June 15, 2023
Corns are one of the most common foot conditions, and quite frankly, they can be a real nuisance. They can target anyone but may occur more frequently in women and older people. While they aren't usually a cause for alarm, chronic foot corns can be painful and affect your quality of life. Let's look at what causes foot corns and what you can do to prevent and treat them.
Causes of Foot Corns
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that friction and pressure on the skin can lead to corns. Here are some everyday lifestyle factors that build friction and may lead to corn formation:
Wearing high heels often
Wearing shoes that are the wrong size
Wearing uncomfortable shoes
Not wearing socks with your shoes
Irregular walking motion / abnormal gait
Foot corns are a protective response to friction and an attempt to shield the skin beneath them. The hardened layer is your body's method of preventing skin ulceration.
Corn Treatment and Prevention of Corns
Preventing foot corns involves attentive foot care and protecting your foot health by wearing the right shoes and avoiding friction on the toes (where corns usually form).
Furthermore, NHS explains how your podiatrist or chiropodist can remove corns if they're severe or may be infected. You should also consider consistent corn removal (corns often come back) if you have diabetes, poor heart health, or blood circulation problems. People with these issues can see minor corns become serious, painful wounds.
A shoe fitting can help prevent foot corns by guaranteeing a proper fit and preventing friction
Here are some safe and common preventative measures and foot corn treatments:
Corn removal techniques, like gently shaving down the corn with medical grade, sterilized tools (performed by a chiropodist)
Products like toe pads or medicated patches
Custom orthotics to properly align your feet and prevent friction
Footwear modifications to ensure a better fit (consider a shoe fitting)
Keeping your feet clean
Soaking a corn in warm water
Applying moisturizing products to the toes
Remember: never try to remove a corn yourself, as this can leave a dangerous opening in the skin that welcomes infection.
June 1, 2023
When it comes to custom orthotics for women, improved foot health is just around the corner. These days, women from all walks of life are enjoying the benefits of orthotics, from foot pain management to better posture and mobility. These perks combined reduce the average woman's chance of developing a painful foot condition. Let's look at how orthotics are becoming one of the best ways to support women's health.
The Benefits of Custom Orthotics for Women
Foot pain management
Better posture
Improved mobility
Foot Pain Management
Many women spend most of their time on their feet and use custom orthotics to relieve and prevent pain. WebMD notes top orthotic features that accommodate pain:
Alignment and support: This corrects imbalances and abnormalities, distributing weight more evenly and reducing strain on the areas of the feet that need a break.
Shock absorption and cushioning: Orthotics with shock absorbing qualities reduce the harsh impact of walking on the pavement and ground.
Offloading, protection and injury prevention: Orthotics can offload specific areas of the foot or relieve pressure on injured or sensitive areas. This promotes healing and prevents irritation.
Women with plantar fasciitis and sore spots on their feet (like blisters, painful corns, etc.) should try "soft orthotics" that have extra cushioning. "Rigid orthotics" are best for daily walking and working on your feet as they prevent strain and the resulting domino effect (pain throughout the lower extremities, hips, knees and back) that comes with wear and tear. If you're interested in orthotics, ask your chiropodist what type are best for your lifestyle.
Posture
Standing tall and maintaining good posture is important to a lot of women. It can boost self-confidence and mental well-being, but most importantly, it works wonders for your health by keeping your bones and muscles in proper alignment.
Since orthotics address the misaligned position of your feet, they are a successful method of improving posture. According to the Journal of Applied Biomechanics, wearing custom orthotics over a certain period can support postural stabilization. This can help women by preventing circulation issues and the vast array of other problems that stem from poor posture. Better Health notes back pain, spinal dysfunction, joint degeneration (which can exacerbate osteoarthritis), rounded shoulders, headaches and muscle fatigue as side effects of bad posture.
Improved Mobility
For women struggling with daily movements, orthotics can make a world of difference. Many women adopt poor walking gaits to accommodate pain, but don't realize the long-term effects this can have. Moreover, issues like overuse injuries or arthritis can negatively impact quality of life.
Luckily, orthotics enhance stability and provide more control with every step, mainly due to the support they give your foot arches. They reduce excessive motion or overpronation (inward rolling of the foot) during walking and ensure each movement has a purpose.
April 6, 2023
Corns and calluses on the surface of your feet can be a warning to pay better attention to your foot health. Specialists discuss corns and calluses simultaneously because both conditions are caused by your body protecting your feet from friction or pressure. Likewise, the same treatment and prevention methods help both pesky skin problems.
Today's blog will discuss the preventative measures you can take to ward off calluses and corns and the treatments a chiropodist can perform.
Corns vs. Calluses
The causes of calluses and corns are similar, but it's important to note a few key points.
