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Sun : 10:00 am – 4:00 pm *
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416-769-FEET(3338) 2481 Bloor St. W, Toronto info@feetfirstclinic.com

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November 25, 2019

How to Reduce Physical Pain This Holiday Season

Even though the holiday season is filled with cheer, there is no denying that these celebrations can put a strain on your body. All of the standing, driving and running around can cause you to feel aches and pains, especially in your feet and lower back. Continue reading to learn more about how you can stay a step ahead of your aches and pains during this busy time of year.

Visit Feet First Clinic

At Feet First Clinic, we can provide you with incomparable care. We offer comprehensive foot care services and high-quality products, many of which can be customized to meet your unique needs. Drop by the store or book an appointment with one of our chiropodists today.

Don’t Spend Too Much Time on Your Feet

Due to all of the cooking, entertaining and travelling that comes with the holidays, many people spend a lot of time on their feet. Although this may not seem like a huge issue to some people, standing for a long period of time can take a physical toll.

Recent studies have shown that standing for 2 or more hours at a time can cause physical discomfort and impacts your mental productivity. Additionally, walking for a long period can be quite painful, especially if you suffer from foot conditions like plantar fasciitis or bunions.

If you know that you’re going to be spending a lot of time on your feet, be sure to get a pair of orthopedic shoes before the holidays arrive. These will give your feet plenty of cushioning and support. There are lots of stylish options available, so you can look fashionable and feel comfortable at the same time.

If you don’t want to change your shoes, you should purchase a pair of custom orthotic inserts. Here are just some of the benefits of custom orthotics that you will appreciate:

  • Reducing bodily pain
  • Alleviating strain
  • Minimizing fatigue
  • Increasing shock absorption in high-pressure areas

Look for Opportunities to Carpool

If you’ve been invited to any holiday parties, then you will most likely end up doing some driving. Although it is harmless when done for a short amount of time, driving for extended periods can have a negative impact on your body.

If you’re exposed to a large amount of whole-body vibrations (like the ones that are produced from a vehicle) you have an increased chance of suffering from lower back pain or sciatica. Additionally, if you lean too far forward while you drive, you can end up straining the muscles in your back.

Whether you’re already dealing with soreness in your lower back or want to prevent it from happening in the first place, you should try to carpool and split up the driving. This will minimize the amount of time that you’ll be sitting behind the wheel.

The holidays only come once a year, so don’t let your physical aches and pains get the best of you. If you want to enjoy the entire holiday season, be sure to use these tried-and-true tips. We guarantee that your feet and lower back will thank you.

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 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 7, 2023
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Best Shoes for Teachers 2023
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August 31, 2023
Foot Callus Treatment: When to Seek Professional Help
Often, a foot callus will go away independently if you change your shoes and eliminate friction and discomfort. Specialized creams and foot soaks can also help speed up the process. But for an unfortunate minority, calluses can become thicker and thicker, eventually causing pain and discomfort and making it necessary to seek foot callus treatment from a chiropodist. Source: iStock At-Home Treatment for Foot Calluses You don't need to rush to the doctor every time you see a callus. In fact, many people will have a mild callus on their foot at any given time, and they aren't typically a medical priority without signs of severity. As far as foot conditions go, they are one of the most common. But it's still a good idea to keep on top of them by practicing foot care from home so you can ensure they don't get worse! Gehwol's Med Callus Cream loosens hard callus layers and may even completely remove a mild callus in up to 28 days. For additional foot health benefits, try Gehwol's Extra Universal Foot Cream, which targets calluses using a combination of natural oils and medicinal ingredients. It also has deodorizing properties and strengthens and invigorates tired feet. Moreover, you can include foot soaks in your at-home callus care routine. Try Gehwol's Refreshing Foot Bath, which keeps the skin resistant to callus formation while smoothening existing calluses. Source: Gehwol Canada Source: Gehwol Canada Seeking Professional Help For Calluses Sometimes taking care of your foot health means visiting your local foot clinic for foot callus treatment from a chiropodist. Here are some signs to look out for: Your callus is causing discomfort Your callus looks inflamed Your callus is very thick Your calluses keep coming back It hurts to put pressure on a callus when walking You see signs of an infection, like pus and drainage. This is especially dangerous if you have diabetes. You just want smooth feet, and to ensure your calluses are treated in a safe, sterile setting. Chiropodists treat calluses using sterilized tools to shave down the area. Following this, they will apply ointment or moisturizing cream to help the skin heal. Your chiropodist can also tend to calluses during a medical pedicure. In addition, foot health specialists can recommend using products to help protect pressure points from friction, like foot protection pads and custom orthotics, to ward off painful, recurring calluses. Source: iStock
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August 24, 2023
Summer and Swelling Feet: How to Prevent Foot Inflammation in Hot Weather
Most are thrilled when the temperatures warm up. But for some people, the summer and swelling feet are a dreaded yearly occurrence. Foot inflammation in hot weather happens when sweltering heat causes our blood vessels to dilate, leading to fluid pooling in the legs and feet. This is also called heat edema.  Those with underlying health or foot conditions can be more prone to foot inflammation in the summer. Still, young and healthy adults who exercise in high temperatures or gyms without proper ventilation can also experience it.   For those wanting to prevent foot inflammation this summer, there is hope. Let’s check out several ways you can keep your feet cool and comfortable.  Photo Source: Photo by brgfx on Freepik Exercises and Stretches PHoto by FreePik Boosting your blood circulation with movement and activities can reduce foot swelling (not to mention the other foot health benefits you can enjoy). Try a solid, low-impact exercising and stretching routine, performing a few sets twice daily.  Compression Stockings Compression socks place pressure on the feet and legs so fluids cannot pool as easily. They also boost blood flow. That said, compression stockings are generally not recommended for diabetes patients. If your swelling feet are a diabetes symptom, you should seek other relief methods.  Compression socks can also be uncomfortable during the summer, so make sure you wear them indoors in cool spaces. You can also try lighter, sheer hosiery instead of knee-high socks.  Orthopedic Shoes Wearing the right shoes can help accommodate larger, swollen feet and prevent your heat edema from worsening. Look for orthopedic shoes and medical shoes with extra cozy and protective features, such as more width and depth, stretchy fabric, easy adjustability (like velcro and buckle closure straps), and removable insoles you can replace with orthotics if needed. Summer and Swelling Feet: At-Home Foot Care Tips for Preventing Foot Inflammation Chiropodists and other healthcare professionals recommend the following tips for reducing heat-related foot swelling:  Eat magnesium-rich foods or take supplements. Studies show that foot swelling is often a result of magnesium deficiency.  Lower your sodium intake.  Stay hydrated.  Soak your feet in an Epsom salt bath.  Stay in cool, air-conditioned areas and avoid hot temperatures when possible. Photo by FreePik
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Request an Appointment

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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.