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Foot pain and discomfort
June 29, 2018

Foot Pain And Discomfort: Visible Vs. Invisible

Over the course of their lifetimes, almost every single human being will suffer from some sort of foot pain, yourself included. We are not trying to be alarming, in fact, it should be a source of comfort that everybody deals with foot issues. Whether you suffer from Ingrown Toenails and the associated pain, Bunions, Plantar Warts or any other condition that you may be embarrassed about, rest assured, everyone else deals with these problems too. Nonetheless, when you do get around to treating these conditions, you will surely want to deal with a discreet, personable foot chiropodist; the type of professional that you feel you can trust completely.

At Feet First Clinic, our staff certainly fits this description – we feel good about what we do, since it relieves people of discomfort and makes them feel more confident. If you’re nervous to go to a yoga class, the beach or any other barefoot activity, a simple visit to a Foot Specialist in Toronto can push you in the right direction to beautify your feet and regain full confidence.  

Foot Pain And Discomfort: Visible Vs. Invisible

Invisible Foot Pain:

Certain conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis and poor circulation are invisible, but they can cause a tremendous amount of discomfort and lead to health problems and complications. Plantar fasciitis, which is often worst in the morning, makes it excruciatingly painful to even take a step. Relieving the strain in the heel and Achilles’ tendon is the key to healing this painful condition, and using a lacrosse ball to relieve tension in the calf can help too. Circulation is a problem for folks with diabetes, but not exclusively.

Foot Pain Worst In The Morning

Lack of circulation can lead to numbness and tingling in the feet and hands; fatigue and chronic exhaustion; hair loss; dizziness and vertigo; Dry Skin; Edema; swelling in the feet and legs; difficulty regulating body temperature. Compression socks and stockings can help treat circulation and mitigate the terrible problems listed above.

Visible Foot Pain:

The flip side of these invisible conditions are noticeable foot conditions that don’t do much real harm but can be embarrassing. Plantar Warts, which are typically caused by HPV, can enter the body through small cuts (they are common on the feet), don’t really do much harm beyond causing a bit of pain and tenderness if they are allowed to get very large. Through a series of treatments that involve dabbing them with nitrous oxide, they can be removed. The main concern with plantar warts is usually cosmetic, though they can become painful as they progress.

Plantar Warts On Foot

Ingrown Toenails are a combination of both visible and invisible foot conditions: they are conspicuous, and they can cause a tremendous amount of discomfort. If an ingrown toenail issue persists, you will need a specialist to remove part of the nail in question, and possibly some of the affected tissue underneath it.

Don’t Fret About Your Feet, Get Help!

Feet First Clinic can help liberate you from the yoke of pesky foot conditions, so you can go about barefoot and fancy-free this year. 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 at 416-769-3338 or Click Above to Book Your Assessment Today!

