Is My Foot Pain Urgent?

January 2, 2021

It can be difficult to discern between serious foot pain and foot pain that may be more mild and responsive to at-home foot care. Luckily, we’re here to let you know what to look out for when assessing your discomfort. Generally speaking, foot conditions that need more immediate attention from a qualified specialist may present symptoms such as swelling, a complete inability to walk, and symptoms that may indicate an infection. Try not to worry, however, as there are treatment options out there for you. The key is being responsible and taking that first “step,” so to speak, in determining if your foot pain is cause for alarm. Keep reading to learn what symptoms indicate an urgent situation that requires care from a qualified foot specialist as quickly as possible.

Is Your Foot Pain Urgent? Seek Care ASAP If You’re Experiencing The Following Symptoms:

Severe pain and total inability to put pressure on your foot or ankle
Swelling
Signs of infection (fever, open wound on the foot, redness, etc)
A recent fall or accident may indicate a possible sprain in the foot or ankle
Likewise, a recent fall or accident may indicate a broken bone in the foot or ankle

Sprain or Broken Bone In The Foot Or Ankle

Your foot pain may be urgent if you’ve experienced a recent accident, such as a fall, and notice signs of a foot or ankle sprain. Clear signs of a sprain include bruising, swelling, and severe pain that completely prevents one from walking. What’s more, even slightly touching the sprain may be painful. If you suspect you have an ankle or a foot sprain, you should seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Failure to tend to a sprain, or ignoring a possible sprain, can lead to such effects as Arthritis in your joints and recurring foot or ankle pain.

Similar to a sprain, a broken bone in the foot will be tender to the touch. It will also be characterized by swelling, intense onset pain, and an inability to walk. Since our feet are comprised of 26 bones, the location of the fracture may determine the severity in terms of pain. Broken bones in the foot or ankle can range from anywhere from the big toe to one of the bones in your ankle joint. It is critical to see a chiropodist as soon as possible if you suspect you have a broken bone. Moreover, disregarding a possible fracture can lead to complications such as a bone infection, or arthritis.

Treatment Options For Sprains And Broken Bones

In order to treat a broken bone or a sprain in the foot or ankle, a chiropodist will need to determine the exact location of the fracture or sprain by doing a thorough assessment which may also require the patient acquiring diagnostic imaging elsewhere. Unless the location of the fracture or sprain is clear, they will need some time during your visit to determine the affected area. If the fracture or sprain is particularly serious, a surgery may be required. Other options for treatment that your chiropodist will thoughtfully incorporate into a plan include:

Rest – this is a given
Keeping your foot elevated during rest
Soothing the affected area with ice, preferably an ice pack. Compression is very important
Foot splint
A cast or a crutch
When the healing process has progressed, supportive footwear such as Custom orthotics may be recommended to ensure proper rehabilitation

Please note, if a surgical procedure focusing on the bone is required, you should discuss this with your family doctor. They will need to refer you to a podiatrist or an orthopaedic surgeon rather than a chiropodist, if this is the case.

Swelling

Foot swelling can be quite alarming, and could be indicative of a serious condition. A common occurrence for those suffering from Diabetes, a sprain, or an infection, if you notice your foot pain is accompanied by swelling, you should seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Medical News Today states that diabetes patients should see a doctor if there is swelling present in the foot or ankle. Furthermore, diabetes patients should ensure that regular visits with a qualified Chiropodist are a part of their routine. A chiropodist can help prevent complications by attending to Diabetes related foot conditions on a regular basis.

Infection

Some foot conditions involving small wounds, cuts or other vulnerable lacerations, including Blisters, Plantar warts and Ingrown toenails, can lead to an infection if left completely untreated. Moreover, the following symptoms could indicate an infection in your foot:

Pain
Redness
Swelling
Fever
Warm skin surrounding infected area
Pus from an open wound

Furthermore, those suffering with diabetes need to do everything they can to prevent foot ulcers that can ultimately lead to infections. Foot ulcer symptoms include a foul smell coming from the foot, fluid coming from the affected area, redness and irritation. According to Healthline, “infected diabetic ulcers and bacterial cellulitis require medical treatment.” Depending on the severity of a foot ulcer, a chiropodist may perform a surgery. Other treatment options that tackle infections include:

Prescribed medications (pills or creams)
Antibiotics
Meticulous cleaning of the affected area
In the case of an infection caused by a plantar war, Cryotherapy may be required

We Can Help!