The term "corn" derives from their appearance as round, hardened skin resembling a piece of corn. Calluses encompass a large, rough and thick area of the foot.
Corns usually appear on the top or side of the toe. Calluses can spring up anywhere on the foot that bears weight, like the heel, big toe, ball of the foot and side of the foot.
Both conditions are not usually painful but may feel tender if you continuously walk on them. Corns may feel slightly more painful since they're a more concentrated area.
To read more about calluses and how they form, click here.
To read more about corns and how they form, click here.
How to Prevent Corns and Calluses
Prevention of calluses and corns starts with the footwear you choose. Shoes with too much or too little overall room can be a risk factor: When shoes fit loosely, the foot slides forward excessively, creating friction and leading to corn and callus development. When shoes are too tight, consistent pressure will lead to the same result as loose-fitting shoes. That's why it's essential to look for shoes that properly fit your feet and leave enough room in the toe box (especially important for corns).
Sometimes, biomechanical issues can make a person especially vulnerable to corns and calluses. In these cases, custom orthotics may be helpful as they correct any biomechanical abnormalities that can be causing excess friction and pressure on parts of the foot. Further, they add an extra layer of defence between your foot and friction via the arch support they provide. Orthotics also help manage hammertoes, a pre-existing risk factor for corns.
Treatment Options for Corns and Calluses
In general, non-painful calluses and corns can go away independently with footwear modifications. But there are occasions when chiropody and podiatry services must enter the picture. For instance, if you notice inflammation, redness and intense pain in the affected area, you should seek treatment. It is extremely important to never attempt to remove a callus or corn from home!
Furthermore, those with diabetes should ensure a chiropodist regularly tends to their corns and calluses because diabetes prevents them from healing properly. In addition, diabetic neuropathy can prevent the patient from noticing if corns and calluses are getting worse and entering ulcer territory.
Chiropodists can remove thick calluses during a medical pedicure. This is also a preventative treatment as the entire treatment process strengthens the skin's protective barrier. Chiropodists can also shave down corns and calluses with sterilized tools before applying the right creams or ointments to ensure skin repair. In addition, they can recommend medical-grade products like corn foot pads and foot devices to reduce friction.
November 3, 2022
Medical pedicures are no ordinary cosmetic pedicure. And while the procedure skips the pretty toenail polish, they offer numerous foot health benefits that you won't get from your favourite nail salon and spa.
Regular medical pedicures work wonders for nail health and keep your skin in good condition. What's more, chiropodists know the warning signs of foot conditions, so they can keep their eyes peeled for potential problems while performing your pedicure.
Let's take a look at the top 5 benefits of medical pedicures!
Medical pedicures prevent ingrown toenails
Your chiropodist can detect foot abnormalities and conditions
Say goodbye to foot odour
Enjoy a thorough moisturizing session
Safe and sterile environment
Medical Pedicures Prevent Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are something to avoid at all costs. Ingrown toenails grow into and pierce the skin, so while they may start out as a tiny problem, the pain can be immense if the ingrown toenail isn't properly dealt with. Not knowing how to cut your toenails properly can trigger ingrown toenail growth, so you should opt for a professional trim if you don't know what you're doing.
Of course, medical pedicures include thorough nail trimming and filing. Cutting and filing straight across ensures smooth edges and lets the nail re-grow in the right direction. This can prevent ingrown toenails but also serves as a treatment for any pre-existing ones.
Bonus tip: Try researching the best toenail clippers for added protection against ingrown toenails.
Your Chiropodist Can Detect Foot Abnormalities and Conditions
When you get a medical pedicure, a trained professional examines every inch of your foot. This is one of the most beneficial aspects of getting a pedicure at a foot clinic vs. a nail salon.
If you have diabetes, getting a foot examination is even more crucial. Due to diabetic neuropathy, irregular glucose levels, and peripheral vascular disease, undetected foot abnormalities can make way for severe complications. These may include skin and bone infections, gangrene, abscesses, and even amputations.
Here are some examples of what a chiropodist can look for during a medical pedicure:
Warts
Corns and calluses
Signs of proper blood circulation
Fungal infections
Nerve function
Signs of additional infection
Say Goodbye to Foot Odour
A medical pedicure includes sanitizing and thoroughly cleaning your feet. The process starts with cleaning the feet with alcohol, so the chiropodist has a clean base. This eliminates dead skin and bacteria on the bottom of the feet, eliminating unpleasant foot odour.
To ensure foot odour doesn't come back, wash your feet regularly, wear socks with sneakers and use high-quality foot deodorants.
Safe and Sterile Environment
Everyone likes to feel pampered sometimes. But while salon pedicures are fun and relaxing, there can be a lack of cleanliness in some establishments. Manicure and pedicure salons can be breeding grounds for foot fungus and other concerning threats.
