Heart Health and Your Feet

Written by Bianca Charles on February 17, 2021

Last updated March 20, 2024

February is Heart Health Month!

How very convenient and planned for Valentine’s Day. Coincidence? I think not!

To keep your ticker healthy is to support the rest of your body, including our beloved feet! Even though biologically they are at a distance from one another, your heart’s duties can greatly impact your foot health and vice versa.

The Four Main Functions Of The Heart Are:

It pumps oxygenated blood to your other body parts, all the way down to your feet.
It pumps hormones and other life-giving substances to different parts of your body.
It receives deoxygenated blood, carries metabolic waste from your body, and sends it to your lungs for oxygenation.
It maintains your blood pressure.

Keeping your ticker in tip-top shape should be a priority. Aside from the sweet fact that living from your heart is a beautiful way to be, physically it defines overall wellness for you. And lucky for you, all it takes is a healthy lifestyle.

The 3 Simple Rules to Follow:

Eat well
Exercise
Reduce Stress

Easy, am I right?

Now aside from that information, you are probably interested in getting back to foot talk. Issues with your feet can sometimes be indicative of Heart Disease. Sore feet during or after a long walk, for example, could be caused by fatigue, muscle strain, callus build-up, all things that you could safely assume. However, sometimes, this can be a sign of atherosclerosis — hardening of the arteries.

As you age and dependent on your pre-existing heart health, sore feet could also be a sign of Peripheral Artery Disease. These issues generally arise for those who are 60+ and haven’t maintained their health. That’s why it’s crucial to do your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle with consistency.

The other factor that we at Feet First can help with directly is Diabetes. Common foot health problems can be amplified with diabetics and your heart ties in because as you will remember from the 4 main functions above, your heart pumps your blood. Diabetes can cause decreased blood flow in your feet and lead to worse problems like Neuropathy, Foot Infection, or Foot Ulcers, similar to a blister or even Gangrene.

Keeping your heart healthy is so important. We at Feet First wish you a Happy Heart Health month and are sharing this with you as a reminder to take good care of your heart! Sometimes foot problems can be indicative of something heart-related, as everything can be connected. We can help you discern the difference and eliminate concerns with a proper assessment.

Show Your Feet Some Love

If you are having foot problems that are causing concern, please call us at 416.769.3338(FEET) and book your appointment today! We will be able to help you identify your foot conditions and assure you it is not heart-related. However, we can support you toward overall health along the way!

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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July 25, 2024

What’s A Crossover Toe: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Foot pain can be debilitating, affecting our ability to walk, exercise, and perform daily activities comfortably. One common foot condition that causes discomfort and requires attention is crossover toe. This blog post delves into crossover toe, its symptoms, and available treatment options. First off, we'll explain exactly what is a crossover toe. What is a crossover toe? Crossover toe, also known as floating toe or floating fifth toe, is a type of deformity in which the toe drifts out of its normal position and crosses over or under a neighbouring toe. The condition is also known as overlapping toe. The condition generally affects the fourth and fifth toes, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. However, any combination of toes may become an overlapping toe. Roughly 7% of adults—men and women equally — have overlapping toes of some sort. Symptoms of crossover toe Toe pain: Discomfort is often felt at the base of the affected toe, especially when walking or standing for long periods. Swelling and inflammation: The affected area may become swollen and inflamed due to the abnormal positioning of the toe. Uncomfortable shoe fit: Shoes may feel tight or uncomfortable, especially in the toe box area where the affected toe rubs against adjacent toes or the shoe itself. Visual appearance: The affected toe may appear to cross over or under the adjacent toe, giving it a visibly different appearance than the other toes. Corns: Corns will often form on top of crossover toes due to excessive friction and rubbing on the affected toes. Causes of crossover toe Crossover toe can develop due to several factors, including: Foot injuries: Joint and ligament damage caused by unhealed trauma and foot injuries can change the toes' alignment over time. Additionally, arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, can shift the alignment of your toes as it progresses and damages the joints. Foot structure: People with high arches or flat feet are prone to developing overlapping toes. Genetics: Overlapping toes may also be inherited. Many conditions that make one prone to developing an overlapping toe, like arthritis and Morton's toe, have genetic contributing factors. Improper footwear. Wearing shoes that are too short, too narrow or too tight can force the toes into an unnatural position and curl up, which will ultimately lead to the development of a crossover toe. Treatment options for crossover toe Footwear adjustments: Proper-fitting footwear is one of the most important ways to manage a crossover toe. Switching to shoes with a wider toe box can ease pressure on the affected toe and reduce discomfort. You should also make sure you have sufficient space at the end of your shoes (typically 1 cm) for your toes to properly splay. If shoes are too short, your toes will curl up. Many companies, like ASICS, APEX and Saucony, offer a wide-width options to give your feet the extra room it needs. Shoes with a mesh or soft upper are also recommended, as this will reduce pressure and friction on the top of the toes. Orthotics Custom orthotic inserts or pads can help support the arch and redistribute pressure across the foot. This can help promote proper toe alignment and reduce pressure on the crossover toes so that they don't get worse. Foot and Toe exercises: Performing specific exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons around the toes can improve flexibility and prevent the condition from progressing. Splinting or taping: A foot specialist can tape the affected toe to encourage proper alignment and reduce pain. You can also buy a splint or toe spacer to help stabilize and align the toe. Corn and Callus Treatment: Since crossover toes are extremely prone to corns and calluses, it is very important to see a licensed chiropodist for routine foot care. A chiropodist can safely debride any corns and calluses on your crossover toe, which will reduce pain and irritation.

