Common Conditions
Corns & Calluses:
Corns & Calluses:
Causes of Bunions:
Causes of Bunions:
Some people develop bunions from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly (especially high heels or narrow-toed shoes). For other people, bunions are caused by factors beyond their control. These can include:
- A family history of a foot type that is susceptible to bunions
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Conditions affecting the joints (e.g., arthritis)
- Severe injury to the foot
- Deformities at birth
- Problems that affect the way a person walks (e.g., rolling in at the ankles)
Managing the condition so that it doesn't get worse is a matter of wearing appropriate footwear, cushioning and supporting the area, and taking pain relievers as required. People with more severe bunions may need more specific treatment, such as surgery.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia – a thick, fibrous band of a tissue in the sole of the foot that supports the arch of the foot. Beginning at the heel bone, the plantar fascia extends the length of your foot to connect with your toes at the ball of the foot. When you walk, your weight is distributed across your feet. Any imbalances in the mechanics of your foot and distribution of weight can potentially cause pain. When placed under excessive stress, the plantar fascia stretches too far and tears, resulting in inflammation. The effects of the stress can build up gradually or be the result of a sudden occurrence.
Repetitive movements such as walking or running, stretch the plantar fascia. Because it is not very flexible, this can cause small tears in the fascia, which leads to inflammation and pain. Other factors such as high arches, fallen arches, or a change in the walking surface contribute to the stress placed on the plantar fascia and heel.
Diabetic Health
Diabetic Health
Diabetes affects the lower limb. Poor circulation can impair the body’s ability to heal itself. Over time, diabetes can damage sensory nerves (this is known as “neuropathy”), especially in the hands and feet.
As a result, people with diabetes are less likely to feel a foot injury, such as a blister or cut. Unnoticed and untreated, even small foot injuries can quickly become infected, potentially leading to serious complications.
Diabetic ulcers
A skin ulcer is where an area of the skin has broken down and you can see the underlying tissue. Diabetic ulcers are a breakdown of the skin tissue on an area of the foot. An ulcer can develop quickly and may be painful and difficult to heal. Infection is a common complication. It may be necessary to have an X-ray to determine whether there is any bone involvement when an ulcer is present.
Causes of Diabetic Ulcers
Causes of Diabetic Ulcers
- Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
- Mechanical changes in conformation of the bony architecture of the foot
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Vascular insufficiency
- Lack of sensation
- Chronic irritation from ill-fitting shoes
- Trauma
• An abscess (a pocket of pus)
• A spreading infection of the skin and underlying fat (cellulitis)
A bone infection (osteomyelitis)
Gangrene. Gangrene is an area of dead, darkened body tissue caused by poor blood flow.
• Diabetic foot lesions are responsible for more hospitalizations than any other complication of diabetes. The most severe foot infections that ultimately require some part of the toe, foot or lower leg to be amputated start as a foot ulcer in diabetic patients.
Routine Nail Care
Routine Nail Care
Routine nail care is vital to good foot health. Many serious complications can be prevented in Seniors and high-risk patients including diabetes. Chiropodists are healthcare professionals trained exclusively to assess and treat foot problems.
Our RPN’s are well educated educated on the latest techniques to ensure our patients receive the best care.
Foot problems can develop from injuries, hereditary traits, shoes that fit improperly or are poor quality, medical conditions and the effects of aging.
Operated by the Oakville Hospital. Our trained professionals are here to help you with your foot care needs.
Plantar Warts
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are caused by a virus. The virus enters the body through a break in the skin. The virus grows in a warm moist environments like public pools, locker rooms, and gyms that are used by hundreds of people. This can easily occur when you are walking bare feet in these areas. Children, especially teenagers, tend to be more susceptible to warts than adults.
Plantar wars can be painful, especially if they are on a weight-bearing location of the foot. Sometimes they are mistaken for corns or calluses, which are layers of dead skin that build up to protect the area. Warts are resistant to treatment and have a tendency to reoccur. They may also increase in size or number if left untreated. Over-the-counter foot wart treatments are usually ineffective. Generally, the more aggressive the wart treatment, the faster the wart will resolve.
Please contact our clinic to help in effectively treating warts.
Raynaud's
Raynaud's
Raynaud's attacks can last less than a minute or as long as several hours. Attacks can occur daily or weekly. Attacks often begin in one finger or toe and move to other fingers or toes. Different areas may be affected at different times.
Chilblains are the result of an abnormal reaction to the cold. When the skin is cold, blood vessels near its surface get narrower. If the skin is then exposed to heat, the blood vessels become wider. If this happens too quickly, blood can leak into the surrounding tissue. This is thought to be the reason for the swelling and itchiness associated with chilblains. Chilblains can occur at any age, but are more common in children and elderly people. The condition also affects women more than men. Certain people, such as people with poor circulation, are more susceptible to the condition
Cold feet could be due to Raynauds of the feet, Peripheral vascular disease ( PVD). Underlying conditions can include arthritis, diabetes, which can get aggravated due to cold weather conditions. Night times can be particularly difficult.
Routine Nail Care
Routine Nail Care
Metatarsalgia is a condition marked by pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot. It often occurs in the metatarsal heads - where the three middle toes meet the ball of the foot. It is a common problem which can affect the bones and joints of the metatarsals.
You may experience metatarsalgia if you're physically active and you participate in activities that involve running and jumping. Or, you may develop metatarsalgia by wearing ill-fitting shoes. There are other causes as well.
Although generally not serious, metatarsalgia can sideline you. Fortunately, conservative treatments, such as ice and rest, can often relieve metatarsalgia symptoms. And proper footwear, along with shock-absorbing insoles or arch supports, may be all you need to prevent or minimize future problems with metatarsalgia.
Symptoms of pain can range from mild to severe, and usually become more noticeable and unpleasant when the individual stands or moves. Some describe it as a burning sensation, while others complain of shooting pain, tingling or numbness in their toes. "It is like walking on pebbles."