Are you experiencing severe foot pain? Whether you’re on the mild or severe side of the spectrum, you can rest easy knowing we’re able and happy to solve all your foot care needs. If you think your foot pain is cause for alarm, don’t hesitate to book an assessment with one of our qualified foot specialists. We’re open 6 days a week, and are ready to work with you and get you back on your feet!

Call us at 416-769-FEET (3338) or Book Your Assessment Today!

Banner Image by monicore from Pexels – 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!

PrevPrevious Why Do I Have Swollen Feet? Causes and Treatments

NextNext Staying Safe Through the Necessary Winter Duties

Related Services & Conditions

Newsletter Signup

Get biweekly health information and advice from our experts.

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 9, 2023

Preventing the Spread of Plantar Warts: A Guide for Athletes and Gym-goers

Plantar warts and sports are an "iconic" duo of foot conditions and risk factors. Many athletes are looking for a quick fix for their plantar wart woes. But the truth is, switching your mindset towards prevention and medical foot care is just as important. Let's look at our plantar wart guide for athletes and gym-goers! We'll answer some of your most pressing questions and dive into the following: What are plantar warts? Why are athletes prone to plantar warts? Preventing plantar warts: foot hygiene and foot care Prevention plantar warts: shoe choices What are Plantar Warts? Plantar warts are viral skin infections caused by the Human Papilloma Virus(HPV) that appear on the bottom of the feet. Many people assume that HPV is solely a sexually transmitted infection, but there are over 200 strains, some causing warts and others causing cancer. People usually contract this virus strain by walking or running barefoot on an infected surface, which enters the skin via contact or through small cracks in the skin. Warts appear round and look deceptively like corns, calluses and blisters. They result from the body's failure to fight off the HPV, which can sometimes disappear on its own depending on the strain. Symptoms and signs of plantar warts include: A hard and "grainy" growth on the bottom of the foot, often on the ball of the foot or base of the toes On dark skin, it may appear lighter than the surrounding skin Calluses surrounding the wart if it has started to grow inward "Wart seeds" - which look like a small black dot in the wart Pain when walking or touching the wart Mosaic warts or a cluster of warts Treatment options from a foot clinic include cryotherapy and needling. You can read about treatments in more detail here. Why are Athletes Prone to Plantar Warts? Plantar warts have the potential to debilitate athletes and gym-goers and severely impact their physical progress. But why are the physically fit more likely to contract them in the first place? HPV loves warm, moist environments. These include communal showers and locker rooms where sports teams typically congregate without shoes or socks. So without adequate foot protection, members of the same team can unknowingly pass on this troublesome skin infection to each other. Competitive swimmers are also at risk since the walking area surrounding the swimming pools is also communal with heavy, barefoot traffic. Furthermore, the rough surfaces of pool decks may cause micro-trauma to the bottom of the feet, increasing the risk of viral contraction. Athletes and fitness lovers are also more likely to experience hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating of the feet, which can increase the risk. Athletes often also share infected gym equipment, such as mats, without thorough cleaning. Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels Plantar Wart Prevention: Foot Hygiene and Foot Care The best way to prevent plantar warts is to strictly monitor your foot health and keep your feet clean. If you already have plantar warts, these practices can help prevent the condition from worsening. Here are some practices to abide by: Follow a daily foot care routine, being careful not to miss days when you play sports or go to the gym. It should include cleaning, exfoliation, moisturizing, and more. Here is an excellent one to follow! Lightly dust your feet with baby powder. This can also help with foot odour! You can also try Gehwol Foot Powder. Wear moisture-wicking socks, foot pads or other protective products. Never go barefoot in a communal area like a locker room, shower or pool deck. Always wear protective footwear like sandals or shower shoes while in these spaces. Don't scratch or pick at any pre-existing plantar warts. Air out your shoes after using them. Always wash your hands if you touch one of your plantar warts. Don't share shoes, socks, towels and other products with other people. Plantar Wart Prevention: Shoe Choices Athletes can't avoid keeping their feet cooped up in runners all day. What they can do, however, is make shoe choices that help to prevent the growth of plantar warts. Shoes should be breathable and waterproof. You know how some runners have those mini holes in the upper that let air enter and escape? Those are the ones you should be on the hunt for! The ventilation keeps your foot environment fresh and healthy while you spend the day exerting energy. When shopping for shoes or attending a shoe fitting, stress the importance of finding shoes like these by asking for breathable options. You can also look for shoes made with GORE-TEX fabric, which repels moisture while letting water vapour from sweat exit the shoe. Looking For More Info on Plantar Warts? We know that athletes are at risk of developing plantar warts, but did you know children are also vulnerable? If you're a concerned parent, check out this blog on managing plantar warts in children.

