July 22, 2024
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!
June 18, 2024
Foot-friendly shoes and comfortable heels as wedding guest footwear? Who knew there could be such a thing! Say goodbye to the days where you have to switch shoes halfway through the wedding reception and say hello to stylish comfort shoes, pain-free heels and podiatrist-approved footwear. Today’s article will guide you towards discovering brands that make comfortable wedges and heels for when you want to attend an exciting summer wedding, but don’t want to deal with dreaded foot pain!
Brands That Make Comfortable Wedding Season Footwear
Check out some foot clinic recommendations for wedding guests, bridal parties and bridal shoes! These brands are available at Feet First Clinic - your favourite local Toronto one-stop-shop for all things foot health!
Ara
Ara combines the perfect fit with sleek style, making the ideal shoe. They have plenty of pumps, sandals, and other shoes with a short-to-moderate heel height that will help you maintain your balance and stability at the wedding, in addition to preventing nagging foot pain. They use the same comforting shoe technologies and materials as their walking shoes.
NAOT
NAOT is another ideal choice for comfortable heels and wedges. Whether you're walking down the aisle or dancing the night away, you'll find a good combination of fashion and comfort with their sandals, booties and other shoes. If you're more into fun shoe designs and prefer a short heel with minimal elevation, they might be a good choice for you.
The NAOT Pixie might be a good choice for a wedding guest who wants a very short heel that still has some elevation.
Clarks
Clarks has always been innovative in shoemaking, introducing technologies that make you feel like you’re stepping on a cloud. This also applies to their chunky wedges, heeled sandals, boots, booties, and more — all perfect for summer weddings! Emphasizing proper fit and comfort with cushioned insoles and ergonomic designs and high-quality materials such as soft leathers, Clarks ensures that every pair minimizes foot pain as much as possible.
Give our Toronto foot clinic a call for the most up-to-date shoes from Ara, NAOT and Clarks in stock! You can also stop by our Bloor West location for a shoe fitting.
A Final Note on Heels and Wedding Season in 2024
It’s tough to find the right balance between high heels and foot health. We recommend avoiding them if you have certain foot conditions like severe bunions, hammertoes, joint pain caused by arthritis, amongst others. But then again, if you like heeled shoes, there should be a way to stay true to yourself, especially for a special occasion. Look for:
Wide-toed shoes: Opt for heeled shoes with a wide and deep toe box.
Low heels: Select heels that are no higher than 2 inches to reduce strain.
Soft materials: Look for shoes made from soft, flexible materials like leather or suede that can stretch and conform to the foot shape.
Cushioned and removable Insoles: Shoes with cushioned insoles can provide extra comfort. Removing them and inserting your own custom orthotics or insoles for your foot type is also a wise move.
Remember: if your shoes exacerbate your condition, don’t wear them, even if you’ve followed these guidelines. Walking shoes and orthopedic shoes can look lovely at a wedding too! Many brides wear them to add a fun, casual spin to their wedding look.
Check out this blog on balancing elegance with foot health for even more tips on selecting the right wedding shoes this summer.
February 15, 2024
High heels make a fashionable statement and give you a boost of confidence while taking your outfits to new heights. No one can deny, they look good! But are they good for your foot health? Should we really be wearing them? “Healthy high heels'' may seem like a misnomer, but the truth is, there are ways you can maintain your foot health, even as a high-heel lover. Let’s dive into the topic of healthy high heels and learn how you can simultaneously prioritize fashion trends and foot function.
Top 3 Ways to Protect Your Feet in Heels
While high heels may cause issues by altering the natural position of the foot-ankle complex, there are ways you can implement them into your daily life to minimize these effects:
Choose healthy high heels
Minimize high heel strain
Perform strengthening exercises
Choose Healthy High Heels
Fashionable foot health sometimes means avoiding risky shoe choices. If the main goal of wearing heels is to establish a stylish height that pairs well with clothing, there are options you can choose that aren’t the typical ultra-high, pointed-toe stiletto. Heeled shoes that focus on health can come as boots, wedges, and platforms - even pumps! All of which usually offer more stability, arch support and cushioning, without sacrificing style.
Minimize High Heel Strain
Minimizing high heel strain involves implementing some simple tips and remembering the importance of foot care in heels. Here are some to consider:
Take breaks
If you choose to wear a stiletto or another heel with a low level of support and stability, make sure you bring a back-up pair of shoes to change into when you need a break.
Opt for lower heels
Lower heels can prevent foot injuries by offering better stability and centre of gravity. Unsurprisingly, it is also easier to walk and maintain balance with a lower heel.
Opt for thicker heels
Thicker heels provide more support and stability than stilettos. They're also less likely to break than thin, hour-glass shaped heels. A broken heel poses a risk of tripping and falling.
Wear insoles with your heels
If your heels can accommodate them, wear Superfeet insoles for added comfort and support.
