Wearing High Heels All of the Time Is Hard on your Body

February 27, 2019

Whether it’s a pair of black patent leather pumps, sky-high ruby red stilettos or strappy sandals, high heels are considered wardrobe staples that belong in a woman’s closet. They’re used for special occasions and everyday work-life, going out dancing or going for an important interview. Sadly, these beloved fashion statements can damage parts of your body over time.

Anyone who has ever worn a pair of high heels knows that after a few hours of standing and walking, your feet are throbbing. It’s a relief just to slip them off, sit down and let your pulsing toes have a little bit of a rest. These aches and pains come after only a few hours of wearing the shoes — the long-term effects are much worse.

One of the health problems that people can get from wearing high heels is developing large bumps called bunions on the outsides of their big toes. A bunion is a permanent side-effect, but you can get corrective surgery to remove part of the bone and add screws to keep the foot in an appropriate position.

Another one of the distressing things that high heels do to your feet is create hammertoes, which is when your little toes bend and buckle from the pressure of standing on them. Hammertoe is awkward and sometimes painful. Flexible hammertoes can be reversed through physiotherapy, orthopedic shoe replacements or corrective surgery.

You can explore our website to find out more info about common foot conditions that high heels create like ingrown nails, corns, calluses and blisters. Other types of shoes can cause these, but this style is a popular explanation for a lot of complaints.

Other than foot problems, high heels prematurely age your joints because they won’t allow your knee to straighten while accommodating for the additional weight placed on your legs. The reflex changes your gait (how you walk) and wears down your knees over time.

You’ll also find that high heels cause lower back pain by forcing your lower back to arch to compensate for the fact that you’re balancing your body weight on the balls of your feet. The shoes force your body weight to pull forward, so you lean back when you stand. The position puts a lot of stress on your spinal discs. Sticking with the shoes can lead to poor posture, persistent aches and muscle spasms.

If you have any of the previous physical ailments, you can go to the Toronto foot clinic to see a trained chiropodist to help you find the right foot care options. Solutions for your symptoms can range from simple skin treatments to physical therapy to video gait analysis.

It’s also recommended that you swap your high heels for orthopedics, which will give you the support and comfort you need. You can check out the brands of footwear we carry to see what amazing choices we have for sensible but stylish dress shoes that you will want to put inside of your closet.

It’s clear that high heels are not worth the aches and pains that they put you through. These fashion fundamentals damage your feet, your knees and your back much more than you think. Push those sandals, stilettos and pumps to the back of the closet — it’s time to change up your footwear.

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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March 16, 2023

