Get the Best Shoe Replacements at Feet First Clinic

July 10, 2019

Your feet hurt, and they hurt all of the time. Before you think about booking a foot massage or taking an Epsom salt bath, you need to take a look at your shoes to see if they’re the reasons behind your aches and pains.

Check to see if they’re worn down

If you’re experiencing foot pain, the first thing you need to do is check your shoes to see if they need to be thrown out and replaced. Over time, the support and structure that you need in a shoe will break down and your feet will suffer the consequences.

Shoes don’t have an expiration date printed on the heel, so you have to look for proof that your shoes are breaking down:

The tread on the sole is worn down and smooth
The heel on one shoe has gotten lower than the other’s heel
There are holes in the mesh
The lining is splitting open
They look like they’re falling apart

You should also ask yourself when you first bought the shoes. Any pair that has been in your closet for over a year could be replaced, depending on their quality and how often you wear them. The more often you wear a pair of shoes, the sooner you will need to find replacements. For instance, a pair of running shoes will degrade faster than other styles because they’re used often, and they pound more pavement than the average sandal or slipper.

Check to see if they’re the right size

Another reason why you may be experiencing foot pain is that your shoes aren’t the right fit for your feet. Try to look for signs that they’re too big or too small.

If they’re too big, your heel will slip out and the shoe will slide around while you’re walking. The friction from the material moving up and down your foot can give you blisters and bruised toenails.

If they’re too small, you won’t be able to take them off without undoing all of the laces. They shouldn’t take too much effort to pull off. You may notice numbness or strain on the top of the foot, or a burning sensation when you’re running.

Don’t assume that discomfort is normal for brand-new shoes. A pair of dress shoes should be comfortably snug but not tight or painful when you first try them on. “Breaking them in” will only stretch the leather so much. If they’re too snug, come to Feet First Clinic to get them stretched out so that you don’t have to suffer pinching or blisters. Other shoe styles can’t be “broken in” in the same way.

When you buy new shoes, have your feet measured and make sure that they fit properly right off the bat.

Check to see if they’re the right shoes

Certain types of shoes won’t offer you good support or structure. If you depend on these styles too much, you’re going to deal with painful foot conditions. For example, high-heeled shoes can cause hammertoe and mallet-toe because the toes get crowded into the toe box and instinctively curl.

The first step in choosing proper footcare is taking the shoes that are causing you discomfort out of your closet and tossing them away for good. Replace them with comfortable and supportive shoes that can ease the pain and improve your foot conditions — if you act quickly, you might see a major turnaround!

If you don’t know where to go after throwing out your bad shoes, we can help you find great replacements and put your best foot forward with our impressive line of stylish orthopaedic footwear.

Your shoes are the likeliest cause behind your foot pain. Take some time to investigate if they’re too old, too big, too small or too unsupportive to stay in your closet. Then, go shopping to get yourself some footwear that is kinder to your feet.

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!