Ensure a proper fit
Unbeknownst to you, your feet can often change in size as the years pass. Make sure you try your heels on and walk around the store to assess how you move in them. Ensure there is ample room for your toes to reduce your risk of bunions, ingrown toenails, and more. Attending a proper shoe fitting at a foot clinic can also guarantee a perfect fit.
Perform Strengthening Exercises
There's no denying that wearing heels can be risky. You increase your chances of developing bunions, hammertoes, and other conditions, and sudden falls and foot injuries are more likely. That said, strengthening exercises for heel wearers can add an extra layer of protection against these issues! Try some toe-targeted exercises to keep those bunions at bay, and ankles movements to help with stability and balance.
Toe Splays
Sit or stand and spread your toes apart as far as you can.
Hold for a few seconds, then bring them back together.
Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
Ankle Circles
Lift one foot off the ground and rotate your ankle clockwise for 15 seconds.
Reverse the direction and rotate counterclockwise for 15 seconds.
Switch to the other foot and repeat.
Towel Scrunches
Place a towel or piece of fabric on the floor and stand on it with your bare feet.
Scrunch the towel toward you using only your toes.
Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
For a list of more extensive exercises that target the rest of the foot, check out these resources:
Top of the Foot Pain Exercises
Morning Foot Exercises to Start Your Day Pain Free
A Beginner’s Guide to Exercises for Relieving Arthritis
October 30, 2023
Sometimes your foot health depends on orthopedic shoes. For people with bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, arthritis, and other foot deformities, orthopedic footwear can make the difference between a painful day and a day where you can manage simple activities. Let’s take a look at the benefits of orthopedic shoes, the best practice for selecting orthopedic shoes, and how to use them.
Photo by iStock
Benefits of Orthopedic Shoes
Orthopedic shoes come with a wide array of qualities that promote foot health and tackle foot conditions. Here are some of the most notable:
Studies show that orthopedic footwear can improve the ability to maintain continuous walking in people with chronic foot and ankle injuries.
Many patients report their foot pain diminished after using orthopedic shoes for 1-2 years.
Orthopedic shoes can help you manage bunions so they don’t get worse and require surgery later.
They can help with proper foot alignment for people with plantar fasciitis and flat feet.
They usually provide extra heel cushioning and arch support.
To accommodate wide feet, orthopedic shoes often come with features like adjustable straps, extra wide toe boxes, and flexible fabric.
Photo by iStock
Selecting Orthopedic Shoes
Since choosing orthopedic shoes can be difficult, you should schedule a foot assessment with your chiropodist who will then prescribe orthopedic footwear. That said, here are three of the most important tips for finding the right orthopedic shoes for you:
Since your foot size can over time, especially with age, you should always triple check that your shoes fit snugly.
Make sure your new shoes are designed to best support your specific concern. For example, shoes with adjustable straps are good for wide bunions.
Consider your lifestyle and daily needs. Search for orthopedic sneakers if you’re trying to be more active, or orthopedic dress shoes if you need something for work.
Ensure any accessories like socks or custom orthotics fit properly with your shoes.
Usage of Orthopedic Shoes
You should use orthopedic shoes for activities they are designed for. For instance, if you have orthopedic dress shoes, use them for work and special occasions.
Furthermore, after wearing your shoes for some time, schedule a check up with your chiropodist so they can assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments or recommendations.
Photo by iStock
October 26, 2023
Do you need wide shoes for fall? If you have bunions, hammertoes or another condition, or you’re getting older or experiencing a life changing event like pregnancy, your feet can change in size and often become wider. That’s why it’s important to measure your feet or attend a proper shoe fitting and update your shoe size — don’t just assume you were the size you were when you were a teen or young adult!
Luckily, fall footwear trends are considering people with wide feet and there are several comfortable shoes and fashionable footwear choices available this fall season! Let’s explore your top options. And don't forget to keep reading (you'll find some tips for finding wide shoes at the end!).
APEX Sierra Trail Runner
For both your adventure and wide shoe needs, the APEX Sierra Trail Runner has men and women covered. It has a high, wide toe box and provides increased stability control for those who overpronate, or in other words, those with flat feet who walk with their arch collapsing downward or inward. Overpronation can put avid hikers at serious risk of sustaining a foot injury. Other features for this shoe include a rubber outsole for traction on slippery surfaces, a breathable open air mesh and leather upper, and 5/16” removable depth in two layers for fitting flexibility.
APEX Sierra Trail Runner for men. Source: APEX
Clarks Wave Range AP
This wide shoe is designed with weatherproofing materials, making it a waterproof shoe which is highly valuable during the fall months. Like the APEX trail runner, it’s designed for excursions and exploring. It also features smart WaveWalk technology (rocker sole) which uses a heel kicker to ensure smooth forward motions and a concave heel for excellent shock absorption to prevent the impact of the ground from damaging your joints.