February 27, 2023

The Impact of Poor Foot Health

Poor foot health can significantly impact a person's everyday life. It can not only be painful and uncomfortable, but it could also be costly, lead to skin and fungal infections or foot conditions, and be generally unpleasant. Poor foot health can mean several things, including: A lack of foot hygiene. Ignoring aches and pains. Wearing unsuitable shoes (whether it's the type or sizing). Skipping regular checkups. Any individual or combination of habits can contribute to poor foot health. The absence of proper foot health may lead to minor conditions that could manifest into more severe foot conditions. In this article, get the inside scoop on how poor foot health can contribute to the following issues: Pain and Discomfort Foot and Skin Infections Limitations in Footwear Choices Added Costs Reduced Mobility Affects on Physical appearance/aesthetics We'll also give you our top tips for how to prevent these issues and keep your feet in tip-top shape. 1. Pain and discomfort First and foremost, poor foot health can be painful and cause discomfort. Pain is a symptom of poor foot health that cannot be ignored. Walking, running, or physical activity can become arduous and uncomfortable. The source of the pain may be any number of skin or musculoskeletal foot conditions. Poor foot health can lead to painful skin conditions, including blisters, calluses, ingrown toenails, and cracked heels. Skin conditions are generally quicker to develop and may be more manageable. Additionally, poor foot health can lead to short- and long-term musculoskeletal foot conditions, including bunions, hallux rigidus, osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, gout, and more. Both skin and musculoskeletal foot conditions can be painful and uncomfortable. Pain and discomfort from poor foot health not only affects the feet. After all, the feet are our body's foundation. If you have poor foot mechanics, you may begin to compensate in other parts of your body. For instance, poor foot mechanics can misalign your pelvis, causing lower back pain. 2. Foot and skin infections Poor hygiene and neglect to clean and care for your feet can lead to infections such as athlete's foot, which can be painful and spread to other body parts. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that targets the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. Fungi called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm and moist environments, such as inside shoes or public showers, cause the condition. Proper foot health to help prevent foot infections includes keeping the feet dry, avoiding being barefoot in public places, and not sharing linens or shoes with others. 3. Limitations in footwear choices Poor foot health can cause deformities and inconsistencies in your feet. Irregular foot shapes can make it more challenging to wear standard footwear for work, at home, or for exercise. Foot conditions like corns, calluses, and bunions can cause outgrowths. Outgrowths, whether bony or skin, may change the shape and size of your feet. This limits the types of shoes a person can wear, reducing their options for comfortable and stylish footwear. 4. Added costs You may find that you're spending more money due to doing less. That's right. Inaction in the form of poor foot health or hygiene can be costly in the long run. You may need new footwear, require physiotherapy, or find you spend more on medication. The best treatment is prevention. In more severe cases, you may require surgery, forcing you to take time off work and being unable to drive during your recovery period. For bunion surgery, for instance, it's recommended not to drive for 6-8 weeks if you have surgery on your right foot. 5. Reduced mobility Poor foot health can impact a person's mobility in a restrictive way. The onset of various foot conditions can make standing, walking, running, or engaging in physical activity more difficult. Reduced mobility can also lead to a cycle of inactivity. A lack of physical activity can further exacerbate foot conditions like gout as joints and muscles seize up over time. 6. Affects on Physical Appearance/Aesthetics Poor foot health can be a sight for sore eyes. Many foot conditions and injuries are visible, which can make you may feel less comfortable barefoot, especially in public. For instance, fungal infections and thick and discoloured toenails may be visually unappealing. You may notice decreased confidence or greater self-consciousness if you experience poor foot health. How to prevent poor foot health: 10 tips Now that you know that poor foot care can impact your quality of life, what can you do? Fortunately, preventing poor foot health, or building healthy feet, is simple if you put some work into it. Investing in your feet is the most effective way to prevent poor foot health. Prevention means following positive foot care habits like regular toenail trimming and moisturizing. It can also mean scheduling regular foot assessments or buying the proper footwear. Here are our top 10 tips to prevent poor foot health: Wear comfortable and suitable shoes. First and foremost, wear shoes that fit well and are comfortable. Avoid high heels or shoes with pointed toes for extended periods. Practice good hygiene habits. Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash them regularly with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly after bathing or showering. Moisturize your feet. Use a good quality foot cream to moisturize your feet and prevent cracking. Care for your toenails. Keep your toenails trimmed and filed to prevent ingrown toenails. Stretch your feet. Stretch your feet and toes regularly to improve flexibility and prevent foot problems. Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can help improve circulation and keep your feet healthy. Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can add strain to your feet, so it helps to maintain a healthy weight. Avoid smoking. Smoking can reduce circulation to your feet, making it harder for them to heal if injured. Wear appropriate socks. Wear socks that fit well and wick away moisture to prevent fungal infections and blisters. Schedule regular checkups. See a chiropodist regularly to check your feet for any problems and get professional advice on foot care.

