around.

Understand and use your extended health benefits

If you work full-time, it’s likely that you have some sort of health insurance through your employer. Extended health insurance can cover certain services and products like massages, physiotherapy, compression stockings, and much more.

Extended health insurance may have coverage for chiropody visits and devices dispensed from the clinic. Patients should consult their insurance provider regarding coverage prior to any appointment. Our staff can also help decipher your coverage.

Medical footwear products prescribed by the chiropodist during your assessment, such as compression stockings, custom orthotics, orthopaedic shoes, modified shoes, or custom shoes, may also be covered by private health benefits in full or in part. Footwear and foot care products are usually under a separate line item than assessments and services. We recommend checking your benefits coverage or obtaining a quote if you’re unsure about your coverage.

Understanding your benefits and using them to their full extent not only maximizes their value, but also provides you helpful care if you feel sore.

Your work-from-home foot care solutions live here!

All under one roof! Our team handles any and all foot health concerns. Whether it’s mild or critical, we cover all sides of the foot needs spectrum. Call us to ask about actionable steps towards your solution today!

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Click Above to Book Your Assessment Today!

Top-10 Mobile Apps For Running And Walking

Posted on September 17, 2021 by Tim

Our entire lives exist within our smartphones. Calendars, emails, messages, calls, and everything in between. Phones are excellent tools not only for communication but for tracking physical activity. Mobile applications combine the best of technology with staying fit.

As two of the most readily available physical activities, running and walking are a simple and effective way to stay fit. Running and walking mobile applications help track activity, progress, calories, distance, time, and can help you map out your activities through GPS tracking. No longer will you need to memorize where to turn (third stop sign past the school) and get lost on route.

Mobile applications run both on Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS, the two predominant operating systems. In this article, we break down our top-10 choices for running and walking apps, with links to each platform. All are free, although they do have premium features unlocked through a subscription.

Strava

Strava is the social media platform used by runners, walkers, cyclists, swimmers, and more. Similar to other social media platforms that have news feeds with updates, Strava users upload their activities for their followers to see. It’s a great app to stay connected to the community and to keep yourself accountable.

The app also has additional features beyond activity tracking including route builders, groups, challenges, and popular nearby routes. You can also add your shoes to each activity to track how distance. Since you should switch out your shoes every 500-750 kilometres, this feature is great to ensure you’re wearing footwear that hasn’t degraded.

AllTrails

AllTrails is the encyclopedia of trail running. Thanks to both user-submitted and common running and walking routes, AllTrails is your one-stop-shop for exploring new routes, whether it’s in your own neighbourhood or you’re traveling the world.

The database contains more than 200,000 trails with trail info, maps, detailed reviews, and photos curated by millions of hikers, campers, and nature lovers. AllTrails operates on a freemium business model. It is accessible through a mobile app or a web browser for computers.

Apple users may recognize AllTrails through iOS’s native maps. In the summer of 2020, Apple partnered with AllTrails to add hiking information to their Apple Maps feature.

MapMyRun

MapMyRun allows you to track your distance, connect your devices, and reach your goals. Although its name inherently indicates it’s a running app, MapMyRun is great for running, walking, and fitness. This Under Armour-backed app also has pre-loaded routes in cities across the globe to find the best-crowdsourced routes near you.

MapMyWalk

MapMyWalk is the equivalent of MapMyRun, but for walking. This app tracks your activities, whether you’re out for a hike or out walking the dog. You can also upload your activities to your followers through the platform’s news feed feature.

Runkeeper

The ASICS Runkeeper app has the tools you need to become a stronger runner. Insights, workouts, and trainer guidance will get you to your goals. To help you reach your goals, Runkeeper includes customized training plans and tracks your runs and progress along the way.

For a full selection of Asics shoes, visit us in-person at Feet First Clinic located at 2481 Bloor St W.

Nike Run Club

Like the rest of the apps listed here, the Nike Run Club App tracks pace, location, distance, elevation, heart rate, and kilometre splits. Even better is you can customize what you see on the app when you’re mid-run or mid-walk. This app also has guided runs giving you a voice inside your head, as well as guided meditations thanks to Headspace.

Runtastic

Runtastic is an Adidas-backed activity-tracking application. It tracks all kinds of fitness activities – not just running and walking. This makes it great for active rehabilitation if you’re trying to prevent or treat joint and muscle pain. Select muscle groups and create your own workout that fits your schedule. Record your workouts and review your statistics. Join challenges to get motivated, compare your activity to others and push yourself in new ways!

Zwift

Like Peloton, the use of Zwift has skyrocketed due to the shift in WFH, and remote work. Zwift is a running physical training program that enables users to interact, train and compete virtually. Run or walk rain or shine indoors and connect with Zwift users from around the world to motivate yourself.

C25K 5K Trainer

C25K 5K is an app/program that helps beginners from couch potatoes to 5K distance runners in 8 weeks. With more than 5 million users, this app is awesome for those who want to start running or walking and don’t know where to start.

RunGo

RunGo is a running app whose standout feature is turn-by-turn voice navigation. Build your own route, or select one of the 500,000 routes worldwide, and follow a voice-guided tour, including every time there’s a turn or a cool landmark, or an encouraging reminder that you’re halfway there.

Your Running and Walking Solutions Live Here

All under one roof! Our team is trained to handle any and all your foot health concerns. From mild, to critical, we cover all sides of the foot needs spectrum. Call us to ask about actionable steps towards your solution today!

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Book Your Assessment Today!

The Dangers of Being Barefoot

Posted on September 13, 2021 by Brittany

Summer is still in the air in Toronto, and that means going barefoot! In general, it’s pretty harmless to feel the sand between your toes and walk barefoot around your patio in the summertime. That said, it’s important to wear supportive sandals and sneakers most of the time. Going barefoot for too long can harm our foot health. From infections to injuries, it’s good to be aware of the dangers of being barefoot in the summer. Likewise, diabetes patients and people with foot conditions need to understand why you shouldn’t go barefoot very often, if at all.

3 Main Dangers of Being Barefoot

Worsens foot conditions
Higher risk of injury
Higher risk of infection

Danger #1: Worsens Foot Conditions

Walking barefoot for too long outside can make certain foot conditions much worse. This is especially true for plantar fasciitis and diabetes.

In the summer, we tend to walk outside leisurely on patios and decks without shoes. Afterwards, without thinking, we can go back inside and continue to be barefoot. However, walking barefoot for hours throughout the day can affect the plantar fascia. This occurs due to the prolonged lack of crucial support needed for people with plantar fasciitis, specifically, impact absorption, cushioning, and arch support. This increases strain on the ligaments and joints in your feet. The hard surface also wears away the fatty pad on your heel, which puts extra pressure on your heel.

The same can also be said for people with arthritis, Achilles tendonitis, and other foot conditions affecting the joints and muscles in the lower body. Running and exercising barefoot in the summer can worsen the symptoms of these conditions. Those who were not suffering from these conditions before may also put themselves at risk by running barefoot.

Diabetes patients should also avoid walking barefoot at all costs. Even inside, supportive footwear is key. Diabetes compromises the immune system and causes poor circulation and nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy). These can seriously harm people with diabetes if they stub their toes or drop something on their feet. On Health notes that while these are minor occurrences for many of us, these accidents can lead to major complications, such as infections and foot ulcers, if you have diabetes.