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March 23, 2023

Understanding and Managing Foot Pain in Diabetic Patients

Diabetes is a serious illness that affects people from all over the world. Type 1 or type 2 diabetes can lead to several complications, like heart disease, kidney problems, vision issues, oral health deterioration, and more. But one of the most common problems diabetes patients face is diabetic foot pain and other foot problems that can transform into serious complications when left unchecked. Today's blog will discuss the following: The causes of diabetic foot pain Diabetes-related foot complications Diabetic foot pain treatment at a foot clinic Self-care tips and at-home diabetic foot care Photo by Artem Podrez from Pexels What Causes Diabetic Foot Pain? The main culprit behind type 1 and type 2 diabetes-related foot pain is diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes patients struggle with four types of neuropathy, all of which cause nerve damage: Peripheral Neuropathy: This is the most relevant categorization of neuropathy when discussing foot pain causes. It affects the lower extremities (feet and legs), arms and hands. It occurs when high blood sugar and triglyceride levels damage the nerves and tiny blood vessels in the circulatory system, causing poor blood flow. Symptoms include shooting foot pain, "pins and needles," numbness, weakness and burning sensations. Autonomic Neuropathy: This is similar to peripheral, except the nerve damage affects the body's organs rather than the limbs. Proximal Neuropathy: A rare type of nerve damage that causes severe hip, buttock, or thigh pain. Focal Neuropathies: Rare singular/local (hence "focal") nerve damage, typically in the hand, head, torso, or leg. Diabetes-Related Foot Complications Whether it's numbness or pain, it is extremely important to pay attention to the warning signs your feet give when you have diabetes. Moreover, your feet often fail to signal problems to your brain due to neuropathy. This means you also need to consistently inspect your feet and visit a foot specialist for an extra set of eyes and expertise (more on that later!) If you don't, debilitating complications with varying degrees of pain and discomfort may creep up. These include: Skin changes like dry skin and cracked heels. This occurs due to nerve damage preventing your body's natural oil and moisture production. If you cannot feel cold, heat and other sensations on your feet, you may be unaware of a foot injury. This can lead to a worsening injury or infection if the skin is broken and you haven't noticed. Calluses are common in people with diabetes, and the more they thicken, the more likely they are to become an ulcer (open sores or lesions that will not heal). Peripheral artery disease (plaque buildup in the arteries) can arise in diabetic patients. Like neuropathy, it reduces blood flow, so you don't notice ulcers, infections and injuries. Aggressive infections and ulcers without treatment can lead to gangrene or amputations. Edema (swelling): This is caused by nerve damage and the subsequent fluid buildup in the body's lower extremities. Swelling can cause pain and mobility problems. Diabetic Foot Pain Treatment at a Foot Clinic Since diabetes impacts our feet, patients should find a chiropodist and schedule regular appointments. The general recommendation is no less than once yearly but more frequently if nerve damage is present. Not only can foot specialists help with pain management, but consistent foot inspections are critical for spotting the beginning stages of a complication. Some of the main ways chiropodists help with diabetic foot pain include: Skin health assessments and maintenance Foot assessments Custom orthotics Footwear recommendations Skin Health Assessments and Maintenance This is one of the most important jobs a chiropodist will do. They can notice signs of ulcer development, infections and other skin abnormalities. Chiropodists also perform regular diabetic foot care on diabetes patients, so they don't develop ingrown toenails or fungal infections. Foot Assessments Your chiropodist will check your vascular (circulation) health via regular inspections. They will also check your foot temperature, look for swelling, and check the colour of your feet. They can also ask what type of foot sensations you're feeling, like tingling, shooting pain or burning and proceed from there. This is included with Feet First Clinic's diabetic foot care services. Custom Orthotics Orthotics make walking much easier, as they distribute body weight evenly across the foot while reducing pressure and friction and relieving the foot's pressure points. They also help regulate your motion and correct any abnormal gait patterns you develop while struggling with foot pain. Chiropodists can provide orthotics via a thorough a biomechanical assessment. Footwear Recommendations Footwear modifications can help reduce diabetic foot pain, and the special shapes and designs of orthpaedic footwear can accommodate neuropathy symptoms more successfully than standard footwear. Diabetic patients often need deep shoes to support orthotics and to manage the discomfort and pain they experience when dealing with swelling. Diabetes patients also need footwear with little to no seams in order to reduce pressure points and friction against the foot. Companies such as APEX and Anodyne make shoes especially for diabetes patients. Self-Care Tips and At-Home Diabetic Foot Care Orthopedic slippers can help manage foot pain and allow you to move around your home more freely. Soak your feet in a warm foot bath to ease stress and soothe aches and pains. Try your best to regulate blood sugar levels to help fight nerve damage. Inspect your feet and keep them clean. Note: do not try to get rid of calluses and other skin abnormalities on your own. Schedule an appointment with your chiropodist if you notice callus buildup or skin problems. Keep on top of diabetes routines not directly related to your feet. This includes proper medication management and regularly checking your blood pressure at the local pharmacy and doctor's office. Light exercises and stretches can be beneficial for diabetic foot pain. For example, rolling your feet on a ball (or water bottle) or scrunching your toes to pick up a towel can strengthen your feet. And those are just two examples! Most foot stretches are easy to perform and relieve pain in different ways. Low-impact activities like swimming and walking can also be beneficial.