The Importance of Foot Care for People with Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you suffer from Rheumatoid arthritis, chances are you're already scheduling regular appointments with a chiropodist. And if you aren't, you may be overdue. This serious condition requires assistance and guidance from a healthcare professional. That said, it's truly amazing what practicing foot care on your own time can help you achieve. The two main goes of foot care for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are pain management and avoiding complications. Today we will discuss how lifestyle factors such as shoe choices and exercises can help you structure your life around RA with less discomfort. But first, let's break down everything we'll discuss today: What is Rheumatoid arthritis? Best shoes for Rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis and exercises Additional foot care practices for RA What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that wreaks havoc on your joints by mistakenly targeting the body's healthy cells, leading to inflammation. It most commonly affects the feet, hands, wrists and knees. It's critical to take Rheumatoid arthritis seriously. If you don't pay attention to foot care and neglect regular check-ups, you may be putting yourself at risk of developing complications. These include osteoporosis, an increased body mass index (BMI), heart and lung problems, and a compromised immune system that leaves you more vulnerable to infections. Click here to read more on RA, including symptoms, treatments from a chiropodist, and helpful medications. Best Shoes for Rheumatoid Arthritis One way to practice foot care and pain management with RA is to be extremely vigilant about your shoes. Medical News Today notes that people with RA should look for shoes with a wide-toe box, rocker bottoms and cushioning with arch support. Adjustable straps and breathable materials can also be beneficial to maximize comfort levels. Rocker bottoms: Also called rocker soles, this shoe feature can reduce pain and help with mobility and activity limitation in RA patients. They are designed to reduce pressure under the ball of the foot and excessive toe motion. Wide toe box: Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to foot deformities in the form of severe bunions, claw toes and hammertoes. It can also cause severely flat feet, and a widened forefoot, sometimes called splay foot. Rheumatoid nodules (firm bumps of tissue) can also pop up anywhere along the affected area. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box is imperative for maintaining a certain comfort level and accommodating these deformities. Adjustable straps: When you have Rheumatoid arthritis, having more room in the entire shoe to accommodate stiff joints and deformities can be a major plus. Breathable materials: A 2019 study highlighting important features of retail shoes for women with RA found that breathable materials (such as soft mesh uppers) were crucial for most patients. Cushioning and arch support: The same study reported that most women found shoes with adequate rearfoot and forefoot cushioning most comfortable. Women said the same about longitudinal arch support. The Clarks Wave 2.0 has a rocker sole Rheumatoid Arthritis and Exercise An exercise routine can help most people with arthritis in the lower extremities. We're not talking about exerting energy levels you aren't comfortable with or practicing difficult workouts and training. We know that mobility constraints will always be an issue. Exercises should simply work the muscles in your feet and lower half to prevent atrophy from a lack of use and help with pain management and mobility. Here are some multi-purposeful exercises that can also help with RA: Toe Flex and Raise https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/782007922800908317/ Ankle Circles / Alphabet https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/782007922798992582/ Calf Stretch on a Stair https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/782007922800908193/ Be sure to also check out our two-part series on the best exercises for arthritis! Part 1 Part 2 Additional Foot Care Practices for RA The RICE Method: Sometimes, your pain may flare up to the point where all you can do is be patient and wait until it passes. Luckily the magical combination of rest, ice (or heat), compression, and elevation can help you accommodate severe pain and swelling. Summer footwear: During the warm months, wear sandals with open toes. Warmth: Keep your feet as warm as possible, as cold air can worsen joint pain. A heating pad can also be very helpful for loosening stiff muscles. Foot baths: The warm water in foot baths can loosen up stiff joints. Try adding Gehwol foot bath products for added comfort! Meditation: Stress can often trigger RA flare-ups, so reducing anxiety via healthy, quiet rumination can be a wonderful preventative measure. Other stress-reducing lifestyle habits include taking walks (when physically able) and listening to soothing music.