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

February 16, 2023

The Benefits of Regular Foot Exams for Early Detection of Medical Issues

You should not take foot conditions lightly. Many start with minor symptoms that you can easily brush off, but they may soon progress into an issue that impedes your daily life. Regular foot exams are the number one way to be proactive about your foot health. The concept of a foot exam is self-explanatory: a specialist will take a close look at your feet and pinpoint any disconcerting abnormalities, whether minor or severe. This will help clarify whether you have a foot conditions and, if so, its severity. Then you can implement ways to prevent the condition from worsening, get rid of it entirely or learn to successfully live with it. Let's take a closer look at foot exams, what they entail and who needs them the most! Facts About Foot Exams A foot exam includes a physical examination of the feet and lower legs. The chiropodist will assess your range of motion and joints, but they will also pay close attention to your nail and skin health. They will also consider the shape of your feet and look for deformities, such as bunions. They may also assess the biomechanics of your feet. Foot exams are equal parts educational and preventative. For example, you may learn something about your feet that you didn't know, like your arch type (flat feet vs. high arches). While it's true that some people need foot exams more than others, you don't have to have a serious foot condition to book a foot exam. It's okay to schedule one as a means of being proactive and having peace of mind. When a chiropodist performs a foot exam, they will consider any symptoms you mention. For instance, if you tell them you have recently been experiencing heel pain, they may suspect you have plantar fasciitis and recommend ways you can treat it and feel better. Exams can be a good way to assess your healing progress after sustaining one of many foot injuries. Whether it's an ankle sprain or a broken toe, it's always good to ensure you're on the mend. This is only recommended after the acute treatment phase passes. Foot Exams For Early Detection and Prevention of Serious Medical Issues For some people, foot exams are just as critical as cancer screenings. For example, diabetic foot care can save lives. The National Library of Medicine notes that people with diabetes should get a foot exam at least every year due to microvascular, neuropathic, and biomechanical changes to the foot. If the patient has a series of noticeable foot complications or peculiar symptoms, they can see their chiropodist for an exam every six months or less. These symptoms may include: Tingling Numbness Pain Difficulty walking Swelling Burning Without annual foot assessments, it can be easy to miss critical wounding since people with diabetes often don't feel sensations in their lower extremities. The exact term for this is diabetic neuropathy, and it occurs after microvascular changes start restricting blood flow to the body's limbs and feet. Diabetic foot care is a series of routine foot assessments performed by a chiropodist at a foot and ankle clinic. An evaluation can determine the severity levels of diabetic neuropathy. Furthermore, a thorough exam can detect the presence of wounds, cuts and scrapes before they get worse. As far as complications go, wounds can often turn into diabetic ulcers. Around 15% of diabetes patients experience a diabetic ulcer in the foot, and as many as 24% of those patients will need an amputation. This can have a devastating impact on someone's overall quality of life and is why foot exams are crucial for people suffering from this disease. If you have diabetes, you need regular foot exams to prevent serious foot health complications. Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels. Aging and Foot Assessments When you get older, all of the ligaments and tendons in your feet get weaker. UCLA Health notes that, as a result, your feet can flatten, and your toes and foot length can increase. Many older people don't realize these changes are occurring and assume they are the same shoe size. But with recurrent foot exams, a chiropodist will be able to pinpoint when these changes start to happen. A foot specialist can also monitor these changes and keep their eyes peeled for bunion and hammertoe development, which are much more likely to occur in seniors, particularly women. Your chiropodist may also advise you to change your footwear since wearing the same ill-fitting shoes can majorly contribute to several foot conditions. Different types of arthritis are also a common risk for older feet. With foot exams, you'll gain knowledge about the likelihood of onset arthritis. This will help you get a head start in managing this condition, which may include implementing a healthy exercise routine. Foot exams are also important for detecting other conditions commonly found in older people before they start impeding mobility. These include corns, calluses and toenail fungal infections.

