Are Foot Calluses a Problem? - Feet First Clinic (2024)

November 28, 2024

Whether caused by an injury, circulation problems, or a chronic condition, foot and ankle swelling shouldn't be ignored. In this blog, we'll explore potential causes of swelling, when it might be a sign of something more serious, and how seeing a foot specialist at a Toronto foot clinic can help you get back on your feet.What is Foot Swelling?https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dFZVG-2ymxYThe medical term for foot and ankle swelling is called edema. This term can also be used for swelling in other body parts. It is an accumulation of fluid leaking from small blood vessels into the tissues of the foot and ankle. This causes the area to appear puffy or enlarged.Swelling in the feet often occurs because of circulation issues, injuries, infections, or underlying health conditions. The lower extremities are especially vulnerable to swelling because gravity naturally pulls fluids downwards.The body’s circulatory and lymphatic systems typically manage this fluid, but when they’re not functioning optimally, fluid retention can occur. Your body’s inflamatory response to foot and ankleinjuries, hormonal changes (pregnancy, etc.) and increased blood volume can also lead to swelling.Edema in the feet can range from a mild inconvenience to extremely distressing and debilitating. It can affect your gait pattern (the way you walk), make buying shoes that fit almost impossible, and coincide with other uncomfortable symptoms. You shouldn’t ignore foot and ankle swelling, even if you think you know the cause. This is because:It can get progressively worseIt can signal a health condition you weren’t aware you hadIt can be a sign that a foot injury is more serious than you thoughtIt can lead to other complicationsIt may require prompt treatmentCauses of Swollen Feet and AnklesThere are numerous causes of swollen feet and ankles. Some are mild and going away over time, while others are more severe and debilitating and may require consistent assessments and check-ups with either a physician or a foot specialist, like a chiropodist or podiatrist.Common causes of foot and ankle swelling include:Injury. Sprains, fractures, and strains can cause localized swelling due to inflammation in the injured tissues. To protect yourself, check out the best ways to prevent foot injuries. Infections. Conditions like cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, can lead to swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area.Venous insufficiency. This is a term for damaged veins, often caused by deep vein thrombosis(DVT) or malformation in the leg veins. Poor blood flow from the legs back to the heart causes fluid buildup, leading to swelling in the lower legs and feet.Lymphedema. Blocked or damaged lymphatic vessels prevent fluid drainage, causing chronic swelling, often in one leg or foot.Heart, kidney, or liver disease. These conditions can disrupt fluid balance in the body, leading to retention in the feet and ankles.Pregnancy: Increased blood volume and pressure from the growing uterus can cause fluid accumulation, especially in the lower extremities.Medications. Certain drugs, like blood pressure medications (i.e.: calcium channel blockers such as Norvasc), steroids, or NSAIDs, can lead to fluid retention and swelling.Prolonged standing or sitting. Sitting in one position OR standing for extended periods can cause fluid to pool in the legs and feet due to gravity. Office workers, restaurant servers, cooks, flight attendants, and more can experience mild swelling simply due to their occupation.Gout. Gout is a type of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, leading to the formation of urate crystals in joints. The result is intense burning pain, redness, and swelling, particularly in the big toe. Improving your diet may be able to help with flair ups. Diabetes: The top of the feet and ankles can swell due to nerve damage caused by diabetic neuropathy.Signs Your Swollen Feet and Ankles May be Serioushttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/dD0T2wUUFdQBelow are some coinciding symptoms that may be tell-tale sign of a health condition:Burning sensation. Persistent burning in the feet along with swelling could indicate nerve damage.Redness and warmth. Swelling accompanied by redness, warmth, and tenderness may signal an infection, such as cellulitis, that needs attention.Sudden onset of swelling. Rapid or sudden swelling in one leg could indicate a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)s. This condition requires urgent care.Pain: Severe pain along with swelling, especially after an injury, may point to a fracture or ligament damage.Swelling in one foot only: Sometimes localized issues can indicate a more severe and specific problem. Shortness of breath or chest pain. These symptoms can indicate heart or lung issues, like congestive heart failure, and requires immediate medical help.Skin Changes: Discolored, tight, or shiny skin over swollen areas may suggest lymphatic or circulatory issues needing evaluation. Red toes or dark blue skin can signify peripheral artery disease, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and more. Persistent or worsening swelling. Swelling that doesn’t improve or worsens over time could be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment.When to See a Podiatrist or Chiropodist: Treatmenthttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/IryRcL4JPjIYou should always see a physician or foot