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 9, 2023

What is Capsulitis?

Toe pain can be mysterious. There are numerous causes, and sometimes you can live your life assuming you know why it's there, only to be completely wrong! Case in point: a lesser-known toe condition called capsulitis. Capsulitis is an overuse injury that mainly targets the second toe and the surrounding area. Today we'll thoroughly dive into the topic by addressing the following: What is capsulitis? Symptoms of capsulitis Causes of capsulitis Treatment and prevention Complications What is Capsulitis? Capsulitis, also known as frozen toe, hallux rigidus or turf toe, is a foot condition characterized by joint inflammation in the area where the base of the toe meets the ball of the foot. The specific area affected is called a "capsule" and is technically a dense ligament structure found at the base of the joint. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, capsulitis in the feet usually targets the second toe. However, it can sometimes affect the big toe and the third and fourth toes. Another technical term for capsulitis in the toe is metatarsophalangeal synovitis (MTP joint pain). Healthline also notes that capsulitis is often confused with Morton's Neuroma since pain radiates toward the ball of the foot in both conditions. However, Morton's Neuroma results from compressed nerves and capsulitis from inflammation. A chiropodist can help you tell the difference between the two conditions. Symptoms of Capsulitis Capsulitis often worsens as time progresses. This means that symptoms can vary depending on the stages of development. It's important to be in tune with your foot health and seek help if you notice the following: Pain in the ball of the foot. A persistent feeling that something is "bunched up" in your shoe or the feeling that you're walking on a pebble or marble. Swelling in the base of the affected toe. Discomfort while wearing shoes. Pain that worsens when you're barefoot. Crossover toe: as degradation of the ligament progresses, the joint in the second toe can fail to stabilize (stay in the right position). This can cause your second toe to move towards the big toe and lay on top of it. What are Some Causes of Capsulitis? Capsulitis is technically an overuse injury that targets the ball of the foot. And as with many foot conditions, one issue can often be a risk factor in developing another. The following may lead to capsulitis development: There is a connection between severe bunions and capsulitis. Other prominent foot deformities like hammertoes can also be a risk factor. Both conditions can lead to too much pressure on the ball of the foot and subsequent inflammation. Abnormal foot mechanics can put you at risk. It's important to note that this is not the same as a severe foot deformity. It simply means any mild structural factors that lead to excessive weight-bearing pressure in the ball of the foot underneath the toe. If your second toe is longer than your big toe, you may experience capsulitis. An unstable foot arch, like high arches and flat feet, can contribute to capsulitis. Excessive bending of the toes. This can happen if you wear poorly designed shoes or high heels. Capsulitis Treatment and Prevention It's relatively easy to tackle early-stage toe capsulitis. You can purchase many items from a pharmacy, general store or foot clinic that can relieve the pain. A chiropodist can also use their unique expertise to ensure the condition improves. Here are some effective treatment methods: Ice or heat packs. Compression can help reduce swelling, and applying heat or ice (while resting with your foot elevated) can help with pain management. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. Supportive footwear with proper arch support and strong soles. Rocker bottom-sole shoes can be especially helpful as they offset pressure away from the ball of your foot. Custom orthotics can lessen excessive pressure on the weight-bearing foot areas. Toe taping can align the second toe and prevent crossover toe. Complications Unfortunately, if crossover toe is present, it usually means that the second toe will never revert to its natural position without intervention. If this is the case, you may need surgery from a foot and ankle surgeon.