July 22, 2024

Hammertoes: Non-Surgical Solutions for Correcting Toe Deformities

Sometimes with aging feet comes the development of toe deformities, particularly hammertoes. Studies show that approximately half of women over 70 have some version of a toe deformity (but they can happen to anyone). Many assume correcting hammertoes always leads to a daunting surgery, but guess what? Surgery is not usually the first option and is generally only considered when the toe becomes rigid, or other complications arise. Read today’s article to discover the best non-surgical solutions for hammertoes and toe alignment techniques that achieve amazing results. Top Hammertoe Treatment Options Innovation in foot care and toe straightening methods have lead to plenty of non-surgical solutions for hammertoes and the pain they cause, including: Splinting, taping and bracing Custom orthotics and new footwear Shockwave therapy At-home exercises Other treatments Splinting, Taping and Bracing These non-invasive tools are great for dealing with toe curvature. All performed by a licensed Toronto chiropodist, splinting, taping and bracing helps straighten the toe, reduces friction and discomfort (corn development is common for people with hammertoes) and provides support and alignment. Custom Orthotics And Footwear Changes Custom orthotics are all about placing each part of your foot where it’s supposed to be, including toes. Wearing orthotics can properly align the joint in your toe and relax the burden on the affected tendons. Most importantly, they'll offset and redistribute pressure away from the toes. This will reduce strain on the hammertoes when you walk, which will help prevent them from getting worse. As for footwear, avoid high heels if you have any toe deformity; they’re notorious for making hammertoes worse. Wear wide shoes, maybe even orthopedic shoes, that allow your toe abnormalities to exist comfortably and reduce pain as much as possible. Most importantly, make sure your shoes fit: If your shoes are too short, your toes will curl, which will make your hammertoes worse. (In fact, ill-fitting footwear is a major contributing factor to hammertoes.) Shockwave Therapy It’s clear that when you have hammertoes, your joints and tendons take a hit. They stiffen up, become quite painful, and may even weaken your muscles over time. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that may help treat your tendons and ligaments. At-Home Exercises Check out exercises and stretches that help treat the top of the foot to soothe your hammertoes and strengthen your feet and muscles in general. Many of these target the toes and surrounding area. Strengthening the muscles in your feet ensures that the toes and joints don't get overworked or strained when you walk, which helps manage hammertoes and provides hammertoe pain relief. Over-the-Counter Products Gel separators, toe spacers, pads, cushions and more can help you take control of your hammertoes without resorting to surgery. Call your local Toronto foot clinic to see what they have in stock!

June 27, 2024

Best Shoes for Construction Workers

Construction workers face challenging demands on the job site, including long hours, potential safety hazards, and variable weather conditions. There are few jobs where footwear is more important than on a construction site. Proper footwear is critical for comfort, safety, and overall health. This blog explores how to find the best shoes for construction workers. We dive into the balance between durability, safety features, and foot health, which are vital for your job. Durability Construction sites are full of heavy equipment and sharp objects and tools. Hazards range from sharp objects to heavy machinery. The best shoes and boots for construction workers should be durable, made from leather or synthetic blends, and be able to withstand abrasions and falling objects. Keep your toes and feet safe with toe caps or sturdy outsoles - ideally both. Refined safety features Safety is a top priority on the job site. When choosing footwear, opt for models that meet or exceed industry safety standards set forth by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Safety and Health. Features like steel or composite toe caps provide essential protection against impact and compression injuries, while puncture-resistant midsoles shield your feet from sharp objects on the ground. Additionally, slip-resistant outsoles help prevent accidents on wet or slippery surfaces, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Refer to the CCOSH's guide for symbols, or markings, on footwear to determine which is appropriate for the job. Comfort Long hours spent on your feet can be grueling. It's not uncommon for construction workers to be on their feet for 10+ hours per day. Shop for shoes with adequate support through the arch and heel, and invest in removable insoles or orthotic inserts for even greater support. If you're a construction worker in Toronto, our licensed chiropodists can do a biomechanical assessment to determine the best insoles for your foot condition. Grip and footing The type of flooring used in the workplace influences comfort, especially on feet. Unforgiving surfaces like concrete are the least comfortable to work on—your feet and legs absorb all the impact compared to a softer surface. Further, slippery floors (whether smooth or wet) are hazardous for slips and falls. If not careful, you can be exposed to injuries like sprained ankles or broken foot bones. Fit Durability and safety features are effective only when your shoes fit the contours and mould of your foot. When trying construction footwear, test out the fit with the same socks and attire you'd be wearing on the job site. If you decide to purchase online, we recommend using the manufacturer's sizing guide for directions, or finding a local retailer to try the shoes on in-store.

