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August 13, 2021

Finding Accessible Summer Activities in Toronto

Torona, The Six, The T-dot. Our fair city, a major metropolis in Canada, is home to a variety of people with diverse backgrounds, identities and experiences. And with the city reopening ever so slightly and the warm weather here, they all want to go out and experience the great outdoors. Often overlooked and not discussed, however, is accessibility in public places.

Accessible Design or Universal Design is the method of designing public places for everyone. To be inclusive is to be aware of those with impairments or restrictions, from visual to hearing to mobility and movement. Accommodation extends beyond people with disabilities. For example, we also have new parents with strollers and a variety of health conditions to consider. Sometimes it is hard to understand unless you have firsthand experience. Check out The City of Toronto’s Accessibility Design Guidelines for more details about things you may have noticed throughout the city to make it more inclusive. Tali Osbourne, a Torontonian with a physical disability, outlines her experience in this Azure Magazine article.

Alas, there is certainly more to be done to accommodate all Torontonians. After all, having foot and muscle pain should not prevent you from enjoying the great outdoors and all the city has to offer during the summer, nor should it be a barrier to fitness and living an active lifestyle.

So, where are some outdoor accessible public places to visit and stay active in the summer? We’ve rounded up some spots for you to check out that are all-inclusive, whether you’re just hanging out and relaxing, or want a nice space for your favourite fitness activities!

 

Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre

Nothing says summer like swimming – whether it’s indoors or outdoors. The City of Toronto has ten community centre locations and two swimming pools that are not only accessible and inclusive, but provide a wonderful venue for people of all abilities to stay active. One of our favourites is the physical therapy pool at Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre, located in Mel Lastman Square in North York. Swimming is one of the best and most accessible fitness activities. It’s low-impact, so you get a super-effective without the joint strain. Not only is the pool here available for physiotherapy and rehabilitation activities (so you don’t have to fight with crowds and swimmers wandering into your space), there is also a warm-water therapeutic pool, which is great for people with arthritis. Best of all, the facilities are barrier-free.

Click here for more information about the City of Toronto’s Accessible Recreation Facilitation & Equipment. These facilities range from therapeutic warm water swimming pools, to hydrotherapy and aquafit classes, to inclusive fitness facilities and parkgrounds.

Toronto Harbourfront

This stretch along Lake Ontario is a well-known retreat from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Harbourfront spans across the lower half of the city; condos and office spaces are fortunate enough to be close by for daily access. The path is approachable to those with physical disabilities and has a breadth of space for all passersby. It makes for a great, barrier-free scenic space to squeeze in some physical activity at your own pace.

The Harbourfront Centre is also wheelchair accessible should you wish to attend an event there!

Toronto Islands

With an accessible ferry and accessible washrooms on the islands themselves, Toronto Islands is an inclusive, barrier-free recreation destination. For a bit of adventure, it’s worth the ferry ride over to the Toronto Islands to explore. Please note that during COVID, some restrictions are imposed upon ferry usage and the activities on the islands. To review the likes of Centreville or The Beaches, you can visit their sites directly.

Riverdale Park East

This park has a pergola, an outdoor pool, multipurpose sports fields, and a Commemorative AccessAbility® Table, which is a universally designed accessible picnic table ideal for outdoor recreation areas. This park is located at 550 Broadview Avenue, in the greenbelt just East of the DVP and south of Danforth. Whether you’re gathering with friends and family for a picnic, looking for a scenic outdoor fitness venue, or swimming in the sunshine, this park has it all!

Need Help Keeping Your Feet Healthy?

We love to help our clients to improve their accessibility and are always on the hunt for great Toronto destinations. Not just in the summer, but year-round! Give us a call today at Feet First (416.769.3338 (FEET) to book your appointment.