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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April 15, 2024
Preventing Sports Injuries: Essential Foot Care for Athletes
For athletes, maintaining peak performance and preventing injuries is paramount. While much focus is often placed on strength training, conditioning, and proper technique, one crucial aspect that is sometimes overlooked is foot care. Our feet bear the brunt of athletic activities, absorbing shock, providing stability, and propelling us forward. So taking care of our feet is very important for preventing sports injury. The term "sports injury" refers to injuries most common during sports or exercise but are not limited to athletes. For example, factory employees may get tennis elbow, or those working retail may get plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. Generally, however, "sports injuries" occur in active individuals. In this blog post, we'll explore essential foot care tips for athletes to help prevent sports injuries and keep them at the top of their game. 1. Choose the right footwear The foundation of foot care for athletes begins with selecting the appropriate footwear. Different sports require specific types of shoes to provide adequate support, cushioning, and stability. For example, runners should opt for running shoes with ample cushioning and support, while basketball players may benefit from high-top sneakers for ankle support. Replacing worn-out shoes regularly is essential to maintain optimal support and cushioning. 2. Ensure proper footwear fit Improperly-fitted shoes may lead to foot problems, including blisters, bunions, and ingrown toenails. Athletes should pay close attention to the fit of their shoes, ensuring enough room in the toe box to prevent cramping and rubbing. Additionally, shoes should provide a snug but comfortable fit around the heel and midfoot. A proper fit around the low ankle prevents slipping and instability during activity. 3. Practice good foot hygiene Proper foot hygiene is essential for preventing fungal infections such as athlete's foot and toenail fungus. Athletes should wash their feet daily with soap and water, paying particular attention to the spaces between toes. After washing, thoroughly dry the feet, especially between the toes, to prevent moisture buildup, which can create an environment conducive to fungal growth. 4. Stretch and strengthen Incorporating stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine can help improve flexibility and stability, reducing the risk of injury. Focus on stretching the calves, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia to maintain optimal range of motion and prevent tightness that can lead to injuries such as Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. Additionally, incorporate exercises that target the muscles of the feet and ankles, such as toe curls and ankle circles, to improve strength and stability. 5. Listen to your body The most crucial aspect of foot care for athletes is listening to your body and promptly addressing any signs of discomfort or pain. Ignoring pain or pushing through injuries can lead to further damage and prolonged recovery time. (Muscle injuries require an average of 2 to 3 weeks of recovery time.) If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or discomfort in your feet or ankles, seek professional medical attention to prevent further injury and expedite healing.
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April 4, 2024
The Science of Walking: How Foot Mechanics Impact Your Health
Today we delve into the relationship between walking and health, with a specific focus on foot mechanics and how crucial they are. The impact walking has on your overall health is something most people don’t think about in their day-to-day life. But foot motion science suggests everyone should learn about this topic!  When your walking pattern is compromised, even slightly, it can put you at risk of developing foot pain, in addition to heel and ankle pain, back pain, knee pain and even hip pain! This can wreak havoc on your overall life as you experience worsening discomfort. Let’s explore more about the connection between your walking pattern and overall health!  The Connection Between Walking and Overall Health To start, here are some basic tidbits of info to remember: The scientific term for “walking pattern” is gait. There is an inverse relationship between musculoskeletal foot conditions and your gait. Foot issues can lead to gait abnormalities as you try to accommodate new pain while still getting to the places you need to go. However, abnormal walking patterns can also put you at risk of developing additional problems.  In addition to pre-existing foot conditions, risk factors that may lead to gait abnormalities include age-related foot changes, your foot type (flat feet or high arches), having foot/ankle injuries in the past, balance and neurological disorders, and ill-fitting and low-quality footwear.  Common Types of Gait Abnormalities and How They Affect Our Health Two gait abnormalities we see a lot at Feet First Clinic are overpronation and supination.  Overpronation is synonymous with flat feet and the resultant issues that develop when you have a flat/fallen arch. When you “overpronate,” your foot rolls inward excessively as you stride forward. Supination is when you place too much weight on the outside of your feet. These walking patterns are often subconscious and your way of trying to adjust to having “non-typical” feet.  