March 16, 2023

The Importance of Foot Care for People with Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you suffer from Rheumatoid arthritis, chances are you're already scheduling regular appointments with a chiropodist. And if you aren't, you may be overdue. This serious condition requires assistance and guidance from a healthcare professional. That said, it's truly amazing what practicing foot care on your own time can help you achieve. The two main goes of foot care for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are pain management and avoiding complications. Today we will discuss how lifestyle factors such as shoe choices and exercises can help you structure your life around RA with less discomfort. But first, let's break down everything we'll discuss today: What is Rheumatoid arthritis? Best shoes for Rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis and exercises Additional foot care practices for RA What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that wreaks havoc on your joints by mistakenly targeting the body's healthy cells, leading to inflammation. It most commonly affects the feet, hands, wrists and knees. It's critical to take Rheumatoid arthritis seriously. If you don't pay attention to foot care and neglect regular check-ups, you may be putting yourself at risk of developing complications. These include osteoporosis, an increased body mass index (BMI), heart and lung problems, and a compromised immune system that leaves you more vulnerable to infections. Click here to read more on RA, including symptoms, treatments from a chiropodist, and helpful medications. Best Shoes for Rheumatoid Arthritis One way to practice foot care and pain management with RA is to be extremely vigilant about your shoes. Medical News Today notes that people with RA should look for shoes with a wide-toe box, rocker bottoms and cushioning with arch support. Adjustable straps and breathable materials can also be beneficial to maximize comfort levels. Rocker bottoms: Also called rocker soles, this shoe feature can reduce pain and help with mobility and activity limitation in RA patients. They are designed to reduce pressure under the ball of the foot and excessive toe motion. Wide toe box: Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to foot deformities in the form of severe bunions, claw toes and hammertoes. It can also cause severely flat feet, and a widened forefoot, sometimes called splay foot. Rheumatoid nodules (firm bumps of tissue) can also pop up anywhere along the affected area. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box is imperative for maintaining a certain comfort level and accommodating these deformities. Adjustable straps: When you have Rheumatoid arthritis, having more room in the entire shoe to accommodate stiff joints and deformities can be a major plus. Breathable materials: A 2019 study highlighting important features of retail shoes for women with RA found that breathable materials (such as soft mesh uppers) were crucial for most patients. Cushioning and arch support: The same study reported that most women found shoes with adequate rearfoot and forefoot cushioning most comfortable. Women said the same about longitudinal arch support. The Clarks Wave 2.0 has a rocker sole Rheumatoid Arthritis and Exercise An exercise routine can help most people with arthritis in the lower extremities. We're not talking about exerting energy levels you aren't comfortable with or practicing difficult workouts and training. We know that mobility constraints will always be an issue. Exercises should simply work the muscles in your feet and lower half to prevent atrophy from a lack of use and help with pain management and mobility. Here are some multi-purposeful exercises that can also help with RA: Toe Flex and Raise https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/782007922800908317/ Ankle Circles / Alphabet https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/782007922798992582/ Calf Stretch on a Stair https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/782007922800908193/ Be sure to also check out our two-part series on the best exercises for arthritis! Part 1 Part 2 Additional Foot Care Practices for RA The RICE Method: Sometimes, your pain may flare up to the point where all you can do is be patient and wait until it passes. Luckily the magical combination of rest, ice (or heat), compression, and elevation can help you accommodate severe pain and swelling. Summer footwear: During the warm months, wear sandals with open toes. Warmth: Keep your feet as warm as possible, as cold air can worsen joint pain. A heating pad can also be very helpful for loosening stiff muscles. Foot baths: The warm water in foot baths can loosen up stiff joints. Try adding Gehwol foot bath products for added comfort! Meditation: Stress can often trigger RA flare-ups, so reducing anxiety via healthy, quiet rumination can be a wonderful preventative measure. Other stress-reducing lifestyle habits include taking walks (when physically able) and listening to soothing music.