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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September 21, 2023
Polydactyly: Understanding the Rare Phenomenon of a Sixth Toe
Polydactyly is a rare genetic foot condition that causes a sixth toe (and toenail) to grow as the last toe on the foot, next to the pinky toe. However, the sixth toe can sometimes be in the center of the toes or next to the big toe. The sixth toe is often called a digit (dactyl), with “poly” referring to “many.”  Today we’re going to answer all your questions regarding this rare condition, including: What are the causes of polydactyly? How does polydactyly affect foot health? How can you manage polydactyly? Photo by Daisy Laparra on Pexels Causes of Polydactyly Polydactyly is more common in children. This is because many adults will have had the sixth digit removed during their toddler years. Outside of genetics and genetic diseases, there are no known causes. A child can also be born with a sixth digit for no reason.  How Does Polydactyly Affect Foot Health? Polydactyly does not usually cause foot pain.  As far as toe conditions go, the main issue is finding accommodating footwear. Patients may need to search for specialized shoes and medical shoes. The emotional toll a condition like polydactyly can take on a person may be more pressing than the physical toll, and can lead to self-esteem issues.  Photo by FreePik How to Manage Polydactyly Managing polydactyly often involves simply removing a child’s sixth toe.  Many sixth digits develop poorly and don’t look the same as other toes and fingers. These are generally removed via in-office excision (more common for extra fingers) or surgery under anesthesia (more common for extra toes).  If parents of children with a sixth digit wish to remove it, they should seek surgical intervention when the child is around one or two years old. This allows the bone to grow to the point where the cosmetic outcome is more favourable. This is also a good age since your child will likely not recall having this problem later in life and, according to Boston Children’s Hospital, can tolerate anesthesia more than an infant.  Children who've had a sixth toe removed should get regular chiropody care after they recover from surgery. If you’ve had a sixth toe removed as a child, you should also seek regular chiropody care into your adult years. Services like gait analyses, custom orthotic fittings, callus and skin care, and more can ensure foot health is on the right track. Photo by jcomp from Freepik
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September 18, 2023
Why Your Ankle Cracks When Rotating: A Comprehensive Guide
Although it may sound scary, ankle cracking isn't necessarily a sign to worry about. Often, ankle cracking is normal and, fortunately, harmless.  There's a minor chance ankle popping can signify an underlying condition like a sprain or tendon damage, but that's not generally the case. Ankle cracking or popping when rotating can be a common occurrence for some people. However, this doesn't mean you should ignore ankle cracking altogether. You should monitor and assess whether you experience pain elsewhere or any other symptoms associated with the ankle popping (for instance, deep pain that could be a sign of a stress fracture). Understanding your recent history also helps - be extra careful if you've experienced a recent injury or trauma. Whether severe or a non-issue, we recommend brushing up on the possible reasons your ankle cracks when rotating. Read more in our comprehensive guide below. Gas bubble release The most common cause of ankle cracks when rotating is cavitation. When you rotate your ankle, the movement can cause tiny gas bubbles to form and collapse within the synovial fluid that lubricates the joint. This sudden collapse of gas bubbles can produce an audible cracking or even popping sound. Ankle cracking in this context is normal and harmless. Ligament or tendon movement Ankle cracks when cracking can also be due to the movement of ligaments or tendons over bony structures in the ankle joint. They may produce a popping sensation or sound as they shift during rotation. Tendon snapping Why Your Ankle Cracks When Rotating Sometimes, a tendon can snap over a bony prominence in the ankle, leading to a popping sensation or sound. This typically occurs due to repetitive movements or increased physical activity. Scar tissue or adhesions Past injuries or trauma to the ankle may create scar tissue or adhesions around the joint. These tissues may stretch or release during ankle rotation, causing a cracking noise. Joint instability Ankle cracking can be associated with joint instability. If the ligaments supporting the ankle are lax or weakened, the bones may move more than usual during rotation, leading to a popping sensation. Arthritis Occasionally, arthritis or inflammation in the ankle joint can cause cracking or popping sounds during movement. This is often accompanied by pain and stiffness. Synovial cysts Synovial cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop within the ankle joint. These cysts may cause cracking or popping sensations when they move or change position during ankle rotation. Bone-on-bone movement In rare cases where there is existing significant wear and tear in the ankle joint, bone surfaces may rub against each other during movement. This results in cracking sounds. Be careful with bone-on-bone friction; it's a recipe for developing bone spurs, which are calcium deposits that build up over time into outgrowths. How do I know when ankle cracking is severe? In most cases, ankle cracking during rotation is benign and not a cause for concern. However, we recommend seeing a professional if you experience pain, swelling, or instability along with the cracking or other concerning symptoms accompanying the cracking. They can thoroughly evaluate and provide appropriate advice or treatment based on the underlying cause. How do I prevent or reduce ankle cracking? To reduce the occurrence of ankle cracking and maintain ankle health, you can consider the following preventive measures: Regularly perform ankle exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the joint. Warm up properly before physical activity to prepare the ankles for movement. Avoid excessive or forceful rotation of the ankles, especially if it causes pain or discomfort. Wear appropriate footwear that provides support and cushioning for the ankles.