Gait abnormalities can completely mess with your lower extremities. In more scientific words, they affect your feet and ankles and lead to misalignments in the lower body, which may contribute to issues such as knee pain, hip discomfort, and lower back problems. This is because your body’s skeletal system is connected and everything must work in harmony. You are also more prone to injury when you overpronate! Lastly, there are many specific versions of gait abnormalities. One may not overpronate or supinate, but different types of pain can result in various compensatory movements. Check out this valuable resource from Stanford Medicine for more. Treating Abnormal Walking Patterns Don’t worry if you think you may have a gait abnormality. Unless your walking pattern is caused by a severe medical issue, you can often work hard at correcting it. There are many services, medical devices, and products you can try.  Foot assessment: Understanding your feet is the first step (no pun intended!).  Video gait analysis: This will provide valuable insights into biomechanical issues, your foot type, and any noticeable abnormalities.  Custom-made orthotics: Orthotics work by improving your gait, over time, and with correct usage.  Strengthening and balance exercises: These improve muscle strength, coordination, and stability.  Surgical interventions (in severe cases of foot deformities, for instance, bunion correction).  Footwear modifications: Medical shoes and stability/motion control shoes can often help.  Focusing on your posture: This helps properly align the body’s skeletal structure. Remember: everything is connected, from head to toe!
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March 28, 2024
Ultimate Guide to Moisturizing Your Feet: Say Goodbye to Dry Skin
Wondering about top foot moisturizing tips and dry skin remedies? Look no further! Skin-related issues are common at Feet First Clinic, so we know a thing or two about the secrets behind soft feet! Keep reading to master our step-by-step guide on the perfect hydrated skin care routine for your feet. Foot Moisturizing Tips: A Step-by-Step Guide Numerous studies support the use of high-quality moisturizing creams on the feet to fight xerosis (the medical term for dry skin). Dry skin acts as a foundation for common foot problems, like pain and soreness, bleeding, cracked heels, peeling skin, and more, so moisturization not only makes your feet feel smooth to the touch, but it also gives you protection against future troubles. Moisturizing can also help you manage more serious concerns, like diabetes and psoriatic arthritis.  Below are the steps you should follow to guarantee you are lathering your feet up the right way: Step 1: Get the right products Step 2: Cleanse and exfoliate your feet Step 3: Moisturize your feet Step 4: Protect and maintain Step 1: Get the Right Products For the best results, choose medicinal moisturizing creams from brands like Gehwol. These focus on hydration, are fragrance-free and made without harsh chemicals.  Their Soft Feet Cream contains urea (which absorbs moisture and softens skin) and glycerin (which relieves dryness and retains moisture). It also contains soothing and pleasant ingredients like avocado oil and honey extract.  Their Med Salve for Cracked Skin may be the best bet for a more aggressive moisturizing treatment. Due to it being a salve and not a cream, it is specially designed to penetrate the skin more thoroughly. Likewise, in addition to being a good choice for people prone to cracked heels, it is suitable for diabetics. Another good option is the deep penetrating heel care cream from Dermal Therapy.  Step 2: Cleanse and Exfoliate Your Feet Before moisturizing comes foot hygiene! You should always start with a clean base. Clean your feet in warm water with fragrance-free, gentle soaps, and thoroughly dry, especially in between the toes (vulnerable area for fungal infections). To go the extra mile, exfoliate your feet with a scrub product and finish off with a foot file on the bottom of the feet. This eliminates dead skin cells, making your moisturizer more effective! Step 3: Moisturize Your Feet Moisturizing itself is pretty simple. Use a generous dollop (but not too much) of moisturizer and focus on dry areas, if you have any. Massage the moisturizer into your feet using circular motions, ensuring full coverage. Avoid the area in between the toes if you’re prone to infections or wounds (if you have diabetes). Moisture can build in the between the toes more easily than other areas.  Step 4: Protect and Maintain  Repeat this process regularly, ideally daily or at least a few times a week, to keep your feet soft, smooth, and well-hydrated. If your skin is especially vulnerable and sensitive, like for those with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, a regular routine is extra important to help you manage painful flar- ups. 
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March 18, 2024
Tips for Healthy Toenails: Prevention and Care
Toenail care is your shield from future foot issues. Foot conditions affecting the toenails can lead to infections, fungus, brittle and damaged nails, pain, bleeding and more. But you have the power to prevent these complications! By investing in proper footwear, learning to trim your nails properly, and more, you can take the reins on your toenail health. Let's talk toenails! Preventing Fungal Infections and Other Toenail Conditions Practice Proper Toenail Trimming It would be nice to have a professional always trim our nails for us, but sometimes we do have to do toenail care ourselves. To prevent issues or conditions, trim your nails following these two simple steps:  Use nail clippers to trim straight across (very important), avoiding curved edges. Smooth edges with a nail file if needed. Keep Your Feet Clean and Protected Fungal toenails love when you forget to care for your feet.  Make sure you always thoroughly clean and dry your feet before wearing socks and shoes. To go the extra mile and protect from skin issues, moisturize, exfoliate and use a foot file. Avoid areas where contagious fungal viruses breed and are passed along. These include public pool grounds, public showers, shared locker rooms, and more. If you frequent places like this, always wear shoes.  