specialist if you’re experiencing discomfort in any capacity. Remember: foot issues are not “normal.”Because foot and ankle swelling is usually caused by an underlying medical condition, you should first see your family doctor. They can refer you to the appropriate specialists and run the necessary testing to determine what is causing the swelling. Your treatment options may target edema directly, or they may target the underlying health condition. Once you determine the underlying cause of the foot swelling, a foot specialist or foot clinic can provide solutions to manage and accomodate the condition, so you can live your life as comfortably as possible. Below are some services a foot clinic can offer to help foot and ankle swelling:Compression SocksCompression stockings are a great option for venous insufficiency, pregnancy, fatigue-related swelling, and sometimes even underlying health conditions like lymphadema. They reduce swelling by promoting blood flow and limiting fluid buildup in the lower extremities. A common myth is that they are clunky, noticeable medical devices that clash with your clothing, but they are actually quite fashionable and sleek. Most people will not even realize you are wearing them.You can get standard knee-high socks or even pantyhose, depending on how your activities and how you want to dress them up. You can get a prescription from a physician, and then stop by our Toronto foot clinic, where our certified fitters can measure you and help you select the best stockings for you.As compression stockings can be contraindicated for some conditions (like diabetes and periphery artery disease), it's strongly recommended that you first visit discuss compression stockings with your family doctor if you have any underlying health concerns. Orthopedic FootwearOrthopedic shoes can accommodate swelling by offering several key features designed to provide comfort and support:Adjustable straps and laces. Many orthopedic shoes come with adjustable fastenings that allow for a customizable fit, accommodating changes in foot size due to swelling.Wide toe boxes. These shoes often have a wider, more spacious toe area, which helps to prevent pressure on swollen feet and allows room for expansion.Elastic materials. Some orthopedic shoes are made with elastic or stretchable fabrics, allowing them to gently conform to the shape of the foot and adjust to fluctuations in swelling throughout the day.Extra depth. Orthopedic shoes often have a deeper design, providing more room for foot swelling and preventing tightness that could worsen discomfort.By combining these features, orthopedic shoes can help manage swelling while providing the support needed for optimal foot health.Diabetic Foot Carehttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/4P3UiDSFzr4If your edema is caused by diabetic neuropathy or periphery artery disease, diabetic foot care at a foot clinic should be a part of your monthly routine. At a diabetic foot care appointment, your chiropodist will monitor your foot health. They'll examine your feet to check for sensation, circulation, and check for any potential causes for concerns - like disease progression and worsening circulation issues. Routine diabetic foot care also involves wound and nail care, diabetic foot education, and more. While these practices don’t directly target swelling, they are all interconnected and help reduce the risk of complications that can worsen swelling.Biomechanical AssessmentIf your swelling coincides with an injury and other chronic foot pain, a biomechanical assessment and gait analysis with a chiropodist can help. A chiropodist can then diagnose any underlying muscular or biomechanical issues that are causing or contributing to the foot pain, and make treatment recommendations like custom orthotics. Additional Swollen Foot and Ankle TreatmentsRICE MethodThe RICE method is an acronym for a popular at-home treatment routine for acute foot injuries: rest (avoiding activities that strain the foot), ice (applying cold packs to reduce swelling and pain), compression (using bandages, tape, compression socks, and more to limit swelling), and elevation (raising the foot above heart level to help drain excess fluid). If you're Treatments That Target Underlying Health ConditionsWhen foot swelling is linked to serious underlying health conditions, treatments aim to address the root cause and prevent further complications.For conditions like heart failure, managing the condition with medications such as diuretics can help reduce fluid retention and ease swelling. In cases of kidney disease, doctors may adjust medications and recommend dietary changes to help the kidneys function more effectively, reducing the build-up of excess fluid in the body. Liver disease may require a combination of treatments to manage the condition, such as medications to control fluid buildup and close monitoring of sodium intake.In some cases of severe venous insufficiency, procedures like sclerotherapy (treats vein malformation) or surgery may be necessary to improve blood flow. Similarly, lymphatic conditions, such as lymphedema, may be treated with specialized therapy, including manual lymph drainage to help encourage the movement of fluid away from the swollen areas.Each treatment is tailored to the specific health condition causing the swelling, and addressing the underlying issue can significantly reduce or even prevent the recurrence of swelling. Regular monitoring and early intervention are key to managing these conditions effectively.