June 24, 2024

Yellow Bottoms of the Feet: What it Means

Oh no, yellow feet! This seemingly alarming skin pigmentation is not usually cause for concern and is far more common than you think. Yellow feet commonly present as yellow bottoms of the feet and are usually not an immediate emergency. That said, they should be looked at during a foot assessment as there may be underlying medical causes or dermatological conditions at play. Let’s review the top culprits for yellow skin on the bottom of your feet. Calluses and Corns If the yellow skin on your feet feels hard to the touch and only occurs in certain spots (the whole foot isn’t yellow), you probably just have a lot of thick calluses! Imagine your feet are like well-trodden paths; the more you walk on them without protective footwear, the thicker and tougher they become, forming “callused armour” which often has a yellow hue. One of the most well-known podiatric concerns, calluses can be treated if they become a problem for hygienic reasons and also to prevent them from becoming more painful, infected or ruining your skin’s integrity and strength. Corns can also cause thick, yellow skin. Calluses and corns can be easily removed by a chiropodist using sterilized, medical-grade equipment. Read more about how our chiropodists treat calluses. Hyperkeratosis A dermatological condition called hyperkeratosis causes excessive hard and yellow calluses that can cover the majority of the bottom of your foot. When combined like this they can be a lot worse than solitary calluses and are more likely to crack, bleed, and hurt. Carotenemia You are what you eat! And in this case, you may be eating too many carotene-rich foods (like carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins — anything orange!) if the entire bottom of your foot has a mild, yellow hue. The good news? This is harmless. While noticing this effect on the bottom of the feet can be disconcerting, it may also occur on your face, which might have a positive effect on your confidence. Studies show these mild, facial skin changes can contribute to the overall appearance of health and vitality in humans. Pretty cool! Jaundice Jaundice is a serious occurrence that points to a poorly functioning liver, gallbladder or pancreas. Your doctor will help you determine the root cause. A tell-tale sign that you’re experiencing jaundice is if the yellow colour is quite strong, and if the whites of your eyes are also yellow (sclera). If you don’t have any other symptoms outside of mildly yellow feet, it’s unlikely you have jaundice, but it’s better to be safe than sorry! Fungal Infections Athlete’s foot causes flaky and itchy skin clusters around your toes and the ball of the foot. They look red or pink when irritated, but sometimes turn whitish yellow. Don’t try to treat this at home - you might damage your skin and nail health. Seek guidance from your local Toronto foot clinic instead! They can point you towards the right ointments, creams and other treatments. Learn more about treatment and prevention. Anemia This medical condition affects your red blood cells and impairs oxygen flow throughout your body. The entire foot or entire bottom of the foot will have a bright, yet mild, yellow tint. If your feet are cold to the touch in addition to being yellow, you might have anemia.

June 13, 2024

What’s a Cheilectomy?