February 6, 2023

Common Foot Conditions in the Elderly and How to Treat Them

Age is just a number, but age starts to catch up with us at a certain point. As much as we want aging to slow, getting older comes with its fair share of aches and pains. Few people age the same; it is a complex process. Environment, genetics, exercise, and many other factors mould who we become as we enter our elderly years. This also applies our feet. As we age, our feet become more susceptible to various conditions such as arthritis, plantar fasciitis, bunions, foot injuries and chronic pain. Our latest blog is all about common foot conditions in the elderly and how to treat them. What happens to our feet as we age? Did you know that when you turn 70, you'll be 25,550 days old? That helps put the body's remarkable ability to withstand constant wear and tear into perspective. Beyond just a number, there are also physiological changes that occur as we age. Your feet may get bigger. Your feet may widen. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments also wear down, putting you at greater risk of certain foot conditions. You may notice you experience foot pain and other problems more often. Any number of the following may happen: Weakness Frailty Exhaustion Gait alteration Balance difficulties Increased swaying while walking Decreased walking Walking speed As we age, it's essential to check how you feel regularly. A bonus would be to have your feet checked regularly. Our team of expert foot specialists can help you manage acute and chronic conditions that affect the toes, feet, and ankles. Most common foot conditions in the elderly Foot conditions amongst the elderly may include bone injuries, toenail damage, foot deformities, and muscle and tendon damage. It's important to note that most of these conditions are not specific to the elderly, but age contributes to increased risk. Below we break down the following common foot conditions in the elderly and how to treat them: Bunions Osteoarthritis Fat Pad Atrophy Thickened or Discoloured Toenails Gout Plantar Fasciitis Stress Fractures 1. Bunions What are bunions? A bunion is a deformity of the first metatarsophalangeal joint ("MTP" joint for short). The first MTP is the joint of the big toe. (Essentially, the big toe's "knuckle.) Damage to this joint can cause bone misalignment over time. Eventually, the bone shifts and protrudes at the base of the big toe. Bunions affect approximately one quarter to one third of adults, and women experience the foot condition more often than men. As we age, bunions worsen. Although there is no "cure" for a progressive foot deformity, you can lessen the effects and pain associated with bunions through several habitual changes. How can I treat bunions? You can choose either invasive treatment or non-invasive bunion treatment. In most cases, you can manage bunions with non-invasive treatments, though surgery is the only way to remove the bump altogether. Footwear modification: Avoid tight shoes that squeeze the toes and ditch your high heels. You may also find that orthopedic shoes that stretch or come in wide widths effectively accommodate your bunion in your footwear. Shoe stretching is also an effective method for changing the structure of your current footwear. Anti-inflammatories: Specific medication like NSAIDs or ibuprofen reduces joint inflammation and relieves pain. Splints/aligners: Medical-grade bunion splints and bunion aligners help stabilize the joint. You can choose from medical-grade plastics or a toe sleeve based on your preferred rigidity. Taping: A specialist tapes the joint to keep the big toe in place, prevent further misalignment, and manage pain and inflammation. Supportive insoles or custom orthotics: Supporting your arches and correcting poor biomechanics can reduce pressure and strain on the first MTP joint. Bunion exercises: Basic exercises to strengthen foot muscles can better support and stabilize the joint, thus decreasing pain over time. The treatments you see above are all available at Feet First Clinic. 2. Osteoarthritis What is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is not only the most common variant of arthritis; it is also one of the most common foot conditions in the elderly. Osteoarthritis is the "wear-and-tear" arthritis that causes degeneration of the cartilage in our joints. Reduced cartilage in our joints causes pain and can lead to other foot conditions like bone spurs. Your toes are most susceptible to osteoarthritis. Age plays a significant role in developing osteoarthritis. Wear and tear of our joints accumulate over time. Also, post-menopausal women risk developing osteoarthritis through osteoporosis (low bone density). How can I treat osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition, meaning what's done cannot reverse. The cartilage in your joints doesn't re-grow, so treatment aims to slow the effects of osteoarthritis and reduce pain. Effective treatment includes a combination of the following: Active rehabilitation: Physiotherapy, massage, and exercise all help reduce the effects of osteoarthritis by promoting solid muscles. Stronger and more balanced muscles and feet reduce the strain on affected areas where you may have osteoarthritis. Medication: Anti-inflammatories can help control inflammation. Proper footwear: Specialized shoes can accommodate deformities of osteoarthritis (like bunions or hallux rigidus). The right shoes or boots can support your feet, provide balance, and offer cushion. Custom orthotics: Orthotics can be customized to add or reduce your reliance on certain parts of your feet. Controlling the impact on affected joints can help prevent further joint damage by distributing the impact and weight elsewhere. Limit awkward movements: If you find your joints are sore after a particular activity, consider reducing, modifying, or stopping the activity. For instance, if lunges hurt your foot, consider finding a replacement exercise. Surgery: If the joint is damaged extensively, a doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery and removing part of a bony outgrowth can be effective if the sheer volume of bone buildup is the culprit. If you experience osteoarthritis and are looking for orthotics, a gait analysis, or proper footwear, visit Feet First Clinic for solutions. 