When you go to a foot clinic, all eyes are on you. You have a space dedicated to your treatment, and your chiropodist only pays attention to your medical pedicure. Your foot specialist also uses only steam sterilized equipment that is sterilized after each use, and has plenty of time to ensure all medical practice standards are followed.
But a salon may be jam-packed full of customers, and employees can easily forget to thoroughly clean tools when they're too busy. This is when viruses, fungus and bacteria come into the picture.
Enjoy a Thorough Moisturizing Session
If you think moisturizing only happens at a nail salon, think again.
A chiropodist will use medical-strength moisturizing creams at the end of the medical pedicure.
This intense treatment works to keep skin feeling soft and clean, restore natural elasticity, and fight common nuisances like dry, itchy skin.
September 8, 2022
Lately, medical pedicures have been trending, but why? What's all the hype about, and is it worth it?
When you think of pedicures, you may think of nail salons, getting your nails done, or another cosmetic version. In practice, medical pedicures are different. They're a blend of foot care and nail care, bringing out the best of both worlds. Medical pedicures combine the aesthetics of nail care (minus the nail polish) with the foot care benefits provided by chiropodists.
A medical pedicure addresses this by treating the toenails and skin of the feet while tending to any emerging foot concerns. It’s a therapeutic pedicure - without nail polish - performed by a qualified foot specialist. Think of our medical pedicure service as a maintenance package for your feet. These sessions include a thorough examination of your feet, as well as careful cleaning of your feet, trimming and filing toenails, removing calluses, corns, and dead skin, moisturizing, and more.
These are the top 10 reasons why you should consider getting a medical pedicure:
Help prevent ingrown toenails
Stave off foot odour
Remove painful corns
Thorough foot examination
Professionally cut or trim toenails
Safe, private, and sterilized environment
Treat fungal toenail infections
Moisturizes your feet
Callus debridement
Cleans your feet to get rid of onychophosis
On top of all of the benefits, a medical pedicure may be covered in part or entirely by your insurance provider. Note that it is not covered under OHIP, so check your private insurance benefits ahead of your appointment.
Below you'll learn more about medical pedicures and what sets them apart.
1. Medical pedicures can prevent ingrown toenails
Feet First Clinic can help treat and prevent ingrown toenails by properly trimming and cutting your nails.
Ingrown toenails can be very painful, cause swelling, and even lead to an infection if left ignored. A foot specialist can cut your toenails straight across and ensure there are no stray pieces at the edges. They’ll also ensure you don’t cut the nail too short which can be a precursor to developing an ingrown toenail.
2. Stave off foot odour
Pee-ew. That smell could be your feet. Several factors can lead to increased foot odour, like re-using socks or not letting your footwear dry between uses. Additionally, long toenails and dead skin can contribute to foot odour as it's a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria. These latter two contributing factors are addressed during a medical pedicure.
3. Remove painful corns
A foot specialist can safely remove a painful corn, a small circular area of thickened, hardened skin. These are usually found on the non-weight bearing, bonier parts of the foot where the skin is thinner, like the toes.
4. A licensed chiropodist examines your feet
Medical pedicures act as double-duty for your feet. Not only do you get a direct benefit to your skin and nails, but a licensed chiropodist also can check for irregularities or any foot conditions. For example, they may discover an unrecognized bone spur, flat arch, or even a cut or scratch on your foot that would otherwise go unnoticed.
This proactive measure can help address foot conditions or issues before they become serious.
5. Get your nails professionally cut or trimmed
Leave it to the professionals to cut or trim your nails. Whether you have a cracked or split toenail, it's not worth exacerbating the issue. Instead of trying to DIY (do-it-yourself), have it done during a medical pedicure to ensure the toenail is trimmed and curved off.
6. Get footwork done in a safe, private, and sterilized environment
A medical pedicure is performed at a clinic in a safe, quiet, private, and sterilized environment. Avoid the crowds of nail salons by getting a medical pedicure done in an environment you trust.
All treatments from a chiropodist are performed using medical-grade products and a fresh set of sterilized instruments for each client. The sterilization process used by chiropodists will remove and kill all forms of life that should not be transferred between individuals, in particular micro-organisms such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and spores.
Our clinic is conveniently located at 2481 Bloor St W in Toronto, just steps from the Jane subway station.
7. Treat fungal toenail infections
Chiropodists treat fungal toenail infections using mechanical reduction of the nail and topical prescription medications.
8. Moisturizes your feet
Finish off with your medical pedicure with foot moisturizer. Our foot specialists high-quality medical-strength moisturizing products as part of the treatment. In addition to leaving your feet soft and smooth, effective moisturizing strengthens the skin, restores elasticity, and can help ward off several skin conditions.