Pedicure safety and hygiene are also very important when it comes to prevention. Schedule medical pedicure appointments with your chiropodist instead of a cosmetic pedicure to avoid contracting a contagious fungal infection and for a more health-focused experience. Learn more about the difference between a cosmetic and medical pedicure.  Make Healthy Footwear Choices The link connecting toenail issues and footwear may seem unclear, but picture it this way: When our shoes are too tight it often means there is not enough room for the toes to spread out naturally. This can wreak havoc on your nails and you also risk annoying ingrown toenails or a cracked toenail. Always buy shoes with enough room in the toe box! Take it to the next level by looking for running shoes with mesh uppers that allow air to flow inside the shoe. This is a bonus way of keeping your toes fresh and protecting against fungal infections. Check out this handy shoe shopping checklist for even more help! Toenail Care for Pre-existing Conditions  Anti-fungal Treatments for Toenails You won’t be able to treat a current fungal infection without using antifungal products or visiting a chiropodist. Products include sprays, ointments and sometimes pills. At times, over-the-counter versions like ClearNails Pro + (available at Feet First Clinic) are enough, but other times, you’ll need a prescription for a persistent infection. Chiropodists can also perform nail debridement, which involves removing the infected part of the nail and thinning the outer layers of the toenail. This allows prescription-strength topical antifungal medication to penetrate the toenail and reach the fungus.  Treating Cracked Toenails Cracked toenails are more of a nuisance than a serious problem. But messing with your toenails in any way can still cause bleeding and pain. You may be more susceptible to cracks if your nails are weak and brittle. If you’re looking for some ways to speed up nail growth, but also to strengthen your nails as they are, try these toenail growth tips: As we've mentioned, trim nails straight across and avoid trimming too close to the skin Again, wear well-fitting shoes. Tight shoes can disrupt healthy toenail growth.  Protect toenails during physical activities.  Avoid excessive use of nail polish. While polish itself doesn’t slow growth, some types can cause toenail dehydration, making your nails more likely to crack.  Eat a balanced diet for nail health. Treating Ingrown Toenails OnyFix is a useful and modern way of treating ingrown toenails. It involves the application of a specialized corrective strip to the affected nail. Nail avulsions can also be a good idea for chronic, severe ingrown nails, and chiropodists may tackle infections using certain draining methods.  Treating Toenail Discolouration  Discoloured toenails are tricky because the colours can vary wildly. Discolouration caused by a fungal infection (green or yellow) may be treated using similar methods as fungal toenails. But if your discolouration is black, blue, purple, or red, this is probably linked to a mild blunt-force trauma injury (like dropping something on your toe). It’s best to schedule a nail care appointment to determine the culprit!
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March 4, 2024
Foot Massage Techniques for Relaxation and Relief
Similar to practicing exercises and stretches at home, learning how to perform your own foot massage and relaxation techniques can work wonders. Whether you’re looking to manage your own pain, or tending to a loved one, foot massages can provide comfort and stress relief. Since foot massages are a major component of DIY foot care, we want to give you some handy tips on how to make the most of them. Let’s discuss how to massage each part of the foot, and highlight foot massage benefits you may not even be aware of! Today's blog will explore: Main benefits of a foot massage Foot massage techniques Additional benefits of a foot massage Main Benefits of a Foot Massage Foot massages can be empowering for those on a pain management journey. Regularly performing them before bed and when you wake up adds value to your treatment plan, and can make your daily life more comfortable! Here are the numerous benefits: Targeted treatment of foot conditions Relaxation and stress relief Swelling (edema) management  Restless leg syndrome management Reduces foot fatigue and boosts energy Improves blood circulation  Foot Massages Techniques A comprehensive foot massage should target as much of the foot as possible, but sometimes foot pain and conditions tend to affect certain areas and you want to focus on what you're struggling with. Heel Can help with plantar fasciitis, Achilles' tendonitis, etc.  Apply gentle pressure to the heel, using circular motions with your thumbs to loosen up the area.  Foot Arch / Bottom of the Foot  Can help with flat feet, high arches, metatarsalgia, etc.  While standing, place your arch on top of a therapeutic massage ball, and roll back and forth. This doubles as a useful foot exercise!  Use your knuckles to knead and massage the arch in a back-and-forth motion. Apply firm yet comfortable pressure with your thumbs in small circular motions, addressing as much tension as possible.  Toes Can help with arthritis, bunions, etc.  Apply a light, pinching motion to the base of each toe, working your way towards the tip. Use your thumbs to press and release along the toe joints, addressing any tension. Gently pull each toe away from the foot until you feel a subtle stretch. Top of the Foot Can help with extensor tendonitis, arthritis, stress fractures, etc.  Apply gentle pressure with your thumbs along the top of the foot, from the base of the toes to the ankle. Use your knuckles or thumbs to knead the area in small circular motions, focusing on any tightness or tension. Incorporate long, sweeping strokes with your palms, moving from the toes towards the ankle. Additional Benefits of a Foot Massage You may also find acupressure points in the feet and foot reflexology worth exploring. Some studies suggest that “meridian points on the feet correspond with various organs in the body,” which is the concept behind foot reflexology. These organs include the kidneys, liver, small intestine, and many more. Essentially, applying gentle pressure to the appropriate acupressure points is believed to stimulate the flow of energy along the body's meridians.  In addition to pain management and stress relief, foot reflexology may also help with sleep, digestion, and eyesight. Your DIY massages may somewhat reflect what reflexology can achieve, but it’s important to discuss the concept with a healthcare professional if it interests you. 