In the summer, people with diabetes should always make sure their feet aren’t exposed. A tiny twig or splinter on a boardwalk could seriously harm a diabetes patient, even while at the beach. Furthermore, while it may seem harmless in the summer to walk down your driveway, the hot pavement can actually burn the bottoms of the feet or even cause an infection.

Danger #2: Higher Risk of Infections

Walking barefoot for too long is also a risk factor for fungal infections like athlete’s foot and fungal toenails. Fungal infections are highly contagious and through direct contact between the skin and an infected surface, and vice versa. If someone with a foot infection used one of these shared spaces before you, you are putting yourself at risk. Plus, if you have a fungal infection in your feet, you can also spread it to others. To prevent getting a fungal infection, you should always wear protective footwear in shared spaces such as pool and beach bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers. Also keep your feet clean, dry, and deodorized with a deodorant cream or spray.

In addition to fungal infections, damp warm shared spaces like pools, public washrooms, change rooms, locker rooms, and showers are also ripe breeding grounds for plantar warts. Like fungal infections, plantar warts are contagious and spread when the skin comes in direct contact with an infected surface. So, if you’re walking around barefoot on the same wet pool deck that someone with a plantar wart also walked on, you can get them too. Again, the best way to prevent this is to wear footwear (like flip-flops) in shared public spaces.

Danger #3: Higher Risk of Injury

Picture this; you’re on the beach enjoying the last days of summer and go for a light run along the water without your shoes. It sounds exhilarating, but it may be putting you at risk of sustaining a foot or ankle injury. While some experts claim that barefoot running can reduce the risk of tibial stress fractures (shin fractures), it puts runners at risk of sustaining metatarsal stress fractures (foot fractures).

Lastly, running barefoot puts a lot more pressure on your ankles than when you’re sporting comfortable footwear. When you run barefoot, you are performing what is known as forefoot striking. Rayner & Smale note that this can put more pressure on your ankle joints, causing ankle pain and increasing the risk of an ankle injury. Forefoot striking also burdens your calf muscles more than running with sneakers.

Going Barefoot? Don’t Forget Your Foot Health!

Summer and vacations are exciting times to let loose and ditch your shoes on the beach, at the pool, and on your peaceful patio. However, at Feet First Clinic, we think it’s important to present the dangers of going barefoot so you can make good decisions and maintain happy and healthy feet.

If you need to see a Toronto foot specialist, reach out to us! We’re confident in our ability to help inform you and solve your concern with the least amount of discomfort possible. Call us even to ask about a quick question and we’d be happy to point you in the right direction!

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Book Your Assessment Today!

The Sun and Your Feet: Summer Foot Care Tips

Posted on September 10, 2021 by Tim

Sun’s out, the toes are out. OK, maybe that’s not the idiom but when the sun shines, you’re inclined to spend time outdoors. With that comes the need to protect your body, including your feet, from the elements, namely in the sun’s UV rays as well as the heat.

Although protection against the sun is critical year-round, it’s especially important in the summer. In this article, we’ll guide you on common warm-weather foot care tips including how to protect your feet from the sun, how to limit common summer foot conditions, and guidance on what to do if you get a sunburn.

Use Sunscreen On Your Feet (Both Sides!)

Your best measure for skin protection is covering up. Your next best is sunscreen. Some may know it as sunblock, sun lotion, or sunscreen, but in essence, it’s a lotion or spray that absorbs and/or reflects some of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It protects your skin against sunburn and helps prevent skin cancer. Additional benefits of using sunscreen include slowing the development of wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging skin.

No one is completely safe from the sun. In Canada, the sunlight is strong enough to cause skin cancer, premature aging of the skin, and harm to the eyes. In fact, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer; it’s also one of the most preventable.

Here are our top sunscreen practices:

Always use sunscreen before going out in the sun. Apply sunscreen rain or shine. Even on cold cloudy days, there’s still a UV rating. For best results, apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside.
Apply sunscreen to both sides of your feet. Applying sunscreen to your feet means both sides. Don’t forget your soles for maximum protection, especially when you’re at the beach.
Reapply sunscreen after going in the water. Additionally, look for broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB protection) and “water-resistant” on the label if you plan on taking a dip.
Use an SPF of 30 or higher. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends you use an SPF of 30 or higher because at that rating it blocks out 97% of UVB rays.
Use sunscreen before other sprays/skincare products. If you’re using insect repellent, for example, apply sunscreen to your body and feet first.
Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours. Sweat, water, or toweling off can remove sunscreen and lessen its effectiveness. Reapply sunscreen often to ensure you’re always protected.
Check the expiration date. Sunscreens should not be used after the expiry date. This is because they contain chemicals that degrade over time, and therefore won’t be as effective after the expiration date. Additionally, sunscreens can be affected by extreme changes in temperature.

Check Your Feet Regularly

Here are a few facts about melanoma and skin conditions, courtesy of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Mayo Clinic:

UV rays cause 90% of melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer) cases in North America
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Canada
Incidence rates of melanoma in North America ranked second highest in the world
Skin cancer is highly preventable
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, tanning lamps, and tanning beds increases your risk of developing melanoma

Regular foot checks can help you spot abnormalities early on. Check your feet each month for any suspicious spots, changes in moles, or dark patches of skin. Many moles are not a cause for concern. One rule of thumb is to follow the ABCDE method of detection. It stands for:

A = Asymmetrical shape
B = irregular Border
C = Changes in Colour (look for moles with many or an uneven distribution of colours)
D = Diameter (look for growth larger than ~6 mm)
E = Evolving

Doing a thorough analysis of your feet, which takes just seconds, allows you to monitor any developments close to real-time, if not shortly after.

Common Summer Foot Conditions

It’s not just the sun you should worry about in the summer. The heat and humidity are grounds for a number of foot conditions to develop.

Blisters: Moisture is a prime breeding ground for blisters. This condition occurs when a small fluid-filled bubble forms just under the top layer of your skin. Using moisturizer (which strengthens your skin’s protective properties and makes it less vulnerable to blisters), foot powders (to counteract excessive foot sweat), wearing moisture-wicking socks, and properly-fitted footwear are all preventative measures to avoid blisters.

Cracked Heels: Summer heat makes you more prone to dehydration, contributing to dry skin, and thus cracked heels. Additionally, the prospect of going barefoot is particularly attractive in the summer making your feet more prone to the elements, whether it’s the beach or in the yard. Shop our selection of Gehwol products to help moisturize your feet.

Corns: Corns are frequently caused by shoes that don’t fit properly. In the summer, the culprit may be flip-flops or any ill-fitting or unsupportive shoe that puts pressure on hot spots like your toes or bony prominences.

Plantar fasciitis: Summer is flip flop season. Cheaper flip flops can have minimal arch support, putting your plantar under pressure. Over time, this aggravation can lead to plantar fasciitis. Stop this foot condition in its track by shopping sandals from Mephisto, FitFlop, Naot, and Clarks. FitFlop sandals in particular are engineered to address plantar fasciitis. For more information, check out our article about why we love FitFlop sandals.

Treating Sunburns

A sunburn occurs when your skin has been exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) light. It’s a form of radiation burn.

Common symptoms include changes in skin tone, skin that feels warm or hot to the touch, pain, tenderness, swelling, headaches or fever, or even small blisters.