February 13, 2023

The Importance of Proper Medical Foot Care for Diabetic Patients

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Diabetes is particularly prevalent in Canada. The disease affects 1 in 3 Canadians. One of its common complications is diabetic foot injuries. Proper foot care for diabetes patients is critical as they are at higher risk for foot problems due to nerve damage, poor blood flow and a compromised immune system. Neglecting foot care can lead to severe complications such as infections, ulcers, and even amputation. But don't worry; there are several ways to curb diabetes' effect on the feet and toes. The key is to follow a proper and regular foot care routine. Our latest blog explores the importance of proper foot care for people with diabetes. From regular check-ups to the right shoes, we've got the latest information on keeping your feet healthy and happy. Read more below. What risk(s) does diabetes pose to the feet? Diabetes puts you at risk for the following foot complications: Ulcers: Sores or open wounds may develop due to poor blood circulation and nerve damage. Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections can be severe for people with diabetes and quickly spread to the bones, tissues, and blood. Foot deformities: Conditions of the feet include hammertoes, bunions, and Charcot's foot. Foot deformities may develop due to nerve damage and imbalanced forces on the foot. Nerve damage: Diabetic neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the feet. Diabetes symptoms on the feet People with diabetes may experience some symptoms on their feet, or none at all. These symptoms can affect anyone, but they're especially important to be on the lookout for if you have, or are at risk of, diabetes. Signs of diabetic foot injuries may include any number of the following: Whiteness or a loss of pigment colour around the toes Redness in the feet around a cut or wound, or redness in the feet when your foot hangs down Bruising and blistering Calluses and corns Cracks in the skin Lumps/bumps on the sole Irregularities in the toes, including misaligned toes, bone spurs, swelling and inflammation, or discolouration Open sores on the feet that are not healing, or healing very slowly Unusual foot odour that won't go away If you have diabetes and notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or chiropodist immediately. Why is proper medical foot care necessary for diabetic patients? Proper foot care is critical for diabetic patients because diabetes can cause nerve and blood vessel damage in the feet. Damage to the nerves and blood vessels contributes to loss of sensation and reduced blood flow in the feet. In tandem, the reduced blood flow compromises your body's ability to properly heal itself. That means something seemingly minor like a cut or scrape can quickly progress to more severe complications, like infection, ulcers, other foot injuries and even amputation. Because diabetes reduces sensation in your feet, you may not be able to feel these complications. To top it all off, diabetes also affects your vision, so you may not even see any developing foot problems either until it's too late. Fortunately, regular foot check-ups with a chiropodist, proper hygiene, and exercise can help prevent these complications and maintain good foot health for diabetes patients. Likewise, patients with diabetes should seek medical assistance when dealing with foot conditions like corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, or warts. Trying to DIY poses challenges and