How Can You Protect Your Ankles from Awful Sprains?

Written by Bianca Charles on October 12, 2019

Last updated October 25, 2019

The most popular shoe style used for ankle support is the high-top — this shoe style extends above the ankle. Lots of basketball players sport high-tops because they want to reduce their risk of ankle injuries from jumping, landing, falling and getting hit by other players.

Sadly, there’s no scientific proof that high-top sneakers prevent more injuries than low-top sneakers on the basketball court. The height of the heel cover might not matter when it comes to support. So, what will make a shoe better for your ankles?

A Good Fit

Shoes that don’t fit properly are more likely to lead to foot conditions and injuries. You should come to Feet First Clinic to have your feet measured and get the best fit.

A Strong Tread

Look for rubber soles with strong tread. These give your shoe grip and support on different terrain, preventing your feet from sliding or slipping when they hit the ground.

Orthotic Inserts

Orthotic inserts will keep your feet steady while you’re moving and increase shock absorption in your shoes. When you get them custom-made, orthotics can alleviate discomfort from arch problems, musculoskeletal conditions and recovering injuries.

Causes of Ankle Pain

Long-term foot conditions can cause ankle pain and discomfort just as severe as a sudden sports injury. Here is a brief list of examples:

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone. When the muscles can’t absorb the shock from impact, the bones take the damage. Unlike a break, stress fractures deal with small shocks from repetitive activities. They’re overuse injuries found in athletes like runners and basketball players.

Chronic Ankle Instability

The medical condition called chronic ankle instability might be easier to recognize as the common term “weak ankles,” where someone frequently rolls or turns their ankles. This condition often happens to people who had a previous ankle sprain that didn’t heal properly.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendinitis is a condition caused by the chronic strain and inflammation of the Achilles tendon. The swelling and pain affect the heel and surrounding areas, including the ankles. People notice the symptoms of Achilles tendinitis the most when they’re exercising.

High Arches

Up to 20% of the population have feet with high arches. The problem with high arches is that they don’t distribute shock evenly throughout the foot, only letting it hit the ball and heel. The uneven distribution leads to symptoms like heel pain, ball of foot pain and ankle pain. Click here to read more about high arches and what other foot conditions they are closely connected to.

If you’re not sure what’s the cause behind your ankle troubles, you should visit a chiropodist. They will diagnose the issue and present you with effective treatment options. Book an appointment at the foot and ankle clinic right after you notice any suspicious symptoms.

Whenever you’re dealing with foot pain, you need to investigate your shoes. The wrong types of footwear could be contributing to that pain, meaning the right types of replacements can offer relief. Anyone who is living with ankle problems should get themselves a new pair of supportive shoes.

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!

July 18, 2024

Morton’s Toe: When Your Second Toe Is Longer Than Your Big Toe

Feet come in all shapes and sizes, and while many people have heard of common foot conditions like bunions or flat feet, there's another lesser-known but equally interesting foot characteristic called Morton's foot or Morton's toe. The condition occurs when the second toe is longer than the big toe, leading to potential biomechanical implications and foot-related issues. Let's delve into Morton's Foot, its potential effects on foot health, and how to manage it. What is Morton's foot/toe? Morton's Foot, also known as Morton's toe/foot or Greek foot, is a foot structure in which the second toe is longer than the big toe. The big toe is the longest in a typical foot, followed by the second toe. (Despite sharing the same name, Morton's neuroma and Morton's toe are not the same.) However, in individuals with Morton's foot, the second toe extends beyond the big toe, sometimes significantly. The condition is quite common. As many as 40%+ individuals have a longer second toe than a big toe. Potential biomechanical implications But here's the twist: while Morton's foot is generally considered a variation of normal foot anatomy rather than a medical condition, it can have some surprising biomechanical implications that affect gait and foot function. Let's explore these potential issues associated with Morton's foot. Added pressure on the second toe The longer second toe may bear more weight during walking or standing, leading to increased pressure and potential discomfort or pain in the ball of the foot, which may contribute to clawing of the toe and hammertoes. Gait changes Morton's foot can alter the distribution of weight and pressure across the foot, potentially affecting gait mechanics and posture. This may contribute to overpronation, increasing the risk of injuries such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints and bunions. Footwear challenges Finding the right footwear can be a real challenge for individuals with Morton's foot. Shoes often fail to comfortably accommodate the longer second toe, leading to issues such as rubbing, irritation, or the development of thickened or ingrown toenails, corns or calluses on the affected toe. How to manage Morton's foot While Morton's Foot may not require medical intervention, there are steps individuals can take to manage associated discomfort or mitigate potential issues proactively: Choose footwear wisely. Opt for shoes with a wide toe box to comfortably accommodate the longer second toe—Asics is a great choice for a roomier and wider toe box. Avoid narrow or pointed shoes that can squeeze or crowd the toes. Consider orthotic support. Custom orthotic inserts or insoles can offset pressure on the toes and support the foot. This can alleviate any discomfort associated with Morton's Foot and improve your overall foot mechanics. Foot-strengthening exercises. Engaging in exercises to strengthen the muscles of the foot and ankle can help improve stability and support, reducing the risk of overuse injuries or discomfort associated with Morton's foot. Regular foot care. Practicing good foot hygiene and monitoring for signs of irritation or injury can help prevent complications such as corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails on the longer second toe.