November 21, 2024

Bunions can target anyone, but they are more common in older women due to factors like foot anatomy and footwear choices. Luckily, there are ways you can prevent and manage bunions to the best of your ability, especially if you work with a chiropodist or podiatrist. Let’s explore everything there is to know about bunions, including the reasons why older women are more at risk for developing bunions.This article will answer: What are bunions?Who's at risk?Why are older women at risk?How do you treat bunions?How do you prevent bunions?Do I need bunion surgery?What Are Bunions?Bunions are toe deformities in which the big toe shifts towards the second toe at an angle. This causes the joint at the base of the big toe (the first metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTP joint) to protrude outwards, forming a bump that can become swollen, tender, and uncomfortable. The MTP joint bears a lot of pressure while walking or standing, which can worsen the bunion over time. As the condition progresses, people with bunions often experience pain and difficulty wearing certain shoes.Another related condition common in older women is hallux rigidus, where arthritis or stiffness affects the big toe joint, limiting its movement. Hallux rigidus may not cause the same protrusion as bunions, but it can still lead to pain and difficulty moving the toe. Many people may think that hallux rigidus is the same as a bunion, but they are different - the scientific term for bunions is hallux valgus.Causes of Bunions: Who's at Risk?Bunions are caused by excessive prolonged stress on the MTP joint at the base of the big toe. Therefore, anything that increases pressure on the big toe can cause or contribute to bunions. While bunions aren't typically caused by one thing alone, there are several risk factors that contribute to the likelihood of developing bunions. All these risk factors either weaken or cause extra strain on the MTP joint. These include:Age: Bunions can start to form as young as 30, but they are commonly associated with seniors and become more debilitating and noticeable with age. Some studies suggest 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 have a pronounced bunion, many of them being women.Genetics: Bunions are partly genetic because foot shape and structure, often inherited traits, can increase the risk of developing them. People with certain foot shapes—particularly flat feet—are more prone to bunions because this structure creates imbalanced pressure on the big toe joint.Wearing ill-fitting footwear: Frequently wearing narrow, tight, or high-heeled shoes that squeeze the toes can push the big toe inward, contributing to bunion formation. Pointed, unstready high-heeled shoes with very thin heels (like stilettos) are extra risky.Having Rheumatoid arthritis: Conditions that affect joint health and increase inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to bunion formation. Previous foot injuries: Tendon tears, or having broken a bone in the past, can increase risk.Why are Older Women at Risk?Senior women are more likely than other groups to experience painful bunions for a handful of reasons:Older people are more susceptible to joint-wear-and-tear and other foot conditions like osteoarthritis (which is caused by wear-and-tear on the joints, and is commonly associated with age). And pre-existing joint issues make you more prone to bunions.Many older women have a history of wearing ill-fitting shoes with cramped toe boxes and unsteady high heels for decades. Tight shoes and high heels put extra strain and pressure on the MTP joint. The collective effects of this pressure accumulate over time and, compounded with other age-related risk factors, can accelerate, contribute to or exacerbate the formation of bunions.Women may have weaker connective tissue in their feet.This will reduce the big toe's ability to withstand the force and pressure of our movement.Bunions can worsen during menopause due to hormonal changes loosening ligaments and flattening the feet, making them more vulnerable. This can also happen during pregnancy and have long-lasting effects on the feet.Menopause can also affect bone density, which can accelerate joint degeneration, weaken joints, and therefore aggravate bunions.Bunions in Older Women: TreatmentIf you’re a woman (or anyone!) struggling with bunion pain, visiting a foot specialist, like a chiropodist