March 13, 2023

Effective Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

Arch pain is among the most common forms of foot discomfort. It can be particularly uncomfortable because of how critical the arch and heel are to the foot. The arch is the supporting foundation of our feet and appropriately resembles the shape of an aqueduct. Given the daily demands of life, it's easy to see how these structures can become overworked and damaged. The most common cause of arch pain and heel pain is a condition called plantar fasciitis. Keep reading to learn about the most effective plantar fasciitis treatments, including shockwave therapy, custom orthotics, and pain management solutions, to help you conquer the pain of plantar fasciitis for good. What's plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is when you experience pain or discomfort in the heel and underside of the foot - including the arch. Inflammation or irritation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that extends between the heel bone and the arch, triggers plantar fasciitis. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis may include: Pain in the heel or underside of the foot. Pain may peak in the morning or after prolonged periods of standing or walking. Stiffness and tenderness in the foot. Swelling or redness in the foot. Difficulty walking or standing for long periods. What causes plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is a common condition, especially among athletes and people who spend long periods on their feet. Understanding the source of your plantar fasciitis can help determine the best plantar fasciitis treatments for you. Causes of plantar fasciitis include: Overuse: Repetitive activities that stress the plantar fascia, such as running, jumping, or standing for long periods, can overwork the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and pain. Lower leg biomechanics: Some foot structures can stress the plantar fascia and increase the risk of plantar fasciitis. Flat feet or high arches, for instance, may cause plantar fasciitis by adding stress to the muscle group. Footwear: Improper footwear that (1) doesn't provide enough arch support, (2) doesn't have enough support or cushioning, or (3) doesn't fit properly can all contribute to plantar fasciitis. Age: Plantar fasciitis is common in people over 40, as the plantar fascia loses elasticity and becomes more prone to injury with age. Medical conditions: Obesity, diabetes, and osteoarthritis can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis. Tight or weak muscles: Tight muscles in the calf or foot can put extra stress on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and pain. Weight: Sudden weight gain can add stress to the plantar fascia before your body acclimatizes to the high support requirement. The causes of plantar fasciitis can vary from person to person, and a combination of factors may contribute to the development of the condition. Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a chiropodist, can help identify the underlying causes of your plantar fasciitis and guide appropriate treatment. What are the effective treatment methods for plantar fasciitis? There are many effective treatments for plantar fasciitis. Depending on the severity of the condition, you can treat the pain and discomfort yourself or be better off seeing a foot specialist. We recommend the following treatments for plantar fasciitis: Rest Avoiding activities that cause pain can help reduce inflammation and allow the plantar fascia to heal. Rest is the number one treatment method for plantar fasciitis as you remove the source cause. You may only need a few days of recovery, but more severe cases may need up to 4-6 weeks. After adequate rest, you may slowly resume physical activity and be on your feet. Ice Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling. You can freeze a water bottle, and rest your foot on top of it while sitting. The cold therapy reduces inflammation. Footwear modifications Wearing supportive shoes or inserts can help reduce stress on the plantar fascia and improve foot biomechanics. You should also remove ill-fitting footwear from your closet. Instead, choose one of our best shoes for plantar fasciitis relief. Physical therapy Physiotherapy and massage therapy effectively treats plantar fasciitis if you prefer not to DIY. At home, you can self-massage by rolling a tennis ball or frozen water bottle under the foot. Self-message strengthens the foot arch muscles and relieves tension in the inflamed plantar fascia. Stretching and strengthening are also critical parts of plantar fasciitis treatment. Towel stretches, calf stretches, tennis ball rolls, and marble pickups can help strengthen the arch and heel. Find out how to effectively do plantar fasciitis exercises here. Shockwave therapy This non-invasive innovative treatment delivers high-energy sound wave pulses to the affected area. It triggers your body's natural healing response to repair the plantar fascia and reduce pain. Shockwave therapy is scientifically proven to be a highly effective treatment for plantar fasciitis pain persisting longer than six months. Custom orthotics Custom orthotics and orthopedic shoes support the arches of your feet and reduce stress on the plantar fascia. Both also encourage proper heel-to-toe gait, which, combined with arch support, can prevent a recurrence. Taping Taping isn't just for sports. Elastic therapeutic taping techniques may prevent unwanted movements that increase strain on the plantar fascia. For example, research finds that “in the short-term, taping is beneficial in treating plantar fasciitis. The best evidence exists for low dye taping and calcaneal taping.” Behind-the-scenes, taping provides stability and structure to the muscle group. Our chiropodists at Feet First Clinic can skillfully and therapeutically tape the feet and toes to treat and prevent a variety of foot conditions and deformities.