Clarks Wave Range for women. Source: Clarks
Clarks Wave 2.0
For strolling around the city on brisk fall days, the lightweight yet sturdy and protective Wave 2 gives you the pedestrian power you need. The waterproof dark brown oil leather and textile upper keeps your feet dry and safe from the cold rain, and the removable footbed absorbs impact and shock, but also allows you to replace it with prescribed orthotics. Other notable features include the EVA midsole, and the internal full-grain leather sock that provides extra comfort.
Clarks Wave 2.0 for men. Source: Clarks
Anodyne No. 55 and No. 56
The Anodyne 55 (for women) and 56 (for men) trail boots keep your feet from feeling fatigued during hiking adventures. They are also intentionally designed to accommodate widening issues like swelling, bunions, hammertoes, and more. Compared to standard shoes, Anodyne trail shoes run half a size to a full size bigger. Other features include a protective toe box and easy-to-use hook and loop closure.
Anodyne No. 55. Source: Anodyne
Tips for Finding Wide Shoes
Get a Shoe Fitting: Get fitted by a professional at a foot clinic. Your feet might not be the same size, and the width can vary too. Sizes also vary from brand-to-brand, so don't just go by measurements.
Understand Shoe Sizing: Shoe width is indicated by letters. For instance, "W" may indicate wide, and "N" may indicate narrow for the same shoe style (this may vary so double check). Don't accidentally buy a narrow version of a shoe!
Adjustable Features: Look for shoes with adjustable features like straps, laces, or buckles. These allow you to customize the fit according to the width of your feet.
Consider Materials: Choose shoes made with soft, flexible materials that can stretch a bit to accommodate wider feet.
Visit Your Chiropodist: They can offer personalized advice and might be able to recommend specific shoes.
June 22, 2023
The human foot has 26 bones, 39 joints, and over a hundred muscles, tendons and ligaments that keep it working properly. Let's learn about the most important bones of the foot, what they do, and their role in foot health.
Understanding the Bones of the Foot
Tarsal Bones
Metatarsal Bones
Phalanges
Treatment Options for Bone-Related Foot Pain Causes
Photo by macrovector on Freepik
Tarsal Bones
Mount Sinai notes the tarsal bones in the foot are responsible for ankle movement and make up the rear of the foot. There are seven tarsal bones in total:
The Talus Bone: This is a small bone, sometimes called the ankle bone, that helps you stand and keeps your ankle moving smoothly.
The Calcaneus Bone: Also called the heel bone, this is a large, strong bone at the back of the foot that transfers body weight to the ground.
The Tarsals: Five bones that work together to form the midfoot arch. The formation of these bones may pronounce your arch (high arches) or flatten it (flat feet). The height of your arch determines the level of arch support you need from your shoes or custom orthotics.
Tarsal bones also act as critical attachment points for various leg and foot muscles.
Metatarsal Bones
Five tubular bones in the middle and the top of the foot (the forefoot) connect the tarsal bones to the phalanges. Metatarsal bones look similar to each other and are numbered one to five, or from medial to lateral, by healthcare professionals. Each bone contains the following parts:
Proximal base: Connects to the tarsal bones
Slender shaft: Extends along the forefoot.
Distal head: Connects to the phalanges in the toes
Metatarsal bones are the most vulnerable to blunt-force foot injuries. Their main function is to support body weight, help with balance and walking, and they play a role in forming foot arches.
Phalanges
The phalanges are 14 bones that make up the toes. The big toes and other toes consist of different phalanges:
Big toe: Consists of the distal (joint close to the top of the toe) and proximal (joint in the middle of the toe) phalanges
Other toes: Consist of three smaller phalanges called sesamoids, which look like pea-shaped bones
Phalanges bend your toes properly and help with lateral movements, navigating strange surfaces, and balance.
Image by brgfx from Freepik
Treatment Options for Bone-Related Foot Pain Causes
Foot pain often correlates with the bones of the foot, namely blunt force trauma (stubbing your toes, dropping an object on your foot, etc.) and stress fractures. Here are some additional common issues:
Osteoarthritis: Causes inflammation and pain via degradation of the cartilage in the joints
Bunions: Associated with arthritic changes in the bones of the foot
Sesamoiditis: Pain and inflammation in sesamoid bones in the toes
Hallux Rigidus/Limitus: Decreased range of motion and stiffness in the big toe joint
Hammertoes: Bent and contracted toes caused by arthritic changes
Practicing foot care by performing stretches and exercises before and after all activities can help with many of these problems. Gentle exercises can also be a part of the rehabilitation process for healing fractures and trauma. However, if your injury is acute, you should practice the RICE method from home (rest, ice, compression elevation) before beginning rehab.
Other treatment options include wearing proper footwear and inserts, taking a safe amount of anti-inflammatory medications, splinting, bracing and taping methods, aligners, and potentially shockwave therapy. You may need surgery if your condition is considered prolonged and severe.