or podiatrist, at your local foot clinic can help. There are many solutions available that target the foot pain and mobility issues associated with bunions, while decreasing pressure on the big toe joint. While bunions cannot be reversed (without surgery), by strengthening your feet and reducing pressure on the big toe, you can manage the bunion growth so that it doesn't get worse. Bunion Exercises and Stretcheshttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/H3SogJ8FIasA chiropodist or podiatrist may suggest some bunion exercises and stretches. These are great for both prevention and treatment, mostly target the toes, are easy to memorize, and accommodate seniors. The exercises may feel awkward at first, but you’ll get used to them in no time.Here are five easy-to-learn exercises you can incorporate into your daily routine to help manage bunion discomfort:Toe Circles Grip your big toe and move it in circular motions to maintain joint mobility. Do 10 circles in each direction per foot.Toe StretchesUse your fingers to press your big toe down and hold for 30 seconds, then stretch it in the opposite direction for another 30 seconds. Repeat 5 times on each foot.Towel Grip and PullPlace a towel on the floor and use your toes to scrunch and pull it toward you. This helps strengthen the small muscles in your feet. Toe Curls and SpreadsCurl your toes down tightly, hold for a few seconds, then spread them wide. Repeat this motion 10 times per foot to improve flexibility and strength.Toe Resistance Exercises View this post on Instagram A post shared by Feet First Clinic (@feetfirstclinic_)Use your fingers to apply light pressure against your big toe in various directions, pressing up, down, and sideways. Hold each for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times on each foot.You can also wrap a resistance band around your big toes and then spread your feet apart while keeping your heels planted, as shown in the video above.Other bunion treatment options provided by a foot specialist include:Footwear recommendations: We'll get more into this later, but opt for shoes with a wide toe box that give your toes enough room. You should also look for features like cushioned insoles and good arch support to reduce pressure on the bunion.Custom orthotics: A foot specialist will assess your feet and design custom orthotic insoles tailored to your feet. Orthotics work by reducing pressure and force on the big toe joint, which will then reduce bunion pain and help prevent the bunion from getting worse. Custom orthotics for bunions provide support and help realign the foot, redistributing pressure away from the bunion. You can then put the orthotics into your footwear and go about your daily activities with less pressure on the big toe. Shockwave therapy: This treatment uses powerful acoustic pulses to reduce pain in the affected area by increasing blood flow and triggering a process that helps the body heal injured tissue. While shockwave therapy doesn't target the bunion itself, it helps with the tight muscles and ligaments around the bunion, which reduces pain and pressure on the joint. Bunion devices: These devices help realign the toes to varying degrees. Silicone toe separators are great for when you're walking around at home, whereas ultra-thin bunion aligners fit comfortably in most footwear and are great for athletic people. For more significant correction, rigid bunion splints help stabilize the joint.Therapeutic taping: A foot specialist can apply therapeutic tape to provide support, reduce pain, and help correct the alignment of the bunion, allowing for better mobility.Shoe stretching: If your shoes are too tight, professional shoe stretching can help relieve pressure on the bunion, making footwear more comfortable.https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8g43ZWreZ1gBest Bunion Prevention TipsThere isn’t much you can do about your genetics or age, but you can be mindful about other lifestyle factors to manage bunion formation.Wearing the Right FootwearThe best preventative measure you can take to try and avoid bunions is wearing the right shoes for your feet.You should be especially vigilant about finding shoes that are wide enough for your toes to rest comfortably and wiggle without crowding and overlapping. Ideally, your shoes need between ⅜” to ½” of space between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe. You can try