Sunburns can vary in intensity. A mild sunburn is not a big deal, but over time, there is potential for long-term consequences. Sun damage can lead to cancerous changes in your skin, and your feet are no exception. A sunburn on your foot can also be particularly painful as it’s a tender part of your body. Pair that with the fact that we regularly wear socks and shoes, it’s hard to avoid aggravating the burn after the fact.

Fortunately, there are a number of at-home remedies you can use to reduce the pain and help heal sunburns. These include:

Soak your feet in cool water or milk
Use medication like acetaminophen to reduce pain
Apply aloe vera to help soothe your skin
Allow your blisters to heal on their own. Don’t pop them!
Elevate your feet, which minimizes swelling
Stay hydrated

Skin Damage Risk Factors

According to the Weather Network, UV rays can cause sunburns, eye cataracts, skin aging, and skin cancer. Nearby surface(s) can exacerbate the effects of UV rays. For example, being on the water, or in the snow (which isn’t relevant for our feet, but rather our body in general), can increase exposure because of the reflection off the ground. Extra precaution and protection are needed in these scenarios.

The strength of the sun, and in turn the strength of UV rays, also varies by time of day. The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Full precautions are needed during these times in particular: Seek shade, cover-up, and wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Your local weather network will have a UV Index report that indicates the UV strength at various times of the day. The UV Index scale is between 1-11, with one being the lowest and minimal risk, and 11+ being the extreme and highest risk for skin damage. The higher the UV Index number, the stronger the sun’s rays, and the greater the need to take precautions.

The UV Index scale breaks down as follows:

UV Index	Description	Sun Protection
0-2	Low	Minimal sun protection required Wear sunglasses on bright days. If outside for more than one hour, cover up and use sunscreen Reflection off snow or light surfaces can nearly double UV strength. Wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen
3-5	Moderate	Take precautions – cover-up, wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen especially if you will be outside for 30 minutes or more Look for shade near midday when the sun is strongest
6-7	High	Protection required – UV rays damage the skin and can cause sunburn Reduce time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and take full precautions – seek shade, cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
8-10	Very High	Extra precautions required – unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and take full precautions – seek shade, cover-up, wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
11+	Extreme	Values of 11+ are very rare in Canada. However, values can reach this high (even 14+) in the tropics and the southern United States Take full precautions. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn in minutes. Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

Your Foot Care Solutions Live Here!

All under one roof! Our team of Toronto foot specialists is trained to handle any and all your foot health concerns. From mild to critical, we cover all sides of the foot needs spectrum. Call us to ask about actionable steps towards your solution today!

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Click Above to Book Your Assessment Today!

Feet First Clinic’s Top-12 Blog Articles Of All-Time

Posted on September 1, 2021September 24, 2021 by Tim

Happy Anniversary!

Today, Feet First Clinic celebrates its 12th anniversary! Since 2009, our goal has been (and continues to be) to set the best standards for our patients’ foot care needs.

It’s been a pleasure serving the community with the following services:

Medical pedicures
Nail care
Diabetic foot care
Footwear
Foot care products
Custom orthotics
Skincare products
Informative content
Biomechanical Video gait analysis
Wart removal

To celebrate 12 years of foot care, we want to give you a glimpse at some of our favourite and most popular articles of all time. Below you’ll find 12 of our picks from the last 12 years.

Feet First Clinic’s Top-12 Blog Articles: Our Picks

How-Tos

How To Cut Your Toenails Like a Professional

As simple as it may seem, trimming and filing your toenails correctly is an important part of maintaining proper foot health. It can save you from pesky and rather painful nail problems, such as ingrown toenails, broken toenails, and toenail-related infections.

In this timeless article, learn about the dos and don’ts of cutting your toenails like a professional. Then, check out our picks for the best tools for the job.

Stubbed Toe: What To Do When It Happens

Ouch. We all know that feeling. Stubbing your toe, whether it’s on the side of the bed, on the coffee table, or while barefoot on the lawn or at the beach, the pain is intense: Your toe swells like a balloon, and the area is throbbing. So what do you do? One thing’s for sure: you need to do something. Even if that means intentionally doing nothing at all. In this article we break down:

What Classifies as a Stubbed Toe?
How Long Does it Take For a Stubbed Toe to Heal?

Cold or Warm Therapy: What’s Better For Your Feet?

Generally, cold therapy should be used for acute injuries and foot pain as ice constricts blood vessels and swelling. Heat has the opposite effect. Applying heat to an area increases blood flow, relaxes the muscles, and encourages an extended range of motion. As such, muscle soreness or tightness may benefit from the warmth, rather than cold therapy.

This article will teach you about what the differences are between warm therapy and cold therapy, and each of the use cases.

Foot Conditions

Ankle Popping And Cracking—Causes, And Remedies

Does your ankle crack or pop when you rotate it? You’re not alone. Ankle cracking and ankle popping are quite common, and there’s no immediate need to worry. In fact, joint popping has a medical term. Crepitus is abnormal popping or crackling of a joint, which may be sometimes uncomfortable or painful. After reading this article you’ll discover whether it’s bad or good that your ankles crack, whether it’s doing damage to you, and how to get rid of cracking ankles.

Do You have a Corn or a Plantar Wart?

You have an odd lesion on your foot: it’s circular, painful at times, hard, and yellowish in colour. Is it a corn or a wart? These two skin lesions are commonly confused with one another. Check out this article to learn how to tell the difference.

Hallux Rigidus or Bunions: What’s The Difference?

If you have a lump on your big toe, you may wonder whether it’s a bunion or hallux rigidus. Both these foot conditions are characterized by bumps on the big toe and can be painful when wearing improper footwear. They are also both progressive conditions that can get worse over time if not properly treated. In this article, we’ll elaborate on how these two conditions are different from each other, and what you can do about them.

Want to learn more about various foot conditions? Read our complete guide on the As to Zs of foot conditions.

Footwear and Biomechanics

Are Your Shoes Too Small? Here Are the Warning Signs

Blisters, bruised toenails, hot feet, calluses, and corns are all signs of ill-fitting shoes. If you are unsure of your size, have your feet measured. Keep in mind: the right fitted shoe will have about a finger’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. If you can feel the end of the shoe with your toe, it’s too small! Pro top: Bring your orthotics with you when you try on shoes to account for the added volume.

Shoes With Zero Drop, High Drop, And Everything In Between

Our goal is to find the shoe that’s right for you. Drop, defined as the difference between the height of the heel and toe in a shoe, is an important consideration when shopping. The point of a shoe’s drop is to reduce stress on certain parts of your body. By artificially keeping your foot in a certain position, a shoe’s drop can reduce pressure on the Achilles tendon and calves. In this article, we offer our selection of choices for various brands and models that best suit you and your feet.

Everything You Need To Know About Your Gait

Have you ever wondered if you are walking properly? Or why your feet feel easily tired from an activity?

Did you know that a lot of the time, you can attribute the pain you experience in your feet (such as the arches, heel, and balls) to abnormal walking patterns?

This blog explores the body’s gait (defined as a person’s manner or pattern of walking), the gait cycle, and how faulty foot mechanics can affect your entire body, not just your feet. Additionally, we look at how overpronation and over supination can affect your gait. Finally, this blog outlines how gait can change when running versus walking.

