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September 30, 2024
It's time to refresh your wardrobe with the latest fall footwear trends! While staying stylish is important, it's equally crucial to ensure your feet remain safe, comfortable, and healthy throughout the season. In this guide, we’ll explore the best shoe types and features that offer protection from the elements and minimize foot pain.
The Best Fall Shoe Styles
Just because safe fall shoes are practical, it doesn’t mean they can’t be fashionable. While shopping, look for designs that complement your wardrobe while still offering the comfort and protection you need. You also need to make sure your shoe always corresponds properly with your activity of choice. Also, consider specific needs: from seniors to children to construction workers, every foot is unique.
Fall shoe styles for this season include:
Foot-friendly fall ankle boots for everyday wear. These can be simple in style and include laces or easy slip-ons made mostly of leather with pull-tabs or pull-loops. But, there are also versions designed for fall adventures and challenges with extra shock absorption and waterproofing.
Speaking of shock absorption and waterproofing, this also applies to running shoes and athletic shoes for fall. Look for extra traction to prevent falls and foot injuries on slippery wet surfaces and on your favourite trail excursions. Our top picks are the Saucony Excursion GTX or the ASICS Gel-Sonoma. They're both hiking shoes with great grip and cushioning. They have a Gore-TEX upper, which is both waterproof and breathable.
The Saucony Excursion GTX
Heeled or platform boots that pair with your favourite dressy attire. Combat boot with an elevated sole, like the Clarks Torhill Rise, are on trend. These boots are out there, and waiting to be worn with your best duds!
Brand That Make Healthy Fall Footwear
Our downtown Toronto foot clinic carries only the best-of-the-best trendy and comfortable shoes. These may rotate sometimes, so be sure to stop by or call to ask what we have in stock. We often carry these brands that make first-rate fall footwear:
Saucony: A great source for waterproof hiking shoes to keep your feet dry in wet conditions.
ASICS: Another great option for waterproof hiking shoes. They also make waterproof running shoes.
Ara: Ara makes stylish cushioned dress shoes, waterproof ankle boots and winter boots for when the weather starts to turn.
Clarks: Clarks carries an array of fashionable boots.
Mephisto: Mephisto's All Rounder collection has a variety of ankle-hiking boots, like the Nigata-TEX and Satika-TEX. They also have some great waterproof walking shoes that are perfect for fall.
More Fall Footwear Essentials to Consider:
Shoes may steal the spotlight in fall footwear, but they’re not the whole show. Here are more fall must-haves:
Orthopedic slippers you can wear inside: These are great for people with musculoskeletal conditions like plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, metatarsalgia, and more, because they often have moulded foot beds and deep heel cups to provide arch support. One example is the Aetrex Mandy (below).
Custom orthotics or insoles to wear with your footwear:. Check that your fall shoes have removable footbeds to accommodate these.
Compression stockings to stimulate blood flow and keep your feet extra toasty.
Moisture-wicking socks to control foot odour and ward off fungal infections.
August 22, 2024
When it comes to foot problem prevention, being proactive is key to maintaining healthy feet and avoiding a future of discomfort. Understanding common foot issues and taking steps to prevent them can help reduce the risk of complications down the road.
In this article, we’ll explore five of the most common foot conditions and provide essential foot care tips to help you keep your feet in top shape.
Plantar Fasciitis
One in ten people will experience plantar fasciitis in their lifetime, making it one of the most common foot issues.
Plantar fasciitis at the start, can cause minor discomfort in the arch of the foot or even in the heel. It usually starts when you just get out of bed. It calms down through the day and then the soreness starts at the end of the day.
That discomfort, if not properly treated and investigated, can increase and then start to cause stronger and sharper pain. Sometimes this pain can last through the day to a point where you might find it difficult to walk. The main cause is inflammation- constant pulling and tugging on the thick, inelastic fascia itself (midfoot pain). Or, where it inserts from (the heel pain).