an at-home test to see how wide your feet really are before visiting your Toronto foot clinic for a shoe fitting that will help you find the perfect fit.Toe space is the biggest factor for bunion prevention, but there are many other things to consider when finding the right shoes. Check out the best footwear for healthy feet to learn what else you should look out for.Try to avoid high heels, only wearing them for special occasions. Even then, opt for healthy heel options. Heels shouldn’t be too high or too thin—look for a block, shorter heel or wedges instead. Your shoes also shouldn’t be severely pointed and squish your toes together.Additional Bunion Prevention Tips:Regular exercise and a good fitness regimen will help keep your muscles strong. Strong muscles reduce strain on the joints, which will then make you less susceptible to joint degeneration and wear-and-tear as you age. In addition, a healthy conditioned lower body and core helps with alignment and weight-bearing, meaning your big toe won't need to work as hard when you move around.Since having a previous injury can be a risk factor, practice healthy foot injury prevention and FALL prevention.If you notice early signs of bunion formation, such as redness or swelling around the big toe joint, consult a foot specialist promptly.You should also consult a foot specialist if you have any family members with bunions, notice any issues with your alignment, have flat feet, or any other biomechanical concerns, as faulty biomechanics increase strain on the big toe joint. Excess weight can put additional pressure on your feet, increasing the risk of bunion development. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce this strain.Do I Need Bunion Surgery?Bunion surgery, or bunionectomies, are invasive procedures that require local anesthesia, incisions, bone realignment and sometimes bone removal. While they can be immensely helpful, many folks want to avoid surgery, if possible, for these reasons: Recovery time, which can take around six weeks.A fear of complications (although they’re incredibly rare)Cost. Bunionectomies are much more expensive than other treatments.They don't address the underlying issues that caused the bunion to form in the first placeSeniors may be more likely to seek a bunionectomy after living with bunions for a longer period than young people, and trying other non-invasive treatment options with a podiatrist or chiropodist first.That said, these days there are more non-surgical treatment options than ever before and your chances of needing a surgery are still somewhat low. Surgeries are typically only recommended for older women or any individual who experiences significant pain or functional limitations; surgeries are not usually performed solely for cosmetic reasons.Visit your local Toronto foot clinic to address bunions before seeking surgery. You’ll start with a full foot assessment to determine the severity of your condition and your foot specialist will form a treatment plan with you.https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XZUfVhny5pY

November 14, 2024

Foot injuries can increase in cold weather, so it’s important to learn how to minimize your risk, practice fall prevention, and navigate slippery conditions. Not only that, but cold weather can cause muscle stiffness to worsen, making your feet more vulnerable than they were during the warmer months. Today we’ll talk about 3 safety tips—recommended by the foot specialists at our Toronto foot clinic—to prevent winter foot injuries.3 Tips to Prevent Winter Foot InjuriesWear The Right ShoesTry Warm Ups and Foot ExercisesWear Supportive Insoles1. Wear The Right ShoesThe wrong winter boots can lead to numerous foot injuries. While fashion may be your top priority, you shouldn’t sacrifice protective and supportive features just for looks (plus, you can find fashionable and comfortable shoes at our Toronto foot clinic). Winter footwear should have good shock absorption and be made with waterproof materials. Avoid pointed toes and high heels in the winter—these features are a recipe for slips and falls! Stability And Motion Control ShoesDid you know there are different foot types, and your foot type can determine what shoes you should wear? For example, people with flat feet need extra stability or motion control features built into their shoes to help correct varying degrees of overpronation (when the ankle rolls