Our clinic prioritizes a preventative approach to foot care. You, the patients, are empowered to be active participants in your treatment. Our on-site store provides patients with therapeutic tools and resources, including orthopaedic footwear, insoles, medical devices, and over-the-counter solutions.

Services

Is There A Difference Between A Chiropodist And A Podiatrist?

Chiropodist and podiatrist are terms that refer to regulated foot specialists in Ontario. Rest assured, there is no need to worry about potentially booking an appointment with the wrong specialist. In this blog post, we answer the following questions:

What type of foot specialist should I book an appointment with?
What are (if any) the differences between a Chiropodist and a podiatrist?
If I book an appointment with one or the other, is it a mistake?

What Happens During A Medical Pedicure?

A pedicure is a wonderful thing to treat yourself to when you’re in need of a little self-care and relaxation! We’re all aware that many people enjoy a standard cosmetic pedicure from a spa or nail salon, as they’re a good way to pamper yourself. While this is true, did you know that there is such a thing as a medical pedicure? That’s right! A licensed Chiropodist performs medical pedicures. There are numerous benefits to this specialized service, and this article provides the lowdown on how our downtown Toronto foot experts perform a medical pedicure!

Custom Made Orthotics: What to Expect on Your First Appointment

A custom foot orthotic is a device derived from a three-dimensional representation of a person’s foot and also made of suitable materials with regard to the individual’s condition. It addresses structural or functional foot conditions that lead to faulty foot mechanics and abnormal gait patterns by providing support, stability, and balance. Custom orthotics are removable devices that can be transferred between shoes.

In this article, we outline what you can expect for your orthotics appointment, anything you might need to bring, and how you can go about booking one.

12 Years Of Serving You, Here’s to Many More!

Toronto’s Feet First Clinic specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute and chronic conditions that affect the tissue, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints of the toes, feet, and ankles.

We’re confident in our ability to help inform you and solve your concern with the least amount of discomfort possible.

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Click Above to Book Your Assessment Today!

Top 12 Tips For Foot Pain Relief

Posted on August 31, 2021September 23, 2021 by Brittany

Feet First Clinic is excited to announce its 12th anniversary on September 1st, 2021! With tremendous gratitude and appreciation for our clients, chiropodists and staff, we’re excitedly looking back at all the ways we’ve been helping people achieve foot pain relief. Foot pain is one of the most common ailments affecting the patients who visit our Toronto foot clinic, and it can occur for countless reasons. Foot pain can be debilitating, or it can be a minor occurrence. Whatever the reason, Feet First Clinic has extensive knowledge on how to cope and achieve your goal of happy and healthy feet.

Here Are Our Top 12 Tips For Foot Pain Relief:

Wear shoes that fit properly
Wear supportive footwear that suit your foot type
Stretch, stretch, stretch!
Perform strengthening exercises
Try Superfeet insoles
Try ankle and knee sleeves
Invest in custom orthotics
Enjoy some at-home foot care
Try compression stockings
Understand your gait
Take sitting breaks
Check-in with your foot specialist

1. Wear Shoes That Fit Properly

This foot pain relief tip is a given, but it’s also one that many people overlook. Your shoes must be well-fitted and conform to the shape of your foot. They should also not be too narrow and must give your feet enough breathing room. In fact, it is estimated that 80% of foot pain is the result of ill-fitting footwear. Common conditions such as bunions, Morton’s Neuroma and hammertoes are mostly caused by or contributed to by high heels and footwear that is too narrow at the toe box. This squishes your toes together awkwardly and puts excessive pressure on the joints in the toes and forefoot.

The constant rubbing and friction from ill-fitting footwear is also a common culprit behind calluses, corns and blisters.

Not sure how to find the right fit? For the past 12 years and counting, our knowledgeable staff has been providing shoe fittings. Different brands fit differently on different feet, and one size doesn’t necessarily always fit all. We can help you find the right size, the right brand and the right shoe to match your foot at our Toronto foot clinic.

2. Wear Supportive Footwear that Suit Your Foot Type

Your footwear should encourage good biomechanics (optimal function and motion). Supportive footwear can help with general foot fatigue and the aches and pains that come with being on your feet all day long. In addition to support, footwear should be suited to your foot type. Proper shoes can prevent and help people manage several foot conditions, including (but not limited to):

Plantar fasciitis

This foot condition commonly affects people who don’t wear supportive footwear. This leads to an inflammation of the plantar fascia, and presents as heel pain. Mayo Clinic notes that shoes with “a moderate heel, thick soles, good arch support and extra cushioning” are ideal for preventing and treating plantar fasciitis.

If you’re on the hunt for footwear to help with plantar fasciitis, Fit Flop sandals are a good place to start. These sandals feature FitFlop’s microwobbleboard midsole technology, which is specifically engineered to address plantar fasciitis. If you’re looking for some closed-toe options or an everyday walking shoe, ASICS and Saucony offer supportive shoes with a firm heel counter to help with the pain caused by plantar fasciitis. ASICS’ Gel Kayano and Saucony’s Omni Walker are great options.

Metatarsalgia

With metatarsalgia, you’ll want to look for footwear with a low heel, extra cushioning, and a supportive arch. Metatarsalgia presents as a pain in the balls of the feet, so shoes that take the burden off of this area are a must. Your shoes will need to take the pressure off the forefoot and allow you to conduct your daily activities with as little pain as possible. Shoes with a rocker sole, like Clarks‘ Wave line, are perfect for this! For an everyday walking shoe, you can try the Clarks Wave Move. And if you want a sandal for the hot weather, check out Clarks Wave Skip. The rocker soles on these shoes work like the bottom of a rocking chair, helping your foot rock softly as you move. This helps take pressure off your forefoot, as well as the other joints in your feet and ankle.

Osteoarthritis

Supportive shoes are a must for people suffering from osteoarthritis. For adequate pain relief, shoes must support the deformities, like clawed toes or bone spurs, that commonly occur in people with arthritis. The goal should also be to find shoes that reduce pressure on the joints and allow you to move as comfortably as possible.

The key to finding a good shoe for arthritic feet (apart from a good fit) is good shock absorption. Every time your foot strikes the ground when you move, shock is sent from your foot up through your spine. When you have arthritis – whether it’s osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis – the weight-bearing joints in your body are more susceptible to strain. The heavy shock-absorbing cushioning in the ASICS Gel Nimbus is perfect for alleviating this (plus they’re super comfy!). The cork footbed in Naot shoes is also great for alleviating joint strain and supporting your joints when you move.

Flatfoot

As a general rule, people with flat feet need to avoid shoes with poorly designed soles and very little support. It’s all about the arch support with flat feet while keeping comfort in mind as well. Birkenstock’s world-famous anatomical cork footbeds are one of the top-recommended footwear options for flat feet. The natural shock-absorbing and supportive properties of this footbed are ideal for mitigating the effects of flat feet. Even during the cooler months, you can wear them indoors as house slippers to ensure continued support for your feet.

You should also look for shoes that provide pronation control (the natural movement of the foot while it lands). People with flat feet tend to experience overpronation, or when the foot and ankle roll down and inwards when walking. A stability shoe, like ASICS Gel Kayano or Saucony’s Hurricane, will help correct overpronation and help stabilize your foot and ankle, while still giving you freedom of movement so you don’t feel restricted.