Pressure can be from the arch pressing down on the fascia:
It can also be a tight muscle, like the calf muscle pulling up behind the heel and forcing the fascia to pull away from the heel
It can also be a combination of a tight muscle and pulling of the fascia. In rare occasions plantar fasciitis is caused by a nerve entrapment.
Prevention
Preventing plantar fasciitis is mainly down to figuring out what was the cause in the first place. It might be a biomechanical issue with the feet. It could be due to the shoes that you might be wearing- at home, at work or just around town. In some cases it is due to a muscle imbalance. So figuring out the cause is the first step in treating and then preventing further plantar fascia pain in the future.
One of the cornerstone treatments in preventing plantar fasciitis involves prioritizing arch support! It is a good idea to wear supportive shoes with good arch support and shock absorption, especially if you spend long periods standing or walking. Custom or over-the-counter orthotic inserts can also provide extra arch support and cushioning to distribute pressure more evenly across your feet.
If you have a muscle imbalance then regular, targeted stretching of your calves and feet is also a healthy foot practice that can prevent foot ailments like plantar fasciitis.
Stretching the calves is especially helpful as it reduces strain on the plantar fascia. Check out the best exercises for plantar fasciitis. You can do your exercise routine before bed and when you wake up to prevent this painful condition from affecting your mornings.
Some patients have found rolling a tennis ball/ golf ball under their foot can be helpful to break up the inflammation to the area. Or rolling a wrapped frozen water bottle (no longer than 4 mins, then remove, wait to warm then walk) reduces inflammation build up
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete's foot can affect up to 15% of the global population!
It's a fungal infection that usually occurs on the skin between the toes. However it can also start and spread to the arches and then to the boarder of the foot. It can be itchy, red scaly looking and sometimes crack. Inbetween the toes the skin can look more damp than normal.
Prevention
Athletes foot is prevented if you reduce the causes. It enjoys dark, moist environments with an ample food supply. So your feet can be a perfect place for this to thrive. It can be contagious but also you can be more prone to catching it. So,
-if your feet are kept in a constant moist environment.
- you go to public pools and walk around barefooted.
- if you put your socks on right after having a bath or shower...
All these issues increase the risk of catching Athletes foot and allowing it to spread.
Prevention is linked to good foot hygiene. Therefore, make sure you wear slippers or flip-flops in public areas such as locker rooms or pools, and avoid walking barefoot in these places.
You should also make sure your feet stay clean and dry, as fungus thrives in moist environments. Opt for moisture-wicking socks, foot deodorants and breathable shoes. And never put on your shoes while your feet are damp!
If you are daily in the same shoes then try to use 2 pairs of shoes. Use one one day and one pair another day to allow the shoes to dry out. Change the insoles regularly.
Morton’s Neuroma
Some experts believe that one in three people will experience a Morton’s neuroma at some point.
It is characterized by a thickening of the tissue around the nerves inbetween the balls of toes (typically between the 3rd and 4th balls of the toes), and causes pain and discomfort in the ball of your foot.
You can get neuromas in other parts of the foot, but between the 3rd and 4th ball of the toes is called a Mortons neuroma
Prevention
Prevention is the best treatment for a Mortons Neuroma. Preventing the rubbing and thickening of the nerves is a priority. Unfortunately as the nerve thickens there is a chance that it will not go back to normal.
Preventing a neuroma is simply by wearing wider footwear in the toebox.
You can tell if it is your shoes just by removing the shoes and your soreness should subside.
Remember that work shoes, normal outdoor shoes and even slippers can all have an affect on compressing the toes together.
Having a heeled shoe puts more pressure upon the balls of your foot- so reducing arch height is also helpful (and if you must wear high heels, make sure they're the healthy kind!).
Custom orthotics can provide a way to splay the balls of the foot so even if the neuroma has thickened, it can reduce the pressure the balls of the foot are placing upon the nerves.
Ingrown Toenails
Our toenails can be a bit troublesome sometimes —they crack, curl, get too thick, and sometimes even surprise us with strange colours! But one of the most common toenail conditions is ingrown toenails. Two out of every ten people visiting a healthcare provider for a foot issue end up complaining about this painful nuisance.