inward during movement).A foot specialist, like a podiatrist or chiropodist, can assess your feet and tell you what type shoes you should be wearing:Stability ShoesPurpose: Stability shoes are aimed at those with mild to moderate overpronation (the inward rolling of the foot when walking or running).Features: These shoes typically have a supportive structure and posting around the arch and midsole to help guide the foot through a natural gait cycle and promote natural foot motion.Motion Control ShoesPurpose: These are designed for people with severe overpronation, providing maximum support to prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot.Features: Motion control shoes are more rigid and structured than stability shoes, with reinforced areas in the midsole.How does this link back to winter foot safety? If you have flat feet, especially if you’re a senior, and your feet overpronate, your hips, knees and ankles can weaken and become more painful and vulnerable due to years of walking with an abnormal gait. If you don’t have strong feet and joints, icy conditions become that much more threatening.Both stability and motion control shoes can help prevent winter foot injuries by providing extra support and control in conditions where icy, wet, or uneven surfaces make slips and strains more likely. Keep in mind these should also have solid traction performance!https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TnDaLrqYTacTraction PerformanceHigh traction performance in shoes (thick, rubber soles with grooves) is essential for winter injury prevention. It prevents slips and falls, which are especially common on icy or wet surfaces. Without reliable traction, even the smallest patch of ice can turn into a serious hazard, causing the foot to slide out from under the body and throwing balance off entirely. This can lead to falls, which are a primary cause of winter injuries, including sprains, fractures, and ligament tears in the foot, ankle, or knee.Good traction provides a stable, controlled grip on unpredictable surfaces, allowing each step to connect firmly with the ground. This stability reduces the risk of unexpected slips and ensures that the foot can maintain contact without sliding, even on slippery patches. People who enjoy running during the winter months should particularly focus on finding running shoes with traction. Many brands, like Saucony or ASICS, design shoes for this purpose. You can also add on ice cleats or cramp-ons to your footwear for extra grip when running on icy surfaces.When looking for traction performance, keep in mind that no shoes are built for traction on ice (although some may fare better than others). Only ice cleats or cramp-ons will provide proper grip on ice. 2. Try Warm-ups And Foot ExercisesBefore going for a run, warm up your feet and lower extremities with a nice, healthy stretch or foot exercise. This will prepare your feet for pounding the pavement (or snow) and give them an added layer of strength and protection. Runners should be doing this year round as part of their foot care routine, not just during the winter!These routines are not just for runners! Quite the opposite, in fact; they help people with mobility constraints and inflamed, weakened and damaged muscles/joints just as much as they do athletes.People with arthritis in the feet, plantar fasciitis and other conditions can help reduce their risk of winter injuries by strengthening their feet. For example, arthritis can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, making it challenging to maintain balance on slippery or uneven surfaces. On the other hand, plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot. The discomfort may lead to altered walking mechanics, such as favoring one foot over the other, which can compromise stability and increase the risk of falls.Stretches and exercises should target the intrinsic (small, stabilizing muscles located within the foot) and extensor muscles (primarily found in the lower leg), and your ankles. Your routine should include a variety of movements that target as many muscle groups as possible.Here are a few easy, effective stretches and exercises you can start today:https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gOwgyrmU6hMToe Splays: While seated or standing, spread (or "splay") your toes as wide apart as possible, holding for a few seconds, then releasing. Repeat this 10–15 times