March 6, 2023

Biomechanical Analysis for Improved Foot and Ankle Function

Our gait, or the way we walk, is like our blueprint. It's unique to every individual. But there are commonalities. Gait reveals a lot about us: gait tells us how we distribute our weight when we walk, the parts of our feet which may experience too much or too little pressure, and areas of compensation. These features factor into our biomechanics – the mechanics of our body's movement. In this article, we'll talk about how a simple biomechanical analysis can help you say goodbye to foot and ankle pain and improve your foot and ankle function. What's a biomechanical analysis? Biomechanical analysis is a helpful tool for identifying and improving foot and ankle function. Biomechanical analysis can explain factors contributing to foot and ankle injuries or dysfunction, and develop interventions to improve function and reduce the risk of injury. A biomechanical analysis also determines our gait and foot type. You may overpronate or supinate, which refers to how far inwards or outwards your ankle rolls when moving. An analysis can also provide details on your foot type: you may have high, medium, or low arches (flat feet). There are three components to a typical biomechanical analysis. Range of motion assessment: A chiropodist examines your range of motion in the major joints of the foot, ankle, hip and knee. They will check how everything in your body is aligned and the symmetry between your body's left and right sides. Generally, a higher range of motion is more ideal as it permits muscles and joints work together in unison equally. Weight-bearing assessment: A chiropodist investigates how your muscles and joints distribute weight through different movements. Gait analysis: A chiropodist carefully examines your gait to see how your feet, joints and muscles move when you walk. They will also examine how you distribute your body weight during each stage of your walking motion. Video analysis may be part of the gait analysis. Video gait analysis equipment records you from different angles while you walk on a treadmill and allows for slow-motion replays to pinpoint exact flaws or trends in your movement. Once a biomechanical assessment is complete, a chiropodist can provide a treatment and prevention plan. How do poor mechanics lead to foot conditions? Abnormalities in your gait can lead to several foot and skin conditions due to uneven weight distribution. Over- or under-pronating (supination) creates a chain reaction in your feet and ankles every time you step by disrupting the proper distribution of weight and impact across your joints and muscles. Over time, specific muscle groups are over (or under) worked, which can cause irritation and, ultimately, pain and discomfort. Common foot and ankle conditions that may stem from poor mechanics include: Bone and heel spurs Blisters Bunions Achilles tendonitis Plantar fasciitis Metatarsalgia Morton's neuroma Capsulitis How can a biomechanical analysis help your feet and ankles? Once a biomechanical analysis is complete, clinicians and researchers can use the information to develop interventions to improve foot and ankle function. Improvements may include: Exercises to strengthen weak muscles Stretching to improve flexibility. Custom foot orthotics or footwear modifications to improve foot alignment. Orthotics are custom shoe inserts specific to your feet. Orthotics aim to correct or accommodate biomechanical abnormalities, foot deformities, and a variety of joint and muscle conditions (i.e., arthritis) to improve your gait and manage pain. They do this by redistributing the force and pressure placed on our muscles and joints when we move. Overall, biomechanical analysis can be a valuable tool for improving foot and ankle function, thereby reducing the risk of injury. By identifying factors contributing to foot and ankle problems and developing targeted interventions, clinicians and researchers can help individuals maintain healthy, pain-free feet and ankles. Who can benefit from a biomechanical analysis? Many people can benefit from a biomechanical analysis to better understand their feet and how they move. A biomechanical analysis can be helpful for those looking to improve their physical performance or function, whether for sports, work, or everyday activities. In addition, those who spend a lot of time on their feet, patients with physical disabilities, and anyone who experiences foot and ankle pain can benefit from a biomechanical assessment.