High arches

On the other side of the spectrum, people with high arches need their own version of supportive footwear. Shoes will need to have enough shock absorption to reduce the forceful impact of walking. They also need sufficient cushioning and arch support. There is a common misconception that people with high arches don’t need arch support. As noted by Sole Review, a supportive arch is in fact necessary for movement and to help distribute pressure. This is because when you have high arches, an excessive amount of pressure is placed on the heels and balls of the feet. The tried and tested combination of cork and cushioning in Mephisto footwear provide a great solution. The midsoles in Mephisto’s feature an integrated shock absorption system to help alleviate joint strain and foot fatigue.

Wondering what’s the right shoe for you? For the past 12 years and counting, qualified chiropodists have been providing footwear assessments! Our product catalogue is also full of supportive footwear brands that are proven to help with pain relief, from 0rthopaedic brands like Portofino, to athletic brands like Asics. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.

3. Stretch, Stretch, Stretch!

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Feet First Clinic is our passion for demonstrating ways you can achieve foot pain relief from home. Part of our treatment process is giving our patients the tools to feel better when pain flares up. Our stretch series on Instagram provides how-to videos of some of our favourite stretches, which are all successful at preventing and managing foot, ankle and calf pain. Below are some examples of our stretches with links to the how-to clips!

Toe-flex and raise (for plantar fasciitis pain)
Towel stretch (for hamstring pain)
Soleus stretch (for Achilles tendinitis and calf pain)

You can also check out our Pinterest Board, where you’ll find our complete stretching series, as well as infographics and diagrams with our favourite stretches to prevent and treat foot pain.

4. Perform Strengthening Exercises

Like stretches that focus on pain relief, strengthening exercises do the same by preventing flare-ups and helping with foot soreness. This is because muscle and joint weakness are a common cause of many common foot conditions; strengthening the muscles counteracts this weakness. Strengthening exercises that focus on the ankles, calves, and feet also improve your flexibility and range of motion. Not only that, but regular strengthening may even reduce your chances of sustaining a foot or ankle injury, according to Healthline. Here are some of our favourite strengthening exercises:

Banded toe pulls (ankle strengthening)
Big toe extension lunge (big toe strengthening and mobility improvement)
Toe curls (top of the foot and toe strengthening)

For easy access to our stretches and exercises, check out our Pinterest board!

5. Try Superfeet Insoles

Superfeet insoles are a great way to reduce foot pain. These insoles come in a wide variety of colours, but the green and orange designs are particularly useful in managing foot pain. Superfeet insoles are exceptionally comfortable for a few reasons. First, the heels are sculpted to provide comfort and pain relief for people with different arch types (i.e.: flat feet and high arches). Often, foot pain is associated with improper arch support. Next, the midsole and foundation of Superfeet insoles provide extra layers of cushioning, reducing pressure on the weight-bearing areas of the foot.

Green Superfeet insoles are one of the most popular and effective choices for pain relief. Orange Superfeet insoles are also known for their pain relief and are similar to the green version but are made with extra cushioning. There are numerous other versions of Superfeet insoles. You can check out this blog post to learn more about the benefits of the other colours available.

6. Try Ankle and Knee Sleeves

Sometimes the pain is more concentrated in the ankle area in addition to the foot. Splinting, bracing and taping is a big part of Feet First Clinic. We also offer sleek ankle compression sleeves to patients. The AF7 KZT Ankle bracing sleeve is an excellent alternative to a clunky, awkward ankle brace. Designed to relieve pain associated with ankle injuries, this sleeve will have you quickly enjoying your everyday active life. They work by stabilizing the area while distributing different levels of compression to targeted parts of the foot and ankle, specially designed to treat specific foot conditions. There is one catered to treating plantar fasciitis and another for Achilles tendoniti s.

Knee issues can also play a significant role in foot pain. It’s like the old Skeleton Song nursery rhyme; everything in our body is connected. When we have knee problems, the ankle and feet have to compensate. So it’s important not to neglect the other joints in our body. That’s why we also offer the KS7 Knee Compression Sleeve. Like the ankle sleeves, the knee sleeve helps stabilize the structures in the knee, while delivering gentle compression to the area. Best of all, they’re thin and can easily fit under your clothes without being bulky.

7. Invest in Custom Orthotics

Medical devices like custom orthotics can successfully manage foot pain. Orthotics are inserts for your shoes that help align and support the structures in your feet and alleviate pressure on certain foot areas. Most importantly, custom orthotics can also correct biomechanical abnormalities with your gait (the way your move when you walk). This sets them apart from over-the-counter insoles. For the past 12 years, our chiropodists have provided orthotics to people from all walks of life. Check out this complete guide to custom orthotics.

The process of dispensing custom orthotics to our patients involves three main steps:

Orthotic assessment: The first step involves noting your medical history, assessing your footwear and asking about your regular activities. Next, your foot specialist will perform a biomechanical assessment which involves a range of motion assessment, weight-bearing assessment and gait analysis. We can also perform video gait analysis on request.
Casting: The second step involves capturing an exact replication of the foot using plaster. The plaster molds are then used to create your custom orthotics!
Fitting: When your custom orthotics are ready to use, Feet First will schedule a fitting appointment for you. Your chiropodist will make sure your orthotics fit properly and ensure you understand how they work.

Sometimes orthotics also need repairs, which our clinic is happy to accommodate.

8. Enjoy Some At-Home Foot Care

It’s easy to overlook the connection between foot care and foot pain. But there is one: when we don’t properly care for the skin and nails on our feet, it can lead to issues like corns, blisters and ingrown toenails. These can ultimately make walking very difficult.

Having some of our favourite foot care products readily available at home is a great (and relaxing) way to relieve foot pain. Achy, sore feet are no match for Gehwol products, which are curated to alleviate foot pain and soothe our feet. Feet First has been incorporating Gehwol’s unique formulas into our foot pain management plans for the past 12 years. Some products that specifically target foot soreness include the Revitalizing Rosemary Bath Salt, which stimulates blood circulation. The Extra Universal Foot Cream from Gehwol also triggers blood flow and soothes tired, aching feet. Gehwhol’s moisturizing creams and lotions work by promoting and supplementing the skin’s natural biological processes for protecting itself. Healthy, supple skin and nails protect your feet from the wear and tear of your day.

If your foot pain is the result of sore muscles and joints, foot baths (and baths in general) are the perfect way to simultaneously wind down and tackle that nagging foot pain. Drawing a warm foot bath with some Epsom salt, Gehwol’s foot bath products, and your favourite accompaniments have been proven to alleviate stiffness and soreness. Researchers also note that Epsom salt can reduce inflammation after absorption. Foot baths are especially beneficial for people with gout and arthritis, but they can also help people with tired, achy feet who could use a little rest and relaxation. Lastly, adding apple cider vinegar to your foot bath can be especially helpful for people with swollen feet and ankles.

9. Try Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are an amazing way to help manage foot pain. They go hand-in-hand (or foot-in-foot?) with other pain relief tips for many of our patients. Compression stockings that are well-fitted and prescribed by a chiropodist have been known to effectively treat foot pain and swelling associated with arthritis and circulation issues. They can also help people cope with pregnancy-related foot pain and edema (fluid accumulation in the feet and lower legs). Medical-grade compression stockings work by promoting healthy blood circulation to the muscles and reducing swelling. The fantastic way that they stimulate blood flow also reduces the chances of experiencing muscle strain. If swollen ankles and swollen feet are a frequent occurrence for you, then compression stockings are a must-have.