per foot.Toe Flex and Raise: Stand with toes planted and lift the heels off the ground. This exercise strengthens the lower leg and foot muscles, improving balance and stability on icy surfaces.Ankle Circles: Sit or stand and slowly rotate each ankle in circles, first clockwise and then counterclockwise. This helps increase ankle mobility and flexibility, which can reduce the risk of sprains.Seated Hamstring Stretch: Sit on a chair, extend one leg straight in front. Lean forward slowly until you feel the stretch in your hamstring. Hold for about 30 seconds.In addition, click here for part 1 and part 2 for the best exercises for arthritis, and here for the best exercises for plantar fasciitis.https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AsuUXJYnUmQThe Importance of BalanceWe all know the direct link between losing your balance and sustaining an injury. We also know that people with disabilities or conditions that impact mobility need to be extra vigilant. With every step, strong balance allows you to react as quickly as possible to unexpected changes in winter terrain and surfaces, which will keep you safe.Here are two simple foot exercises that focus on improving balance:Single-Leg Stands: Stand on one foot for 20–30 seconds, then switch. This exercise builds balance and strengthens the muscles around the ankle, reducing the risk of falls on uneven surfaces.Heel-to-Toe Walk: Walk in a straight line, placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the other. This exercise improves balance and strengthens stabilizing muscles.3. Wear Supportive Insoles Winter footwear is typically built for the elements - not for comfort. Therefore, it can be very difficult to find a supportive winter boot that will also protect your feet from winter weather. Fortunately, if you wear a supportive insole with your footwear, you won't need to sacrifice comfort for function. There are two types of supportive insoles you can wear with winter footwear: customer orthotics and over-the-counter insoles. Custom OrthoticsCustom orthotics are designed to fit the unique contours of an individual's feet, helping to redistribute pressure and provide the necessary arch support. This is especially beneficial for individuals with flat feet or other conditions.Add winter to the mix, and this becomes even more crucial. By optimizing foot alignment, custom orthotics help maintain stability and balance, allowing individuals to navigate slippery surfaces with greater confidence.Custom orthotics can be made to fit in winter boots or winter running shoes, to keep your foot supported in all scenarios. They can even come in half-lengths to accommodate dress shoes for when you’re leaving the office and heading to your car (slippery sidewalks are everywhere in winter, so you can’t be too careful!).They provide cushioning that absorbs impact and reduces strain on the joints, particularly the ankles and knees, which are crucial during winter activities like walking, shoveling snow, or participating in winter sports.To learn if you can benefit from custom orthotics, you can consult a foot specialist like a chiropodist or a podiatrist.Check out these resources on custom orthotics to learn even more:5 Ways Orthotics Can Be Customized for Maximum Comfort and SupportThe Role of Orthotics in Supporting Foot Health and Correcting AlignmentUnderstanding Different Types of Custom Orthotics: How to Choose the Right Support for Your Feethttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/IBXAXoUouFYOver-the-Counter Insoles (Superfeet)Over-the-counter insoles, like Superfeet, are also a great option to upgrade your winter footwear. Superfeet insoles have a deep heel cup, pronounced arch and a rigid, durable structure. They come in a variety of arch heights and cushioning levels to accommodate many foot conditions, like high arches, flat feet, plantar fasciitis and more! Whereas custom orthotics are custom-designed to your foot, Superfeet come in standard sizes and designs (each representing a different colour). They therefore can be more economical than custom orthotics. If you're interested in Superfeet insoles, bring your winter shoes to our Toronto foot clinic. You can then try different Superfeet options to see which one works best for you. Different insoles feel different in different shoes, so we strongly recommend trying on your Superfeet with your winter shoes before purchasing them.