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September 14, 2023
Bunions 101: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Management Strategies
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September 11, 2023
Skin Peeling on Feet: Causes and Remedies
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September 7, 2023
Foot Arch Pain: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Strategies
Foot arch pain is a common issue that affects many individuals. The foot arch is the curved part inside your foot, consisting of several small bones, ligaments, and tendons. Various factors can cause pain in this area, and it's essential to identify the underlying cause to develop an effective treatment plan.  Foot arch pain can be frustrating, limiting mobility and challenging even simple tasks. Today, we explore the causes of foot arch pain and effective prevention and treatment strategies to help you regain footing and enjoy life without discomfort. Read more about common causes, prevention tips, and treatment strategies for foot arch pain. Causes of Foot Arch Pain Flat Feet or Fallen Arches Flat feet (sometimes called fallen arches) occur when the feet have very low or non-existent arches. Collapsed arches cause the bottom of the entire foot to contact the ground. 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Achilles tendonitis Achilles tendonitis is a condition of the tendon connecting calf muscles to the heel (the Achilles tendon). It involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon and causes pain and swelling when running or walking. Since the Achilles tendon helps support the foot, tendonitis in the back of the heel can lead to nearby arch pain. Footwear Wearing shoes that lack proper or have inadequate arch support can strain the arches, leading to pain. Footwear can also be used for the wrong purpose or not fit your feet correctly. Uneven weight distribution or ill-fitting footwear can stress the arch, causing pain over time. Acute Injury or Trauma An acute injury or trauma to the foot can cause arch pain. Injuries like a sprain, fracture, or slip and fall can damage the arch's muscles, ligaments, tendons and surroundings, leading ot arch pain. Prevention of Foot Arch Pain Proper Footwear Choose shoes that provide adequate arch support and cushioning for your feet. Avoid wearing high heels or unsupportive shoes for extended periods. Arch-Supporting Insoles or Orthotics Consider using arch-supporting insoles or custom orthotics, especially if you have flat feet or a history of foot pain. Custom orthotics are corrective shoe inserts with moulded support for your feet. Orthotics act to correct or accommodate biomechanical abnormalities with your feet and arch to improve your gait and manage pain. The correction occurs as weight is redistributed evenly across our muscles and joints. Gradual increase in activity If you're starting a new exercise program or sport, gradually increase the intensity and duration to allow your feet to adapt. Doing too much too quickly can overload your feet and arch, which makes it challenging to reverse. Maintain a healthy weight If you're overweight, losing weight can help alleviate stress on your feet and reduce arch pain. Stretching and strengthening exercises Perform foot and calf stretches to maintain flexibility and strength in the foot muscles and tendons. Here are three lower leg stretching exercises that can reduce the risk of foot arch pain: Calf Stretch: Stand facing a wall an arm's distance away, place one foot a step back, and lean towards the wall. Hold for 20-30 seconds. You should feel a light stretch in your extended leg. Towel Curl: Sit on a chair with both feet on the floor, and place a towel before you. Using your toes, grip and curl the towel to scrunch it up. Hold for a few seconds, release, and repeat. Plantar Fascia Stretch: Sit cross-legged on a chair, and with your hand, grab your toes and gently pull them upwards until you feel a stretch in the arch of your foot. Hold lightly for 20-30 seconds. Treatment Strategies for Foot Arch Pain Rest, ice, compression, elevation Rest: Give your feet ample time to rest and avoid activities exacerbating pain. Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Use an ice pack for 15-20 minutes several times a day. Compression: Use compression socks or stockings if you find inflammation and swelling build-up. Elevation: Elevate your feet and legs above the plain of your heart to help alleviate pain and pooling. See more about the RICE method of recovery in our blog spotlight. Pain relief NSAIDs Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Reducing intense pain caused by inflammation can also help prevent longterm joint damage. Physical Therapy Light stretching (as outlined in the prevention section) can help increase blood flow to the area and encourage healing. However, refrain from forcing stretches, as overworking an inflamed area can exacerbate the issue. When in doubt, consult with a chiropodist on a proper treatment plan, depending on the length and severity of your discomfort. Taping or bracing Taping the foot or using arch-supporting braces can provide additional support during healing. Its purpose is to stabilize and reduce a joint's range of motion. At the same time, tape enables functionality