March 2, 2023

The Role of Chiropodists in Preventing and Treating Foot Injuries

Many different foot issues fall under the "foot injuries" umbrella. From sprains and broken bones that leave you bedridden to overuse injuries that make your days more painful, it would take a full day to discuss every foot injury in detail! That's why we're aiming to give this article a positive spin by switching the focus to treatment and how a chiropodist can help you. But first, it's important to discern between the two types of injuries and how the type you have will determine your approach to treatment. Today's blog will discuss the following: What are some common foot injuries? Examples of overuse injuries Examples of acute injuries How do chiropodists treat and prevent foot injuries? What Are Some Common Foot Injuries? When discussing foot injury treatment, it's important to distinguish the cause of the injury and whether or not sudden, acute pain is present. Some injuries cause everyday pain flair-ups that can be a real nuisance but aren't enough to make you feel like you must go to the hospital. These are "overuse" injuries because they stem from straining your muscles and joints and withstanding repetitive, mild trauma. These injuries arise when we exert intense physical activity too quickly without proper stretching, exercising and footwear. However, you don't have to be an athlete to succumb to an overuse injury; you can also develop one due to wearing ill-fitting, unsupportive shoes while working on your feet all day. On the other hand, some injuries are sudden and result from a fall or misstep. They can also result from the blunt impact of an object falling on your foot. These are often more debilitating in the days that follow the injury. Examples of Overuse / "Everyday" Foot Injuries Achilles Tendonitis: Occurs due to Achilles tendon inflammation (connects your heel and calf along the back of the foot). Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia). Often caused by overuse, poor footwear choices and repeated walking on hard surfaces. Morton's Neuroma: Results from the irritation and thickening of the tissues surrounding the nerves that lead to your toes. Patients notice pain in the ball of the foot. Shin splints: Pain along the shin bone caused by overworking muscles, tendons and bone tissues, commonly found in athletes and dancers. Heel spurs: A calcium deposit that causes a bony protrusion underneath the heel bone. They may be painless or cause sporadic heel pain. Capsulitis (big toe or second toe): Joint inflammation in the area where the toe's base meets the foot's ball. Stress Fractures: Tiny cracks in the weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot due to overuse and playing sports with excessive jumping and running. Examples of Sudden (Acute) Foot Injuries Ankle sprains Broken bones in the foot due to blunt force trauma Bruises(contusions) Puncture wounds Ruptured tendons How Do Chiropodists Treat and Prevent Foot Injuries? Overuse / Everyday Injuries Treatment and Prevention Chiropodists are known for successfully treating and preventing overuse injuries. They pride themselves on giving patients the tools to manage pain and improve their quality of life. Some of the most effective services include: Custom orthotic fittings Recommending exercises and stretches Shockwave therapy Footwear modification guidance Periodic foot assessments Custom Orthotic Fittings These inserts fit into virtually all of your footwear, help stabilize your feet and ankles, and take the stress off the weight-bearing areas of the feet. They are one of the most multi-purposeful medical devices for foot injury recovery and can aid almost every foot condition. The goal is to use your foot as the blueprint to create the perfect pair of orthotics that keep your foot in the ideal position for healing and pain management. Recommending Exercises and Stretches for Target Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments and Joints Feet First Clinic's Pinterest Board has several options for stretches that help with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, ankle strengthening, and much more. These routines are also tools you can use to strengthen your foot, protecting you from a future overuse or sudden injury. These stretches and exercises also fit nicely into your foot care regimen! Shockwave Therapy This modern and non-invasive therapy treats soft tissue injuries like Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, Morton's neuroma and muscle strain. After thorough preparation, a chiropodist uses an applicator to deliver energy pulses to the affected areas. It is a quick, pain-free treatment lasting only 5-20 minutes. Footwear Modification Guidance Chiropodists have a keen sense of what shoes to recommend depending on individual needs. A shoe fitting at a foot clinic keeps you from developing an overuse injury and can help in the rehabilitation phase of a more severe injury. Periodic Foot Assessments A foot assessment is like a full body physical that focuses solely on your feet. Likewise, you will need updates on how your overuse or acute injury is recovering and if your progress is continuing along nicely. For those without glaring foot issues, a foot assessment is recommended once per year. If you have a healing injury, you should see your chiropodist for an assessment every six months or less, depending on your situation. Sudden Foot Injuries Treatment and Prevention Now let's get into the more debilitating foot injuries. First and foremost, you shouldn't immediately see your chiropodist after experiencing a blunt form trauma injury, sudden ankle sprain or any other type of acutely painful accident. On the day you sustain such an injury (and the immediate days that follow), you may have to get MRIs or X-ray images in addition to crutches or a physical exam from a physician. You should then practice the R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method from home while you take it easy and avoid walking. However, chiropodists can help immensely with injury recovery after the acute pain phase passes. Chiropody treatment for ankle injuries like sprains or broken bones in the foot typically occurs during rehabilitation or when the patient has begun healing and needs to regain control of their motion via therapeutic intervention. To learn what treatment methods are available, you can simply revert to our list for overuse injuries. You can also use the preventative measures we've already mentioned, but we have a few additional tips worth noting: Reduce your chances of ankle sprains by focusing on stretches that improve ankle flexibility and strength. Watch your step when walking and playing sports to avoid breaking a bone or sustaining a sprain. Wear shoes that offer extra ankle support to avoid sprains. To prevent accidents at home, wear shoes or orthopaedic slippers indoors and take your time walking while tired or impaired for any reason.