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 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.

May 20, 2024

Summer Sandal Guide: Choosing the Best for Your Feet

As the temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, it's time to ditch the closed-toe shoes and slide into something more comfortable and breathable. Yes, it's sandal season! But with so many options available, how do you choose the best sandals for your summer adventures? We've got you covered. In this guide, we'll explore the essential features to look for in summer sandals and introduce you to some top picks that seamlessly blend style with comfort. Cork footbed One key feature to consider when selecting summer sandals is the footbed material. Cork footbeds are famous for their ability to mould to the shape of your foot over time, providing personalized support and cushioning. Additionally, cork is lightweight and absorbs shock, making it an excellent option for all-day wear. Whether strolling along the boardwalk or exploring a new city, sandals with cork footbeds ensure your feet stay comfortable and supported. Arch support Arch support is essential, especially if you plan on wearing your sandals for extended periods. It distributes weight across your feet, reducing strain and preventing discomfort. A lack of arch and forefoot support can lead to foot problems like plantar fasciitis or metatarsalgia. Look for sandals with arch support or removable insoles. You can customize the level of support to your liking. Your feet will thank you after a long day of sightseeing or outdoor activities. Backstraps for support While slip-on sandals are convenient, they may provide a different level of support and stability than those with backstraps. Backstraps help secure the sandals to your feet, preventing them from slipping and sliding with each step. Added stability is particularly beneficial if you plan to engage in more active pursuits or tend to pronate or supinate. Backstraps come in various styles, from adjustable buckles to elasticized bands, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your feet. Our top picks Now that we've covered the essential features to look for in summer sandals let's introduce you to some top picks that effortlessly combine style with comfort. NAOT Cornet and NAOT Castelo Best for cork footbeds With their contoured cork footbeds and adjustable backstraps, NAOT sandals offer exceptional comfort and support. The NAOT Cornet and NAOT Castelo styles feature chic designs that transition seamlessly from day to night. Mephisto Hester and Mephisto Hetty Best for cork footbeds Mephisto sandals are renowned for their superior craftsmanship and comfort technology. The Mephisto Hester and Mephisto Hetty models boast cushioned footbeds with arch support and durable backstraps for added stability. Aetrex Jess Best for arch support The Aetrex Jess sandals feature a built-in Lynco orthotic footbed for maximum support and alignment. The adjustable backstrap ensures a secure fit, making them ideal for all-day wear. NAOT Enid and NAOT Amadora Best for backstrap support NAOT offers a range of stylish sandals with cork footbeds and backstrap designs. The NAOT Enid and NAOT Amadora are built with quality and comfort in mind. The three variations three are perfect for summer adventures. Mephisto Norine Best for backstrap support The Mephisto Norrine sandals combine elegance with functionality. Featuring Soft-Air technology and adjustable straps, they provide unparalleled comfort and support for any occasion.

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Solve Your Ankle Pain with Supportive Shoes

A Good Fit

A Strong Tread

Orthotic Inserts

Causes of Ankle Pain

Stress Fractures

Chronic Ankle Instability

Achilles Tendonitis

High Arches

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

Morton’s Toe: When Your Second Toe Is Longer Than Your Big Toe

Best Shoes for Construction Workers

What’s a Cheilectomy?

Summer Sandal Guide: Choosing the Best for Your Feet

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Carolina Charles

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