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February 29, 2024
Overcoming Common Foot Ailments: A Guide to Relief
Our feet are the unsung heroes of our daily lives, carrying us through countless steps and bearing the weight of our entire bodies. Yet, despite their importance, we often neglect their care until discomfort or pain strikes. From pesky corns to stubborn plantar fasciitis, foot ailments can range from minor annoyances to significant impediments. However, with proactive measures and some TLC, you can overcome these standard foot issues and put your best foot forward. This blog post explores practical strategies for alleviating and preventing some of the most prevalent foot ailments. Corns and calluses Corns and calluses are thickened, hardened areas of skin that develop in response to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. They often form on the toes, heels, or balls of the feet and can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Corns are small and circular and are often found on the non-weight bearing, bonier parts of the foot where the skin is thinner - like the toes. Calluses, on the other hand, typically occur on the weight-bearing parts of the foot, like the balls of the foot and heel, and tend to be larger than corns. Prevention Minimizing friction and pressure on the affected areas is essential to prevent corns and calluses. This can be achieved by wearing properly fitting footwear with ample cushioning and support, using protective pads or inserts, and regularly moisturizing the skin to keep it soft and supple. Treatments Gentle exfoliation using a pumice stone or foot file can help remove dead skin cells and reduce thickness. Additionally, moisturizers or emollients can soften the skin and reduce the size of corns and calluses over time. If your corns or calluses are especially painful, you can see a chiropodist to safely and painlessly have them removed. Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis, characterized by inflammation of the thick band of tissue across the bottom of your foot, can cause stabbing pain near the heel. Treatments You can do stretching exercises, wear supportive shoes, use custom orthotic inserts or Superfeet, apply ice packs, and try physical therapy. If your plantar fasciitis is chronic (i.e., it has persisted longer than 3-6 months), you may also consider shockwave therapy. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, effective treatment where soundwaves are applied to the affected area. This stimulates your body's inflammatory response to heal the plantar fasciitis. Prevention Maintain a healthy weight, wear supportive shoes, avoid excessive high-impact activities, and incorporate regular stretching into your routine. Avoid sudden increases in physical activity, and take occasional rest days to allow your feet to recover. Rapid increases in intensity can overload the heel and plantar fascia. Instead, take a cautious approach to building up volume and reduce the intensity if you notice any discomfort. Bunions Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe, often causing pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes. Treatments While bunions cannot be reversed, there are many ways to manage them. Some methods for managing bunions include splinting the affected area, wearing shoes with a wide-toe box, avoiding high heels, wearing custom orthotics, and performing various stretches and exercises to strengthen the muslces in the foot and ankle. In severe cases, surgery is a potential treatment option. Prevention Choose shoes with ample toe space, avoid high heels or narrow shoes, maintain a healthy weight, and practice foot exercises to strengthen muscles and improve alignment. Custom orthotics and even toe spacers can be effective depending on the severity of your bunions. Ingrown Toenails Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and infection. Treatments If your ingrown toenail is in its early stages and not causing any discomfort, you can try growing out the toenail. Then, soak the foot in warm water, gently lift the ingrown edge of the nail, and cut the toenail straight across. Ingrown toenails are prone to infection, so you feel any pain and discomfort, we recommend seeing a foot specialist like a chiropodist to avoid any complications. While waiting to see the chiropodist, you can soak the foot in warm water with epson salts, keep the area clean and dry and apply antibiotic ointment (if you suspect infection). Prevention Trim toenails straight across, avoid cutting them too short, wear proper-fitting shoes, and avoid picking or tearing at the nails. Athlete's Foot Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that causes itching, burning, and cracked skin between the toes. Treatments Keep feet clean and dry, apply antifungal creams or powders, wear breathable socks and shoes, and avoid sharing footwear or walking barefoot in public places. Prevention Practice good foot hygiene, wear moisture-wicking socks, rotate shoes to allow them to dry thoroughly between wears, and use antifungal foot powder as a preventive measure. In more severe or persistent cases, professional medical treatment may be necessary, including trimming or debriding the thickened skin.
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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.