Ingrown toenails can occur when a spike of nail is pressing into the skin. It can also happen if you have pincer like nails (involuted) and those nails press into the skin.
If you have wider nails, the skin on the side of your toe can be more prone to go into the nail. If the toes are kept in a damp environment then the skin and nails will be soft and more easily press into one another
Prevention
Prevention comes with finding the cause and preferable no home treatment (in many cases it can make it worse). Apart from scratching your socks, placing a "V" into the nail doesn't do anything.
Poor nail care is usually the main culprit especially cutting down the sides of the nail. It is better to allow the nail to grow past the skin line and then cut to the contour of the nail. Cutting straight across can leave angles and cutting down the sides can leave spikes of nail.
If your nails are curled around or thickened then professional footcare can help thin down the nail and offer treatments for the curved nail. Reducing dampness can reduce ingrown toenails. Wider footwear (and non tight socks) can reduce the risk of compressing the skin into the nail.
In some cases it can be hard to cut your nails effectively, if this is the case then having a medical pedicure from a professional is usually a good preventative option.
Calluses
Almost everyone will get at least a small foot callus in their lifetime and is a common foot issue.
They are thickened areas of skin that develop due to repeated friction or pressure. Initially they can be pain free but as time continues then the callus can build up and adds pressure that that area. This adds more callus and now a cycle starts.
Eventually too much pressure and the skin starts to break down and dry blood can appear within the skin.
Prevention
Callus is best treated by prevention- finding out why the hard skin is there in the first place.
So a footcare professional will look at your feet and assess where the hard skin is and then find the cause- where is that pressure coming from. They will then reduce down the hard skin, to break that pressure cycle, then offer advice on how to prevent the hard skin coming back- or reducing its build up.
In many cases this is due to poor fitting footwear or a mechanical issue with the foot.
Preventing callus build up can be done once a week with a plastic footfile when the foot is dry. Pumice stones are used when the foot is wet.
But it is usually a good idea to check the cause by a footcare professional as sometimes too much file or pumice use can make the area sore, affect the good skin surrounding the callus or even make the area worse as you might go too deep.
Dry skin is prevented where you moisturize your feet regularly (but not inbetween your toes).
It will also help the callus not crack but it won't prevent the callus build up- as that is caused through pressure.
April 18, 2024
Innovation has always been important in the healthcare world, with chiropody and innovative foot treatments being no exception! These days, with advanced foot care, you can enjoy pain management and comfort without resorting to a time-consuming ordeal like surgery. Let’s explore the services you can participate in thanks to innovation and great ideas!
Innovative Treatments for Common Foot Problems in 2024
Confusing and lengthy procedures can cause you to neglect the foot condition you may be struggling with, so modern treatments should save you time and put you at ease! Here are some of the best innovative treatments available today:
Shockwave therapy
Custom orthotics
Video gait analysis
Onyfix
Splinting and taping
Shockwave Therapy
Healthcare professionals have been using shockwave therapy to address musculoskeletal conditions since the 1980s. While the term “shockwave” can be off-putting, it’s a totally non-invasive procedure and most patients report very mild discomfort and no pain.
Shockwave therapy is quickly shaping up to be one of the best Achille’s tendonitis, Morton’s neuroma, and plantar fasciitis solutions. It works by targeting injured tissues, boosting blood circulation and stimulating a natural healing response in our bodies.
To learn more about shockwave therapy, click here.
https://youtube.com/shorts/nt1SgT9xrUM?si=8Qb-k95qUnNje57U
Custom Orthotics
Orthotics date back to ancient civilization when humans started to realize their feet needed more support! As the centuries passed, they have become one of the most innovative treatments because now chiropodists and manufacturers can mold them to fit your specific needs. Custom orthotics treat a wide range of conditions and help correct your gait.