10. Understand Your Gait

Gait is a term that refers to the way someone walks. Some people walk in a way that distributes weight in certain areas, while others may walk with a forceful impact. Individual gaits are fascinating, and everybody’s is unique! A person’s gait can often reveal valuable information about the underlying cause of their foot pain. That’s why one of the many services at Feet First Clinic is a video gait analysis. It helps patients and their foot specialists understand how they walk and their biomechanics.

Our chiropodists can perform a video gait analysis as part of an orthotic assessment or a regular foot assessment. The video gait analysis process includes recording patients in 3D while walking or running on a treadmill – pretty cool! A chiropodist can kick start a treatment process and understand which areas experience the most pain by understanding someone’s gait. This can include specific stretching and strengthening exercises, or footwear recommendations.

11. Take Sitting Breaks

This foot pain relief tip is pretty straightforward. If your foot pain stems from working long hours on your feet, make sure you take enough time to sit down during your breaks. In addition to our other remedies, a simple break will get you through the day. If your breaks are for 30 minutes to an hour, it’s a good idea to sit down during this time.

Just as standing non-stop can hurt your feet, so can sitting all day (there’s a reason they say sitting is the new smoking). The muscles in our lower body don’t get adequate circulation if we’re sitting for prolonged periods. Not to mention, it’s bad for the back. Whether it’s your low back or knees, sore joints almost always ultimately impact the feet. So, we recommend getting up and walking around a few times an hour to keep your blood flowing and muscles moving.

You can even go the extra mile by taking your shoes off and finding a space to perform those stretches and exercises we talked about! Check out this blog post for some more thorough information on how to prevent foot pain at work.

12. Check-in With Your Foot Specialist

Alright, so we’ve been applauding our amazing chiropodists throughout this article. So of course booking an appointment with them is also one of our pain relief tips! Regularly visiting your chiropodist can help relieve your foot pain much faster than trying to figure it out independently. They’ll be able to detect what’s going on after a thorough assessment. After figuring out the issue, they can work with you on a plan of action to get you feeling better.

We’re Here to Help With Foot Pain Relief!

We’ve given you the lowdown on the many ways you can achieve pain-free feet. The past 12 years have been an incredibly enjoyable period of celebrating our patients and helping them live comfortably and to the fullest. We’re also looking forward to welcoming new faces and helping them deal with their discomfort using our effective treatment services. Give us a call to ask any questions you may have – we’ll be sure to point you in the right direction!

Call us at 416-769-FEET (3338) or Book Your Assessment Today!

12 Years of Foot Care

Posted on August 20, 2021September 24, 2021 by Brittany

Feet First Clinic is excited to announce its 12th anniversary on September 1, 2021! After 12 years of caring for people’s feet at our Toronto Foot Clinic, we want to take this opportunity to show gratitude and give back to our patients, partners, practitioners and everyone in the community who helped get us to where we are today.

As healthcare professionals, our goal has always been to achieve the best standards for our patients, and we couldn’t do it without our wonderful patients and caring staff. So, to celebrate our Bloor West foot clinic, we’re heading down memory lane (and also looking to the future!) by revisiting our clinic’s foot care services over the last 12 years.

Let’s Celebrate 12 Years of Foot Care!

Our Toronto foot specialists have offered our beloved patients an array of foot care services for the past 12 years and will proudly continue to do so. These services all promote overall foot health, maintenance and prevention of various foot conditions. From medical pedicures to diabetic foot care, the past 12 years have been an amazing journey in which our friendly foot staff has helped people from all walks of life achieve foot health, and as a result, a better quality of life. Some of these foot care services include:

Medical Pedicures, Nail Care and Skincare
Diabetic foot care
Footwear
Foot care products

Nail Care, Skincare & Medical Pedicures

Nail Care & Ingrown Toenails

Our toenails can give us a lot of grief when they’re not properly cared for. There’s a lot more to caring for our toenails than you’d expect, and if it’s not done right, it can lead to complications like cracked toenails and ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails in particular can be a real pain. Commonly affecting the big toe, symptoms include pain and redness along the edge of the nail. In serious cases, infections can occur, causing tenderness, swelling and pus. With our nail care services, our chiropodists can detect the formation of an ingrown toenail and treat it in many different ways, depending on its severity.

The thickness and composition of our toenails also change over time. They can yellow, thicken and become brittle and delicate. When this happens, they become prone to other nail issues that can ultimately lead to discomfort and pain. Fortunately, our services are designed to address all these things: In addition to proper trimming and filing, nail care treatment also involves strengthening the cuticles and the nails themselves.

Want to learn more about toenail care? Check out these articles:

Skincare, Calluses & Corns

When we think of skincare, our feet are sometimes the last body parts that come to mind. A common misconception is that the skin on our feet doesn’t need as much care and attention as other body parts, like the face and hands. This couldn’t be further from the truth! For 12 years and counting, we’ve been providing foot care services that treat the skin on our feet. Foot care for the skin typically involves targeting and preventing various conditions, such as:

Calluses: Our chiropodists can soften and remove calluses using sterilized tools.
Blisters: Includes blister drainage and preventing infection.
Corns: Similar to calluses, foot specialists can shave down corns.
Cracked heels: Focuses on skin rejuvenation and restoring the skin’s natural elasticity.
Diabetes-related complications: This involves inspecting the feet for wounds and managing other skin issues on the feet, like corns, calluses, etc. Keep reading to learn more about our diabetic foot care services.

Looking for more info on skincare for your feet? Check out these posts:

Medical Pedicures

Of course, it’s always ideal to prevent issues before they happen and start causing problems. That is why Feet First offers medical pedicures to our patients. With a medical pedicure, you can care for both your toenails and skin in the same appointment. A critical aspect of foot care, medical pedicures are all about prevention and upkeep. They keep your nails clean and are a key component to overall foot health. Not only do they tackle potential foot conditions like ingrown toenails, calluses, and fungal infections, but they also keep your nails and feet looking their absolute best.

Routine medical pedicures differ from cosmetic pedicures by focusing on healthy feet rather than aesthetics (although your feet always look amazing afterwards!) Our medical pedicure service includes an examination, precise nail trimming, and thorough cleaning of the cuticles and nail folds. Next, your chiropodist smoothens your nails with a file and inspects your feet for corns, calluses and any skin irregularities. Your chiropodist can then remove or soften any calluses. The process ends with a rejuvenating moisturizing session to prevent cracked and dry skin. The foot care products used at our Toronto foot clinic are specially designed to strengthen the skin’s natural protective properties and help it retain moisture. This helps prevent calluses, corns and blisters, protects your feet from the elements, and keeps them looking soft and smooth.

More resources on medical pedicures:

Diabetic Foot Care

Helping people with diabetes is one of the most important foot care services at Feet First Clinic. Diabetic neuropathy can cause loss of sensation to the limbs and feet. This is problematic because pain is our body’s way of telling us something is wrong so that we can fix it: if we lose feeling in our feet, it means we may not notice if there’s something wrong that needs our attention.