Did you know that the joint at the base of our big toe bears about 40% of our bodyweight when we move? It plays a significant role when we walk and run, and because of the weight it bears (literally), it's prone to arthritis. This condition is called hallux rigidus (often referred to as "stiff big toe") and it causes the joint to lose its range of motion. While a "stiff joint" may seem small, it actually can significantly alter our biomechanics and can cause pain and difficulty walking and running. While non-surgical treatments such as medication, orthotics, and physical therapy can help in the early stages, more severe cases may require surgical intervention. One such surgical procedure to treat hallux rigidus is a cheilectomy. This article will explore what a cheilectomy is, its benefits, risks, and the recovery process. What is a cheilectomy A side-by-side of two feet: on the left is the post-surgical foot with a surgical shoe. On the right is the equivalent surgical reference for where the surgery is done and the incision size. A cheilectomy is a surgical procedure that alleviates pain and restores motion in the big toe joint affected by hallux rigidus. This procedure removes bone spurs (osteophytes) and diseased tissue from the top of the metatarsal bone, which reduces pain and allows the joint to move more freely. Cheilectomy: The procedure A cheilectomy is usually done under local or general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision over the top of the affected joint and then carefully removes the excess bone and tissue and smooths the joint surface. This frees up more space for joint movement. In some cases, the surgeon may do additional procedures, such as joint capsule release or cartilage repair, to improve the outcome. Cheilectomy: The benefits An aerial view of a bone spur above the first MTP joint (left foot, right of image). Pain relief: A cheilectomy can significantly reduce pain and discomfort associated with hallux rigidus by eliminating bone spurs and diseased tissue. Improved motion: The procedure frees up space around the big toe joint, which gives it more room to move around and restores the toe's flexibility and range of motion. This makes walking, running, and other activities more comfortable. Preservation of joint function: Unlike more invasive procedures like joint fusion, a cheilectomy aims to preserve the natural mechanics of the big toe joint, which helps maintain its function and stability. The same foot with the bone spur above the first MTP joint removed. Cheilectomy: Risks and considerations While cheilectomy is generally considered safe and effective, like any surgical procedure, it carries certain risks. These include infection, bleeding and nerve damage. There are also many factors that can affect the outcome, such as the severity of the condition, age, and the patient's overall foot health. If you're considering a cheilectomy, it's important to discuss the risks and the benefits with your healthcare provider so that you can manage your expectations properly assess with a cheilectomy is right for you. Cheilectomy: What's the recovery? Following a cheilectomy, it's normal to experience discomfort and swelling. You can manage this with pain medication and elevation. You'll also need to do physiotherapy during the recovery process to restore the strength and flexibility in the toe joint. Most patients are fully weight-bearing immediately after the surgery, and can usually return to light activities within a few weeks; however full recovery takes several months. Stitches are typically removed 2 weeks after the procedure. It's important to follow post-operative instructions from the surgeon and to attend routine follow-up appointments to monitor the progress.

June 10, 2024

Why Scrapes and Cuts Become Diabetic Ulcers: The Process

Not fully understanding of diabetes complications and the importance of preventative diabetic foot care can be detrimental. Diabetic ulcers (sometimes called diabetic foot) often occur after the onset of diabetic neuropathy, which severely restricts sensation in the feet. Around 40-50% of diabetes patients develop neuropathy; people with type 1 diabetes may develop it years after their diagnosis, while those with type 2 can sometimes already have neuropathy in the pre-diabetes stage. Today, we’ll explore how minor cuts and scrapes, combined with neuropathy, can lead to ulcers and progressively severe issues. But with solid diabetes awareness and preventative measures, serious complications can be easily avoided! How Cuts and Scrapes Turn Into Diabetic Ulcers Here are the five stages between a tiny wound and a full blown diabetic ulcer: Stage 1: Initial Injury A minor injury such as a cut or scrape occurs on the skin — anything from a small burn to stepping on a piece of glass. Foot conditions that open the skin’s barrier can also cause tiny wounds, like blisters, cracked heels, calluses and ingrown toenails. For individuals without diabetes, these usually heal without complications. Stage 2: Diabetes Impairs Circulation and Wound Healing Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy halts the wound healing process, especially if diabetes is uncontrolled. First, high blood sugar levels harm blood vessels and restrict the oxygen-rich blood flow our injuries need for repair. Neuropathy also causes a loss of sensation, meaning you may not even be aware of the cut or scrape. Stage 3: Infection The wound may become red, swollen, and warm, indicating infection. Pus or an unusual discharge might be present. Stage 4: Chronic Wound The cut or scrape evolves into a chronic wound, characterized by persistent inflammation and failure to heal after several weeks. Stage 5: Diabetic Ulcer An ulcer forms as an open red or pink sore that looks “punched out.” It may penetrate deeper layers of skin, extending to muscle or bone in severe cases. Tissue death (necrosis) can also occur, leading to blackened areas around the ulcer. Ulcers can lead to extensive tissue death (gangrene) and bone infections when ignored. What You Can Do to Prevent Diabetic Ulcers Ulcers sound scary, but the good news is that being vigilant about your foot health can help keep your feet ulcer-free. Examine your feet at home every day, keep them clean, and wear protective orthopedic slippers while inside to protect your skin. Lastly, you should regularly visit your chiropodist for inspections and diabetic foot care if you have diabetes; ask them how frequently you should be coming in!

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February is Heart Health Month!

The Four Main Functions Of The Heart Are:

The 3 Simple Rules to Follow:

Show Your Feet Some Love

Here’s to Many More Years of Foot Care!

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Related Posts

What’s A Crossover Toe: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hammertoes: Non-Surgical Solutions for Correcting Toe Deformities

Best Shoes for Construction Workers

Yellow Bottoms of the Feet: What it Means

What’s a Cheilectomy?

Why Scrapes and Cuts Become Diabetic Ulcers: The Process

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