9. Callus debridement
A chiropodist can remove thickened calluses during a medical pedicure. Calluses are thickened and hardened layers of skin that develop as a result of pressure or friction. It is the skin’s way of protecting itself from these external forces. Calluses may appear yellow, white, or grey in hue and can be accompanied by dry scaling skin and even fissures. Calluses can have some side effects including altering your gait and could lead to other foot conditions if you're not careful.
10. Cleans your feet to eliminate onychophosis
During your medical pedicure, a specialist cleans underneath the toenails to eliminate any onychophosis. Onychophosis — the term used for the buildup of skin cells in the nail folds, plate, and cuticles — can cause thickened toenails and lead to other problems as we age. Proactively addressing this buildup is key for preventing future conditions down the line.
August 8, 2022
With summer finally in full swing, it’s time to get your feet in tip-top shape! Get ready to show off your toes in those sexy new sandals with a medical pedicure. A medical pedicure is a great way to clean up and refresh your toes, just in time to hit the beach. Today we will discuss what happens during a medical pedicure and break down the medical pedicure process, from toenail trimming to callused skin removal.
What is a medical pedicure?
A medical pedicure is a procedure performed by your foot care specialist. During this service, the foot specialist (a chiropodist) will examine your feet and determine the best course of action to get them in pristine condition. Also known as a “medi-pedi”, a medical pedicure deals with issues that go far beyond just the aesthetics of your feet. They tackle medical concerns like ingrown toenails, calluses, corns, cracked heels, and even fungal infections.
Feet First Clinic can help treat and prevent ingrown toenails by properly trimming and cutting your nails.
All medical pedicures are different. Your practitioner will select a foot care regimen catered to your unique needs. While a medi-pedi is still a relaxing experience that will get your feet feeling their best, their main priority is to focus on the health of your feet and prevent further medical issues from occurring.
Why choose a medical pedicure over a regular pedicure?
Unlike a cosmetic pedicure, a medical pedicure is performed by a chiropodist, who specializes in conditions affecting the feet. This makes it an excellent option for people with underlying medical conditions. If you have diabetes, cancer, or autoimmune diseases, a medi-pedi is one of your safest options. There is a minimal risk of infection, and the medical pedicure is performed in a sterile medical setting by a qualified foot specialist. A medical pedicure is not painful.
While a cosmetic pedicure's primary focus is on making your feet look good, a medical pedicure focuses on treating the root cause of your foot issues and preventing more problems in the future. A medical pedicure looks at the condition of both your toenails and the skin of your feet. Treating underlying skin and nail issues affecting your feet allows you to experience improved foot health, which can in turn improve your overall health and make walking will be more comfortable. No nail polish is applied during a medical pedicure.
Plus, during a medical pedicure, you can ensure that you get the highest level of service that has been catered to your unique needs.
What Does the Medical Pedicure Process Look Like?
If it's your first time receiving a medical pedicure, you may be wondering what you can expect from this service. While it may be a different experience from a cosmetic pedicure, we are confident that you will find it just as therapeutic and relaxing.
Prior to your appointment, it is important to ensure that all nail polish is removed.
Step 1: Examination
The first step of a medical pedicure is the examination. Your chiropodist will check for any underlying foot conditions affecting the skin and toenails. They will inspect your feet for cuts and infections. They will also check for any irregularities, like ingrown toenails, toenail discolouration, warts, corns or foot fungus.
Step 2: Nail Care
Next, your chiropodist will trim and file your toenails. This will ensure that they remain at the proper length to prevent ingrown nails and promote healthy, proper nail growth. The chiropodist can address any toenail concerns at this time, like toenail fungus or thickened toenails.
Step 3: Skin Care
The next step involves dealing with dry skin, corns and calluses. Over time, the friction of your feet rubbing on your shoes and the ground can cause skin build-up. This can lead to a bump on the skin, excessively dry skin, and pain when walking. Using specialized tools, your practitioner will gently remove this excess skin, leaving your feet softer and smoother than before. This process is painless. The chiropodist will then apply medical-grade moisturizer to leave your skin soft and smooth.
Step 4: Recommendations
At the end, your chiropodist will make recommendations to maintain your foot health. This can include at-home care, follow-up treatments and ongoing maintenance. If the chiropodist suspects other foot conditions (i.e.: a biomechanical issue that could be causing excessive calluses or ingrown toenails), they may also recommend a foot assessment.
After your medical pedicure is complete, your feet will feel rejuvenated and refreshed. You will be ready to show off your feet in those new, open-toe shoes and can feel confident that all your foot concerns have been adequately addressed.