On top of that, diabetic patients don’t have enough blood flow to their feet due to peripheral vascular disease. Good blood flow is required to stimulate the body’s healing process and immune response. Without it, the feet cannot heal properly from wounds. That means otherwise benign issues that typically go away on their own, like a callus or sore, cannot heal properly and may become infected. Even worse, the compromised immune system in diabetes patients means infections can easily grow and spread. Without proper foot care, this can lead to ulcers, gangrene, or – worst case scenario – amputation.

Therefore, to manage and prevent complications, it’s important to be proactive and get regular treatment from a foot specialist for routine foot care. For the past 12 years and for years to come, our Toronto chiropodists pride themselves in providing the following services for diabetes patients:

Regular foot assessments: We can’t stress this enough: Regular foot assessments are a must for diabetes patients. Our chiropodists inspect each foot for early ulcer development and other abnormalities. Because diabetic patients are prone to blood circulation and nerve issues, our foot specialists also assess blood flow in the calf and foot area and check the feet for any nerve damage. This is crucial for people with diabetes.
Nail and skincare: Diabetic feet are very sensitive and prone to complications, so the nails and skin require extra special care and attention. It can be hard to do this yourself to the level and precision required for diabetic patients: When you have diabetes, accidental cuts, nicks and irritations that may occur with DIY care or at a nail salon is a risk you cannot afford. That is why our chiropodists offer regular nail and skin care specially catered to the needs of diabetic feet. They also always look for other skin issues, like calluses, lacerations, skin irritation, and more. This is imperative to avoid infections.
Wound inspection: Again, diabetic neuropathy can lead to unnoticed wounds on the feet, and poor blood flow means these wounds may not properly heal. A chiropodist can inspect for wounds, nicks, cuts or scratches during foot care assessments, so you can nip any nicks in the you-know-what before they become an issue.

Here are some more blog posts on diabetic foot care:

Foot Care Products

As your one-stop-shop for all things foot-related, we offer more than just foot care services! We’re also dedicated to offering only the best foot care products. Foot care products that clean and deodorize your feet, protect your feet from future conditions, and moisturize your feet go hand-in-hand with foot care services! Check below for some information about some of the products we highly recommended:

Creams

Moisturizing is more than soft, silky skin: Moisture is also key to maintaining your skin’s protective properties and resiliency. Keeping our feet properly moisturized helps to prevent many foot conditions like calluses, corns, blisters, cracked heels and more. Gehwol’s foot creams do just that! They work by locking in moisture and supporting skin renewal. They contain high concentrations of urea, which is the compound responsible for helping moisture bind to your skin, so you don’t need to worry about having to keep reapplying your moisturizer as soon as it’s absorbed. On top of keeping your feet protected, these luxurious products make your feet feel amazing. By incorporating lush ingredients like honey extract, milk peptides, and avocado oil, Gehwol’s foot creams leave your feet feeling exceptionally polished and soft.

A patient and chiropodist favourite is Gehwol’s Lipidro Cream. It replenishes and restores the naturally occurring lipids in our skin, so the skin on your feet stays strong and resilient.

Salves and balms

Our Med Salve from Gehwol is perfect for healing cracked heels and skin on the feet. If you struggle with cracked, inflamed skin, it’s a good idea to invest in this product. It’ll help reduce inflammation, and regular application helps your skin become more resilient over time. Ingredients include Vaseline, Bisabolol, zinc oxide, eucalyptus oil and medicated soap. Gehwol also has a leg balm that keeps your calves feeling rejuvenated, and is great for massaging tired, sore muscles.

Deodorants

A crucial part of foot care is fighting embarrassing foot odour. When you kick your shoes off for the day, you want your feet to smell nice and feel soft and smooth. Not only that, but your feet and shoes should coexist happily, which means avoiding a damp, itchy environment (fungal infections love those!) To achieve this, Gehwol has several different types of deodorants! From their deodorant spray to their cream, they all successfully keep your feet dry, fight fungal growth, and defeat foot odour.

Cushioning and Pads

Sometimes foot care is about preventing a foot condition from getting worse! For instance, Gehwol’s cushioning pads are excellent for helping with hammertoes. Furthermore, their toe protection rings help prevent warts and corns from worsening, and their gel pads are ideal for avoiding callus formation and worsening.

Foot files

Filing the bottoms of your feet is an enjoyable part of self-care, and of course, foot care. With a foot file, you can experience one of the best parts of a pedicure from home! Use it to scrape away dead skin, buff your feet and soften calluses. It comes with a soft and rough side, which work together to keep your feet looking their best.

Footwear

Footwear is a significant part of foot care! Ill-fitting, unsupportive for poorly constructed footwear is often the culprit behind many common foot issues. Well-fitted footwear with enough breathing room, cushioning, arch support and shock absorption is a crucial aspect of keeping your feet healthy. Your shoes should never rub against your feet uncomfortably. If they do, it creates a breeding ground for blisters, cracked toenails (from toenails repeatedly hitting the sides of the shoes), corns, and more! (Not to mention general foot pain). Furthermore, if you’re prone to ingrown toenails and would like to avoid them, you should make sure your shoes have enough room in the toe box.

Regularly checking in on your footwear to make sure your foot needs are being met can also help manage debilitating foot pain. Prevention is crucial, so investing in your footwear early and incorporating it into your foot care routines can only benefit you! Everyone owes it to themselves to make sure their footwear supports their biomechanical needs, so their muscles and joints can stay healthy and injury-free. Keeping track of your footwear and regularly replacing worn-out shoes should be a major component of anyone’s foot care routine.

Here are some examples of footwear services available at our Bloor West foot clinic designed to help you care for your feet:

More resources on footwear:

Here’s to Many More Years of Foot Care!

At Feet First Clinic, we’re always excited to welcome new clients! After a successful 12 years of treating our amazing patients, we’re ready to continue offering only the best foot care services and products. Give us a call to ask our friendly staff any questions you may have! Our Toronto foot specialists are ready to help!

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Book Your Assessment Today!

Post-Sports Foot Care Routine

Posted on August 17, 2021August 17, 2021 by Tim

Post-sports foot care goes well beyond just a shower. In fact, cleaning and drying your feet is just one part of what is an ideal post-sports foot care routine. Proper hygiene is essential to keep your feet and skin healthy and to avoid common foot conditions.

From hockey change rooms to sweating inside your shoes for hours, sports present a noteworthy challenge for general foot hygiene. It not only takes proper precaution – like wearing the right shoes – but it requires discipline as well as consistency. After all, it only takes one careless instance to get something like warts from a shared public space like a swimming pool, gym shower, or locker room.