3. Fat pad atrophy What is fat pad atrophy? The heel fat pad is a cushion to absorb shock and distribute plantar force on impact. As we age, the heel fat pad gets atrophies and gets thinner. This can put you at a greater risk of heel injuries and other foot conditions. The increased pressure on the heel can cause you to overcompensate with other parts of your body, and weight distribution becomes unevenly distributed. How can I treat fat pad atrophy? You should reduce the pressure on your heel if you suffer from fat pad atrophy. Custom orthotics are effective as the personalized insoles provide padding and support and help distribute weight across the complex network of foot muscles. Be sure to also wear shoes with lots of padding and cushioning, like the ASICS Gel-Nimbus. 4. Thickened or Discoloured Toenails What are thick or discoloured toenails? Thick toenails and discoloured toenails are a byproduct of aging and are one of the most common foot conditions in the elderly. As we get older, toenail growth declines. As such, nail cells begin to accumulate at a faster rate than nail growth. The accumulation of onychocytes (nail cells) causes thickened toenails. Alternatively, reduced circulation or acute trauma can cause thickened toenails. Discoloured toenails, on the other hand, indicate damage to the nail or nail bed. Acute trauma to the nail causes discolouration, but so does reduced circulation. At an older age, we're at a greater risk of diabetes and peripheral vascular disease. Both diabetes and peripheral vascular disease cause reduced circulation in our feet and discoloured toenails. How can I treat thick or discoloured toenails? Toenail treatment for thickening and discolouration varies. To properly diagnose your feet and nails, book an appointment with a specialist at Feet First Clinic. Our nail care services involve proper trimming and filing of the toenails, addressing any pain or discomfort, and educating patients on proper hygiene and care. For more information, visit our nail care and treatment page. 5. Gout What is gout? Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis targeting the foot's joints. You may experience intermittent bouts of severe pain, including inflammation and hypersensitivity. During these episodes, any kind of activity becomes challenging, leaving you less mobile. The prevalence of gout increases in older people. Elderly people are susceptible to gout for a few reasons: Renal function declines with age, there can be dietary changes, you may experience sudden weight gain, and certain medications for age-related conditions have indirect side effects that may lead to gout (i.e.: water pills, blood pressure medication). How can I treat gout? Before any treatment, the first step is to see a family doctor and a rheumatologist. Once diagnosed, you may be prescribed the following treatments, all of which aim to prevent future attacks, reduce pain, and improve quality of life: Change your diet: Ditch food containing excessive purines. Avoid foods like red meat, certain types of seafood like sardines and mussels, alcohol, high fructose beverages, and yeast. Diet also impacts your weight. Maintaining a healthy and consistent diet can help reduce sudden weight gain and keep inflammation at bay. NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce joint inflammation. Alternatively, corticosteroids are an option if one doesn't react to NSAIDs. Stay or become active: Light-strengthening exercises, relaxing physical activity, and physiotherapy can improve quality of life and mobility in people with gout. Keeping your muscles strong also makes them less susceptible to inflammation build-up, which can trigger gout attacks. Supportive footwear: Proper footwear can help you deal with any pain associated with gout as it reduces the impact on the joints. 6. Plantar fasciitis What is plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is a condition of the heel. The band of tissue on the underside of the foot gets inflamed and causes pain. Often, plantar fasciitis develops gradually over time. Changes in our body as we age can make this condition more common in the elderly. How can I treat plantar fasciitis? With proper care and treatment, most cases of plantar fasciitis heal with time. A foot specialist can guide you through the healing process and provide options for preventing it from recurring in the future. There are several treatment methods available for plantar fasciitis. Rest: Take a break, and let your heel recover by staying off your feet. Supportive footwear: Wearing supportive footwear with strong arch support and a good heel counter is essential for managing and even preventing plantar fasciitis. Stability shoes are particularly helpful. Check out this article for our top recommended shoes for plantar fasciitis. Rolling: Gently massage your heel using a tennis ball or frozen water bottle under the foot. Rolling helps massage and relieve the plantar fascia and encourages faster recovery. Add stretching and strengthening exercises to your routine. Shockwave therapy: Shockwave therapy delivers sound wave pulses to the injured fascia. This triggers your body's the healing process, making for a natural recovery. Shockwave therapy is extremely effective for cases of plantar fasciitis persisting more than 6 months. Taping: Taping the heel engages other muscles and tendons of the foot, reducing the load on the plantar fascia. Wear a splint: A splint helps keep your foot stable while you sleep. Supportive Insoles or Custom Orthotics: A good supportive insole, like Superfeet Green, is tried, tested and true for helping with plantar fasciitis. If that doesn't work, or if there are biomechanical factors contributing to your plantar fasciitis, you can look into custom orthotics. 7. Stress fractures What are stress fractures? Stress fractures are micro-breaks of bones are another common foot condition in the elderly. When we age, bone growth slows, losing more bone than we generate. Our bone density also reduces. If your bone density drops too much, you develop osteoporosis. Weaker bones put the elderly at greater risk of stress fractures, whether acute, like when you fall or by too much repetition, like walking. How can I treat a stress fracture? The RICE method is critical to treating a stress fracture. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Untreated stress fractures can lead to bone shift, permanently altering the foot's biomechanics.