To learn more, click here.
https://youtube.com/shorts/IBXAXoUouFY?si=1EmiGsgLUrMAq70a
Video Gait Analysis
A video gait analysis uses technology and visuals to determine what type of unique gait (walking pattern) you have. Think of it as a much more advanced version of walking on a treadmill! It gives your chiropodist the insight they need to help you correct it and avoid pain as much as possible.
To learn more, click here.
https://youtube.com/shorts/Rhuga6vLdc0?si=nZf7o5Dx-oe2tUc_
OnyFix
Imagine if you could alter your nail growth pattern without using invasive tools? Primarily used as an ingrown toenail treatment, OnyFix uses composite material to ensure your nails grow evenly and correctly! It’s one of the newest chiropody treatments and only became popular in North America within the past decade or so.
To learn more, click here.
https://youtube.com/shorts/ZsFQqCkVf40?si=u-Z_6MQ90GjgDpV_
Splinting, Taping and Correction
Tapes, splints and other devices can help people manage foot deformities without surgeries. For example, patients often experience bunion relief with bunion correctors, which are both affordable and comfortable and put your toes in an optimal position. Splinting and taping can also do the same for various conditions!
To learn more, click here.
December 18, 2023
Compared to other purchases, shoes warrant a lot of thought and consideration. Wearing improper footwear is directly linked to foot pain and can turn into debilitating foot conditions. These conditions range from musculoskeletal pain (pain in the joints, muscles, ligaments and bones) to debilitating skin and nail issues. In other words, forcing your feet to operate in an inhospitable environment is a recipe for disaster!
Let’s take a look at how your bad shoes are causing you discomfort, and learn about some of the best solutions for foot pain and footwear-related health tips.
Image Credit: iStock
Why Does Improper Footwear Cause Foot Pain?
Research suggests that between 63 and 72% of people with foot pain wear shoes that are too small, too narrow and too cramped in the toe box. They also often lack the right amount of arch support, cushioning and protection from the ground’s impact. Studies also show that wearing poor shoes for decades can be a major reason why seniors experience foot pain today!
In a nutshell, inadequate footwear can ultimately disrupt the biomechanics of the feet, resulting in persistent pain and potential long-term damage.
Image Credit: iStock
Foot Conditions and Wearing Improper Footwear
From severe toenail pain, to dull aches, to nagging skin irritation, bad shoes can cause pain in more ways than one. Here are just a few issues you may be struggling with today:
Bunions and Hammertoes: Caused by narrow toe boxes and high heels.
Plantar fasciitis: Caused or contributed to by a lack of arch support.
Ingrown toenails: Can occur due to tight and narrow shoes that disrupt normal nail growth patterns.
Blisters: Due to a lack of cushioning and excessive rubbing against the skin.
Achilles Tendonitis: Contributed to by inadequate heel and arch support.
Diabetic foot: Ill-fitting shoes can lead to an increase in vulnerable pressure points, reduced blood circulation, and heightened risk of foot ulcers.
Please note that some conditions may be so advanced that they require medical shoes or orthopaedic shoes.
Image Credit: iStock
Revamping Footwear and Foot Health Tips
There are a few different ways to find comfortable footwear. First, you can try a shoe fitting service at Feet First Clinic. A staff member will guide you through available options and answer any questions you may have (staff members at regular shoe stores are often unable to answer these questions properly!).
Or, you can book a full footwear assessment and video gait analysis with a chiropodist. This gives you more insight into how you carry your weight and what parts of your feet need the most support.
If you choose to venture out on your own entirely, check out this checklist before you go shopping!
Lastly, you can double up on protection by investing in custom orthotics and wearing them with shoes that come with removable insoles.
Image Credit: iStock
November 6, 2023
Have you ever experienced that uncomfortable sensation of numbness in your toes? It's a temporary disconnect between your brain and lower extremities and may leave you wondering, "What's going on?"
Numb toes range from a minor problem to a potentially severe issue, and understanding the reasons behind this unique sensation is the first step toward finding relief.