Sports-Related Foot and Skin Conditions

Overview of foot and skin conditions that are common when participating in sports

Sports are among the leading causes of foot and skin conditions, whether it’s during or after the game/activity. These are some of the leading injuries and conditions:

Blisters: A blister is a small fluid-filled bubble that forms just under the outer layer of the skin.
Athlete’s foot: Tinea pedis, commonly known as Athlete’s foot, is a contagious fungal skin infection that can affect the skin on the soles of the feet and/or between the toes.
Fungal toenail: A fungal toenail is a fungal infection of the nail. It can cause the toenail to become thick, discoloured, brittle, and fragile. As the fungal infection grows, it can crack the nail or even lift it off the nail bed. This can cause pain and discomfort.
Discoloured toenail: A discoloured toenail is the result of any number of toe conditions including subungual hematoma (bruising or bleeding under the nail), complications from an ingrown toenail, or a fungal nail infection
Achilles tendonitis: Achilles tendonitis is a painful condition that occurs when the Achilles tendon (the tendon at the back of the ankle that connects your heel to your calf) becomes inflamed.
Heel spur: A heel spur (also known as a “calcaneal spur”) is a bony growth that protrudes on the underside of the heel bone.
Foot odour: Bromhidrosis occurs when your feet have an unusual and unpleasant smell. It can be a sign of poor hygiene, fungal or bacterial infection. It can be commonly associated with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
Plantar Warts: Warts are a contagious viral skin condition that is typically contracted in public spaces like swimming pools, gym showers, locker rooms, and change rooms. You can get them when your foot comes into contact with an infected surface.

For a comprehensive list of common injuries and conditions by sport – from tennis to soccer – read our comprehensive guide on sports and injuries.

What It Looks Like: A Post Sports Foot Care Routine

Seven suggestions for a sports foot care routine

Use a gentle soap and clean between your toes. After bathing, thoroughly dry your feet. This helps keep fungus and bacteria at bay. A nasty case of athlete’s foot can keep you from training. Products such as Gehwol Refreshing Foot Bath counteract sore, aching, and sweaty feet while invigorating tired feet, soothing sore feet, and eliminating any unpleasant burning sensation.
Change your socks often. That might mean several times a day if you train often or your feet tend to sweat a lot. Socks with special pads or moisture-wicking properties are highly recommended.
Keep your socks, slippers, or flip-flops on. Public places like swimming pool areas are prime grounds for warts, athlete’s foot, fungus, and bacterial infections. When barefoot, clean and dry your feet afterward.
Your shoes should be as clean as your socks. Never leave your sports equipment and footwear in a dark, damp place (like your bag). Dry them out as soon as possible and have more than one pair if possible. You can use disposable liners and remove them after use. You can also use foot powder to help prevent foot odour and to help draw moisture away from the skin, like Gehwol Foot & Shoe Deodorant. It’s an antifungal spray that’s perfect for sports players. You can spray it into your shoes or on your feet when you’re on the go.
Keep your toenails trimmed. Cut your toenails like a pro. Wash and dry your feet first, use the proper toenail clippers, and clip straight across while filing jagged edges. For more assistance, we offer complete nail care treatment here at the clinic. No referral is necessary.
Monitor your feet: Foot conditions like calluses and corns are the result of constant pressure and friction on your feet. Check your feet regularly to see if you spot early signs of these foot issues. A foot file is a great way to gently buff away any rough, dry, and calloused skin.
Blister control: Blisters are among the most common sports-related foot condition. These are small, fluid-filled bubbles on the uppermost layer of the skin. The blisters on your feet are most often caused by friction from shoes, although they can also occur as a result of extreme temperatures, chemical exposure, and certain medical conditions. If you get a blister, don’t pop it. Instead, wear shoes that reduce pressure in the area of concern, and cover it with a band-aid or gauze will provide added protection. You can also use Moleskin to help reduce friction.

Choose The Right Footwear

Investing in your feet starts with the proper footwear, both in terms of usage, and in fit

A foot care routine starts before issues arise. Footwear is the most important piece of equipment for your feet. Why not invest in a pair that fits, and keeps you injury-free? There are shoes designed specifically for each sport so choose accordingly.

In fact, ill-fitting shoes are the leading cause of foot pain and foot problems: 8 out of 10 people’s shoes fit incorrectly. At Feet First Clinic we put your feet first: feet are the foundation of your body and choosing footwear that fits properly is critical for preventing injury. We carry a variety of leading footwear brands and offer a free shoe fitting so you leave with the perfect pair.

Every footcare routine should start with the right pair of shoes.

Know When To Stop

Holding back can help prevent injury and foot conditions down the road

Proper discipline can stop most foot conditions and injuries in their tracks. Many foot conditions arise from repetitive trauma to a specific area without adequate rest. Allowing your body to rest and recover after playing sports ensures your feet have enough time to recover.

Injuries related to overuse include plantar fasciitis, bone injuries (stress fractures, for example), Achilles tendinopathy, and toe joint pain to name a few.

Your Foot Care Solutions Live Here!

From footwear to foot care products, we’re your one-stop-shop

All under one roof! Our team handles any and all foot health concerns. From mild, to critical, we cover all sides of the foot needs spectrum. Call us to ask about actionable steps towards your solution today!

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Book Your Assessment Today!

Book an appointment

Fall Footwear Essentials Everyone Can Use

Here are Some Fall Footwear Essentials We’ll Discuss Today

Fall Boots

Sorel’s Madson II Chelsea Boot

Sorel’s Emelie II Lace Boot

Waterproof Boots for Kids

Moisture Wicking Socks and Compression Stockings

Sigvaris Group

Slippers

Manawan II Slipper From Sorel

Go™ Coffee Run Slipper From Sorel

Foot Cream

We’ve Got Your Fall Footwear Needs Covered!

How Changing Seasons Can Affect Your Feet

Cracked and Peeling Skin

Swollen Feet

Weight Fluctuations

Storm Season And Joint Pain

Are The Changing Seasons Hurting Your Feet? We’re Here For You!

Barefoot at home

Stand up regularly and stretch

Reduce inflammation

Understand and use your extended health benefits

Your work-from-home foot care solutions live here!

Your Running and Walking Solutions Live Here

3 Main Dangers of Being Barefoot

Danger #1: Worsens Foot Conditions

Danger #2: Higher Risk of Infections

Danger #3: Higher Risk of Injury

Going Barefoot? Don’t Forget Your Foot Health!

Use Sunscreen On Your Feet (Both Sides!)

Check Your Feet Regularly

Common Summer Foot Conditions

Treating Sunburns

Skin Damage Risk Factors

Your Foot Care Solutions Live Here!

Feet First Clinic’s Top-12 Blog Articles: Our Picks

How-Tos

Foot Conditions

Footwear and Biomechanics

Services

12 Years Of Serving You, Here’s to Many More!

Here Are Our Top 12 Tips For Foot Pain Relief:

1. Wear Shoes That Fit Properly

2. Wear Supportive Footwear that Suit Your Foot Type

3. Stretch, Stretch, Stretch!

4. Perform Strengthening Exercises

5. Try Superfeet Insoles

6. Try Ankle and Knee Sleeves

7. Invest in Custom Orthotics

8. Enjoy Some At-Home Foot Care

9. Try Compression Stockings

10. Understand Your Gait

11. Take Sitting Breaks

12. Check-in With Your Foot Specialist

We’re Here to Help With Foot Pain Relief!

Let’s Celebrate 12 Years of Foot Care!

Nail Care, Skincare & Medical Pedicures

Nail Care & Ingrown Toenails

Skincare, Calluses & Corns

Medical Pedicures

Diabetic Foot Care

Foot Care Products

Creams

Salves and balms

Deodorants

Cushioning and Pads

Foot files

Footwear

Here’s to Many More Years of Foot Care!

Sports-Related Foot and Skin Conditions

What It Looks Like: A Post Sports Foot Care Routine

Choose The Right Footwear

Know When To Stop

Your Foot Care Solutions Live Here!

Conditions We Treat

Our Services

Meet Our Chiropodists