complications that aren't worth risking; just a nick when cutting your toes can lead to major problems. Chiropodists can properly treat these common foot conditions in a safe, clean environment so that they don't develop into bigger issues. How can I prevent diabetic foot complications? Diabetic patients should take the following steps for proper foot care: Visit a chiropodist regularly for check-ups and preventative professional foot care, such as getting your nails properly trimmed and filed. Inspect feet daily for cuts, blisters, swelling, or redness. Keep feet clean and dry. Wear well-fitting, comfortable shoes and socks to avoid rubbing and pressure. Custom orthotics to correct any biomechanical issues and prevent buildup of pressure on parts of the feet. Avoid walking barefoot, even at home. Exercise regularly to improve circulation. Regulate blood sugar levels by following a diet, exercise, and medication regimen as directed by a healthcare provider. By following these guidelines, diabetic patients can significantly reduce their risk of foot problems and maintain good foot health. How can a chiropodist help manage diabetic foot conditions? A chiropodist is a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. They provide routine diabetic foot care, such as cutting and filing nails, removing calluses, and treating skin and nail conditions. As discussed above, it's highly recommended that diabetes patients get their nails properly trimmed and filed by a chiropodist in order to avoid any cuts, nicks, bruises or ingrown toenails. Remember: diabetes affects your vision too, so DIY foot care in diabetes patients can be dangerous. Something as small as a scrape can lead to serious foot complications. A foot check-up with a chiropodist aims to identify and treat any problems that could affect the health of the feet and lower limbs and to provide advice and support to help people with diabetes maintain good foot health. During a diabetic foot care appointment, your chiropodist will assess the nails and skin on your feet for any signs of fungal or bacterial infections, corns, calluses, or other skin conditions. They also check the feet for circulation and sensation in order to monitor peripheral vascular disease and diabetic neuropathy - two very common diabetic foot injuries. In addition, chiropodists also have the expertise to treat more complex conditions, such as foot and ankle injuries, and can advise on foot health and the use of orthotics. A chiropodist can perform a biomechanical assessment, evaluate your footwear and may recommend shoes that fit correctly and provide adequate support.

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!

Book an Appointment

Book an Appointment

Book an Appointment

Share:

Is Your Foot Pain Urgent? Seek Care ASAP If You’re Experiencing The Following Symptoms:

Sprain or Broken Bone In The Foot Or Ankle

Treatment Options For Sprains And Broken Bones

Swelling

Infection

We Can Help!

Here’s to Many More Years of Foot Care!

Related Services & Conditions

Newsletter Signup

Related Posts

Understanding and Managing Foot Pain in Diabetic Patients

Preventing the Spread of Plantar Warts: A Guide for Athletes and Gym-goers

The Impact of Poor Foot Health

The Link Between Foot Health and Overall Wellness

The Benefits of Regular Foot Exams for Early Detection of Medical Issues

The Importance of Proper Medical Foot Care for Diabetic Patients

Useful Links

About Us

Our Newsletter

Useful Links

About Us

Our Newsletter

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)