February 23, 2023

The Link Between Foot Health and Overall Wellness

Foot health isn't just important because it keeps the foundation of your body in good condition. There is also a direct link between foot health and overall wellness! Forgetting to practice foot care and foot pain management can trigger a domino effect that leads to other health problems. If you have a nagging sense that your body and mind feel generally "unwell," it could all stem from neglecting to take care of your body's foundation and lower extremities. Here are some of the most common problems associated with poor foot health that we'll discuss today: Back, hip and knee pain Posture and balance Heart health and diabetes Mental health Back, Hip and Knee Pain Our body's joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves need our feet to be in good shape. If they aren't, it can lead to a concerning trickle-down (or trickle-up!) effect that jeopardizes the rest of our body. The most common symptoms of this effect are back pain, hip pain and knee pain. First, your lower back will take a hit if you don't wear shoes with proper shock absorption and arch support. The effects will transfer upwards, resulting in low back pain. People who work long hours without the right footwear often notice this and not know the reason why. Furthermore, if you have frequent foot pain, it will alter your gait. This means you adopt abnormal walking patterns to navigate life with chronic pain, such as using your tip-toes or the outside of the feet to bear weight. The unusual walking pattern causes extra strain on the joints and muscles in your lower body from having to move in ways they weren't designed to move. This kickstarts feelings of pain and tightness in the lower back and knees. Your ankles may also roll slightly inwards or outward while walking. People with flat feet or high arches are at risk of experiencing gait-related back and knee pain. Plantar fasciitis and bunions can also trigger back pain. If you neglect to treat plantar fasciitis, the plantar fascia ligament can become so inflamed that other muscles have to compensate in order to support your weight. This ultimately affects your back. Likewise, bunions cause a misshapen structure in the feet, which can alter your posture and make it difficult to fit into supportive shoes. Modifying movements due to foot pain also takes a toll on your hips. Bilateral foot pain can lead to pain in the corresponding hips, often due to multi-joint arthritis. Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels Heart Health and Diabetes These connections aren't as farfetched as you think! Your heart is responsible for transferring oxygen-enriched blood and nutrients to your lower extremities, so if the heart cannot do this for any reason, your feet can mirror your general heart health and wellness. For example, illnesses like diabetes can be a major sign of extremely restricted blood circulation; foot swelling and numbness can be symptoms of this. Your feet can also show signs of serious heart issues, like heart disease and peripheral artery disease. You may not be able to feel a pulse in your feet, or you may notice excessively shiny skin or hair loss on your toes. Heart failure can also cause foot swelling due to excessive fluid build-up. Plaque accumulation in the arteries can also lead to foot numbness and pain, warning you of peripheral artery disease. Photo by Puwadon Sang-ngern from Pexels Posture and Balance There is a direct correlation between foot and ankle health and posture and balance. According to a study on gait posture published by the National Library of Medicine, poor postural balance in the upright position can pose a greater risk of sudden falls and resulting foot injuries in older people. The study found that improving toe flexor strength via foot stretches and exercises contributes to overall improved postural balance in people over 60. But it could also be the shape of your foot that lets you down. For instance, people with flat feet risk experiencing muscular imbalances in the legs, ankles and hips. Luckily, simple and non-invasive foot clinic services can help people with flat feet curb this problem, such as wearing custom orthotics or shoes that support a flat arch. Mental Health Can't hike on your favourite trails due to foot pain? Or perhaps you simply struggle to get out of the house due to mobility issues. Since our feet keep us moving, there is a clear link between mental and foot health. Time and time again, fitness proves to be helpful to those struggling with mental illness. But without cooperative feet, it can feel impossible to be physically fit, which leads to a sedentary lifestyle. Feeling stuck inside too often can also cause psychological stress and loneliness. Furthermore, the feeling of consistent pain can cause anxiety and depression. It can also work both ways. According to a study in Arthritis Care and Research Vol. 66, chronic foot pain can also be a symptom, or manifestation, of major depression. Photo by Suzy Hazelwood from Pexels

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Understanding and Managing Foot Pain in Diabetic Patients

The Importance of Foot Care for People with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Effective Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

Biomechanical Analysis for Improved Foot and Ankle Function

The Role of Chiropodists in Preventing and Treating Foot Injuries

The Link Between Foot Health and Overall Wellness

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Emily

Administrative Assistant

Erica Halpern

Marketing and Administrative Assistant (She/Her)

Sophie Rudahigan

Clinic Administrator (She/Her)

Bianca Carter

CEO (She/Her)

Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)