So, if you've ever wondered why your toes sometimes go on strike, keep reading to learn more about the leading causes of numb toes and when to seek medical attention.
Numb toes: The most common causes
There are several causes of numb toes. Below, you'll find some of the top contributors and their signs.
Poor Circulation
Reduced blood flow to the toes can lead to numbness. This can occur due to sitting or standing in one position for too long, wearing tight shoes, or sitting with your legs crossed. In these cases, the numbness is usually temporary and goes away once you change your position or remove any constricting clothing or footwear.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy involves damage to the peripheral nerves, often due to diabetes, alcohol abuse, vitamin deficiencies, or other underlying medical conditions. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and pain in the toes and feet.
Nerve Compression
Conditions like sciatica or a herniated disc in the lower back can compress the nerves that supply sensation to the legs and feet, causing numbness and tingling in the toes.
Frostbite or Frostnip
Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing the skin and underlying tissues. Your skin becomes cold and red, then numb, followed by hardening and paleness. Depending on the severity, you may experience frostnip (the early onset of frostbite or superficial frost bite) or deep frostbite, which involves more severe stages of nerve damage.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Like carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, tarsal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the tibial nerve in the ankle, leading to numbness and tingling in the toes. The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space inside the ankle next to the ankle bones, through which the tibial nerve runs. A thick ligament covers the tunnel and helps contain its inner workings – veins, arteries, tendons, and nerves. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is the most common kind of nerve compression in the ankle. Underlying causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome include direct trauma to the tarsal tunnel, flat feet, fallen arches, growths in the tarsal tunnel, and varicose veins.
Morton's Neuroma
Another type of nerve compression, Morton’s neuroma, may lead to numbness in your toes. The most common site is at the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes. As this nerve is thicker than its surroundings, it’s at a greater risk of being blocked, which can cause numbness in the toes. You may feel a numbing sensation or like you have a pebble in your shoe.
Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud's causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to constrict excessively in response to cold temperatures or stress. This can lead to numbness and discoloration of the affected digits.
Injuries
Trauma to the foot or toes, such as fractures or compression injuries, can cause temporary numbness. For instance, ankle or Achilles heel injuries can directly or indirectly impact the tarsal tunnel region.
Infections or Abcesses
Toe or foot infections can lead to numbness, mainly if they spread to the nerves.
Circulatory Disorders
Conditions like atherosclerosis or blood clot formation can reduce blood flow to the toes, causing numbness.
Tight Footwear
Shoes that are too narrow in width or too small in length can compress your toes and reduce blood circulation. Ensure you are correctly fitted with the right pair of footwear to allow enough space for your toes to move. You can even do a shoe sizing and fitting session here at Feet First Clinic, choosing from leading footwear.
When should you seek medical help for numb toes?
We recommend that you seek help for numb toes if any of the following apply:
The numbness in your toes is persistent, recurring, or unexplained.
You have diabetes - Numbness in the feet can be a sign of diabetic neuropathy, which requires proper management.
You experience numbness, weakness, coordination loss, or other neurological symptoms.
There is a sudden onset of numbness, especially after an injury or in combination with other concerning symptoms.
It's crucial to remember that numbness in the toes can be a symptom of various underlying conditions. An accurate diagnosis from a healthcare provider can be helpful when treating and ruling out any serious underlying issues.
July 10, 2023
Not all foot conditions are associated with pain. Sometimes, the concern stems from the opposite - a lack of feeling. Partially losing sensation or experiencing a tingling feeling in your toes is common. What's occurring is numbness in your toes.
Numbness in the toes can be caused by various factors, ranging from temporary issues to more serious underlying conditions. Here are some common causes, prevention tips, and guidelines for seeking medical attention.
Causes of numbness in toes
Several foot and toe conditions may cause numbness in your toes. The condition may be acute or chronic, depending on the onset and severity of pain.