in the affected area. The tape helps lock joints in place to encourage specific movements and function while reducing unwanted movements (like twisting or bending). The actual tape can be either pressure-sensitive (which activates based on the pressure applied) or something as basic as surgical tape. Shockwave therapy Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment that utilizes high-frequency, high-energy pulses to help promote recovery and muscle repair. A chiropodist determines the frequency, pressure and number of pulses best suited for your injury and can customize the treatment based on the severity of the pain. Night splints A night splint can help stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, reducing morning pain associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis. Surgery In rare cases where conservative treatments fail, surgery may be considered for certain foot conditions. Surgery has pros and cons, as it's generally considered a last resort, so we recommend learning more about whether surgery suits your scenario.
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August 28, 2023
The RICE Method: A Comprehensive Guide to Injury Recovery and Pain Management
The RICE method is widely used for injury recovery and pain management. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This method is commonly employed for acute injuries like sprains, strains, or bruises.  Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are generally accepted methods for treating inflammation after trauma, such as acute ankle sprain. Inflammation causes pain, edema, hyperalgesia, and erythema, limiting one's ability to perform the rehabilitation required for proper healing. It's important to note that the RICE method is most effective for acute injuries and may not be suitable for all types of injuries or chronic conditions. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are unsure about the severity of your injury, it's best to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Here's a comprehensive guide to using the RICE method, including what each component of the method entails, as well as other injury recovery and pain management considerations: R = Rest Immediately after an injury, it's crucial to rest the affected area to prevent further damage and promote healing. Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain or strain the injured area. Use crutches or assistive devices if necessary. Rest is not the only consideration regarding activity intensity and injury recovery. A gradual return to activity is also vital. As the pain and swelling subside, gradually reintroduce activity and weight-bearing. Start with low-impact exercises and slowly increase the intensity. I = Ice As part of the RICE method, ice refers to applying cold therapy to your affected muscle group. Research shows that cold therapy has beneficial effects, especially when severe injuries and swelling is the limiting factor for recovery after soft-tissue injuries. We recommend applying cold therapy as follows: Apply a cold pack or ice indirectly (ice wrapped in a thin towel, for instance) to the injured area to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling. Hold for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the first 24-48 hours after the injury. It's important to note that cold therapy should only be used in specific scenarios - for example, when trying to reduce pain or intense swelling. Cold therapy reduces blood flow, so it shouldn't be used for conditions like frostnip or frostbite. C = Compression Applying compression to an injury can help limit swelling and stabilize an injured area. The recommended way to apply compression is to use an elastic bandage or tape tight enough to be snug but not too tight to cut off circulation. For instance, taping an ankle sprain can effectively stabilize the lower leg and reduce the chance of rolling it again. You can also use compression stockings, albeit more for everyday use than injury prevention and treatment. Compression stockings are specialized garments that put therapeutic pressure on your legs to increase circulation and prevent swelling. E = Elevation Elevation refers to raising your feet and legs above the level of your heart. The elevation part of the RICE method is most straightforward when lying down by placing your feet against a wall or object. Elevating your legs can reduce pain, throbbing, and swelling as blood flows away from your legs. Other considerations The RICE method can be effective in injury treatment, but you can also supplement your routine with a few other tactics. Other injury recovery and pain management tips include: Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to manage pain and inflammation. Follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional if needed. After the initial rest period, perform gentle range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness and improve circulation. Avoid activities that cause pain. If the pain and swelling persist or worsen, or there are signs of severe injury (e.g., inability to bear weight, deformity), consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.
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Request an Appointment

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!


Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)

If you’ve been to the clinic before, chances are you had the pleasure of meeting Carolina! Carolina’s daily goal is going above and beyond to make sure patients are always completely satisfied. Having worked in the podiatry industry for 22 years, Carolina brings a wealth of knowledge pertaining to client service, insurance policies, and procedures.​ She steers the ship to make sure everything runs smoothly on the daily. Carolina is known for spicing up every outfit with her signature costume jewellery.