November 10, 2022

Plantar Plate Tear, Explained

Your plantar plate plays a critical part in the anatomy and makeup of our feet. The plantar connects your feet with the joints in your toes. Given the constant wear and tear of your feet, the joints and muscles can often become overworked or strained. The plantar plate is particularly susceptible to injury because of its location on the foot. This also makes it especially vulnerable to several other foot conditions. For example, having bunions or a hammer toe may increase the risk of a plantar plate tear. But worry not. In this article, learn more about the plantar plate as a body part, plantar plate tear symptoms, causes, and treatment methods for the foot condition. First, let's explore the physiology of the plantar plate itself. What's your plantar plate? The plantar plate is rigid fibrocartilage (a dense, whitish tissue with a distinct fibrous texture) which connects the phalanges to the metatarsal head. In other words, the plantar plate joins the toes (phalanx bones) with the forefoot (metatarsal bones). As the mediator, the plantar plate stabilizes the toes and prevents them from shifting side-to-side or overextending. Next, let's look at the why of plantar plate tears. Plantar plate tear: Causes Overloading the metatarsophalangeal (MPJ) joint is the most common cause of plantar plate issues. Overloading the MPJ leads to strains and tears. The result? Pain and instability of the plantar plate. In most cases, plantar plate damage occurs incrementally over time. However, you can acutely injure the plantar plate. See below for a comprehensive list of plantar plate tear causes: Bunions: Bunions - a deformity affecting the joint that connects the big toe to the foot - put pressure on the plantar plate by forcing the big toe to push against the 2nd toe. Biomechanical abnormalities (metatarsal length): If your 2nd metatarsal is longer than your 1st (which it often is), you're at a greater risk of a plantar plate tear at that site. You're at a greater risk of this tear at the site because your 2nd metatarsal bears more weight than the "big" toe (1st metatarsal) when it's longer. Biomechanical abnormalities (overpronation): When you overpronate, your foot bears much impact when running or walking. Typically, flat feet are a leading contributor to overpronation. Cortisone injection: Cortisone shots can have the side effect of thinning and weakening the plantar plate ligament. Specific activities/sports: Sports or movements that put excessive pressure on the toes and ball of the foot increase your chances of developing a plantar plate tear. Be cautious when dancing, running, jumping, or climbing stairs, especially if the balls of the foot are regularly sore or sensitive. Hammertoes: A hammertoe deformity occurs when the toe's middle joint bends abnormally a toe deformity in which the middle joint in the toe bends abnormally. In the next section, you'll learn how to recognize plantar plate tears. Symptoms Wonder what are the signs of a plantar plate tear? Well, look out for these symptoms commonly associated with plantar plate tears: Toe alignment changes: The toe changing position, which occurs gradually as the tear increases, usually to the side or upwards Pain: Discomfort usually stems from the ball of the foot, either as severe pain or a dull ache. If you find you're walking with very little cushioning under your toes, it may be because of a plantar plate tear. Swelling: You may notice swelling underneath the ball of the foot extending between the start and end of one of the multiple toes. Plantar plate tear: Diagnosis You have a few options in terms of diagnosis: Treat the pain yourself if it's not severe and the discomfort has just begun X-rays MRIs Finally, in the last section, you'll learn more about how to treat plantar plate tears. Plantar plate tear: Treatment Pinpointing a plantar plate tear as the source of discomfort can be challenging. The foot is a complex network of muscles, tendons, and bones that are so intertwined that isolating the condition can be difficult. However, it's not a hopeless task. Several DIY treatment methods exist for mild symptoms, as well as options for severe cases of plantar plate tears. Visit a chiropodist Our team of dedicated licensed chiropodists is committed to providing quality care and services for all your foot and ankle needs. They can diagnose, treat and help manage various foot conditions, from callus removal to ingrown toenails to bunions. RICE (Rest, Icing, Compression, and Elevation) The RICE method is a universal treatment for many foot conditions, including plantar plate tears. The RICE method, when combined, helps relieve pain, reduces inflammation, keeps swelling at bay, and allows for ample recovery for your muscles, tendons, and in this case, for your plantar plate. Taping Taping, the wrapping of a joint for added stability, can help hold your toes in position. Stabilizing the joint with tape can help correct any worsening abnormalities associated with plantar plate tears. It also prevents your toes from moving too far side-to-side, which can help encourage plantar healing and to avoid re-aggravation. A chiropodist can perform splinting, bracing, or taping for you. Orthotics Orthotics are a treatment method for the underlying causes of plantar plate tears. Custom foot orthotics are effective for bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet. You can also use shoe inserts with hardened plastic under particular toes for extra support. NSAIDs Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or Advil can combat pain associated with plantar plate tears. Surgery Surgery is a last resort option for plantar tears. There are two standard surgical procedures for plantar tears. The hat-trick procedure helps realign the metatarsal bone, while other surgeries are available for associated conditions like hammertoes, bunions, or other ancillary operations to balance the toe.

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