Peripheral neuropathy
Diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or nerve compression often cause damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves (nerves outside of the brain). When the peripheral nervous system doesn't work as intended, you can experience numbness in your hands, feet, and toes. The main symptoms include a burning or sharp sensation or a gradual onset of numbness or prickling. You may also experience pain in random non-painful scenarios, like using a blanket, putting on socks, or standing up.
Nerve compression
Nerve compressions in the foot, like tarsal tunnel syndrome or Morton's neuroma, can cause numbness in the toes.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tarsal tunnel is compressed. Imagine squeezing a casing of wires: The more pressure against the case, the more stress is put onto the fillings inside. In this case, those would be the nerves, arteries, and tendons inside. Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is caused by posterior tibial nerve compression as it travels through the tarsal tunnel.
Meanwhile, Morton's neuroma is a nerve compression that targets the area at the base of the toes. The most common site is at the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes. As this nerve is thicker than its surroundings, it's at a greater risk of being blocked, which can cause numbness in the toes. You may feel a numbing sensation or like you have a pebble in your shoe.
Poor circulation
You may experience numbness in your toes due to reduced foot blood flow. For instance, peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when blood vessels narrow or are blocked, generally by the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries.
Raynaud's
Those who have Raynaud's may experience numbness in their toes, especially in cold temperatures or times of stress. In Raynaud's disease, blood-supplying arteries narrow, which reduces blood flow to the area. The most common visible symptom of Raynaud's is your skin turning pale or blueish.
Frostbite
Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing the skin and underlying tissues. Your skin becomes cold and red, then numb, followed by hardening and paleness. Depending on the severity, you may experience frostnip (the early onset of frostbite, or superficial) or deep frostbite, which involves more severe stages of nerve damage.
Herniated disc
A herniated disk is a nerve impingement in the lower back. When the nerve is pinched, it can radiate numbness down the leg and into the toes. Disk herniation is often the result of ageing and wear and tear over time.
Injury or trauma
Acute injuries, like foot or toe injuries, can cause nerve damage and numbness. Acute injuries may include broken bones, sprains, or fractures.
Prevention for numbness in toes
Preventing numbness in your toes involves a holistic approach to healthy habits, investing in your feet, and practicing good posture. Here's what we recommend for preventing numbness in your toes:
Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and managing conditions like diabetes can help prevent peripheral neuropathy and circulation problems.
Supportive shoes: Invest in high-quality footwear made for your foot and its use. Wear specific shoes for the activity if you're playing sports, or work shoes, depending on your profession. Shoes should provide adequate arch support, protection, as well as cushioning.
Avoid prolonged pressure on your legs and feet: Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for excessive periods, as it can lead to nerve compression and reduced blood flow.
Practice good posture: Proper posture and ergonomics can help prevent nerve compression in the lower back. Consider investing in a standing desk or a good chair or revamping your at-home office if you need to improve your posture.
When to see a specialist for numbness in toes
Proactively seeing a doctor when you experience numbness in your toes is recommended. It's challenging to replicate getting a proper diagnosis, determining the cause, and building a treatment plan at home like you would with a doctor or foot specialist.
However, not all conditions or pain require seeing a specialist. So, how do you know when to see a doctor or foot specialist? Below are a few scenarios for numbness in the toes in which we recommend booking an appointment:
Chronic or persistent numbness: If numbness in the toes persists for an extended period, despite self-care measures, you should seek medical attention.
Progressive symptoms: If the numbness worsens over time or spreads to other areas, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional.
Pain or difficulty walking: If numbness is accompanied by severe pain or difficulty walking, there may be a more serious underlying condition requiring evaluation by a specialist.
Traumatic injury: If numbness follows a foot or toe injury, seeking medical attention to rule out nerve damage or fractures is advisable.
Associated symptoms: If numbness is accompanied by symptoms elsewhere or the symptoms begin to differ, for instance, muscle weakness, loss of coordination, or other neurological symptoms, it should be evaluated promptly.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should first visit your family doctor. Your family doctor can order the testing required to properly diagnose (or rule out) potential causes of your toe numbness.