October 28, 2024

Taking care of your feet during winter might require a little extra effort, but it’s essential for preventing discomfort and long-term issues. The cold weather can impact your feet in its own unique ways, just like hot weather can. Whether you’re dealing with dry, cracked skin or trying to avoid slippery conditions, being mindful of your foot health will keep you a step ahead of the cold.5 Ways Cold and Wet Weather Can Impact Your FeetDry, cracked skinSkin conditionsReduced circulationStiffness and joint painWinter-related foot conditions1. Dry, Cracked Skinhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-Sf43woLLEOne of the first things you may notice during the winter is dry, cracked skin on your feet, especially your heels.The chilly air and low humidity can quickly sap the moisture from your skin, leaving your feet feeling rough and sore. Heating indoors doesn’t help either, as it dries out the air, exacerbating the issue.This is where cold weather foot care enters the picture! Since cracked skin can cause pain and even bleed, it becomes essential to protect your feet. This dryness isn’t just unsightly—if the cracks open up, it creates an easy pathway for infections. This can lead to debilitating pain and bleeding that makes walking difficult. Regular moisturizing with a medical-grade foot cream is a straightforward way to combat dry feet and cracked heels. Look for products that contains a high urea concentration, which will help your skin replenish and retain lost moisture.It's important to use a foot cream instead of a regular moisturizer for your feet because the skin on your feet is thicker than the skin elsewhere on our body. Therefore, a regular body or facial moisturizer won't cut it - especially during the dry, colder months. While you're at it, take your hydration to the next level by always remembering to drink your eight glasses of water per day. This advice still holds up today!2. Reduced Circulation Cold weather can mess with your blood flow, which can pose a problematic obstacle for foot health. When temperatures drop, blood vessels constrict to preserve heat, meaning less blood flows to your extremities. This is called vasoconstriction.As a result, your feet may feel cold, numb, or even tingly. Poor circulation can also lead to prolonged healing times for cuts or blisters. This is concerning for diabetes patients with neuropathy who are already struggling with wound healing issues. That's why cold weather diabetic foot care should always include steps to monitor and improve blood flow— including daily foot inspections and easy foot exercises.Wearing thermal socks and ensuring your feet are properly insulated can help combat the impact of reduced circulation. Just make sure your thermal socks fit comfortably with your fall and winter footwear: if your shoes or boots are too tight, it will reduce circulation and make your feet more susceptible to cold-weather complications (more on that below). If you experience slippery conditions during winter, circulation issues can also increase your risk of falling or slipping. When your feet are numb, it’s harder to get a good sense of balance, so be cautious and wear shoes with good grip for FALL prevention.Moving around can also help keep your blood flowing. So, if you’re out and about, take small breaks to wiggle your toes and stretch to maintain circulation. There are even targeted foot exercises you can try to help trigger healthy blood flow. In fact, you should do these more often in the winter than the summer.3. Skin Conditionshttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/xZ4RQwPmCzgIt might seem strange to consider blisters a winter problem, but they can definitely crop up due to cold weather foot care challenges.Wearing heavy boots and thick socks can cause friction, leading to blisters on your heels or toes. This is why it’s extremely important for boots to fit snugly, but not be too tight. So if the socks you like to wear in the winter are causing your boots to constrict your feet, they don’t fit!And if your feet are already dry, cracked, or dealing with reduced circulation, they’re even more susceptible to developing painful blisters. Combat this by ensuring your boots and sock combo always fit perfectly together, and opt for moisture wicking socks to go the extra mile.Another common winter foot problem is athlete's foot. Though often associated with the hot summer months and public swimming pools, athlete's foot is no stranger to winter either. Athlete's foot thrives in wet, damp areas, so instead of crowded public summer pools, fungal infections change their habitat to the wet-from-the-snow environment inside your boots. And keep in mind, you can get athlete’s foot simply by coming into contact with someone who already has it.When you’re tackling wet feet, whether it’s from snow or rain, you need to dry them thoroughly before putting on warm socks. Athlete’s foot loves moist environments, so making sure your feet are dry is key. If you start to notice itchy or peeling skin between your toes, it’s a sign that athlete's foot might be setting in. Treat it promptly with your Toronto chiropodist, who can provide the right antifungal products. Make sure you also keep your feet clean and dry and avoid sharing shoes and socks to protect your feet from a future infection.4. Stiffness and Joint Pain https://www.youtube.com/shorts/n46k32OZgcoCold weather tightens your muscles, which in turn can lead to stiff joints. This discomfort can be particularly noticeable if you already have arthritis or any other joint-related issues. Without the right cold weather foot care, your feet can end up feeling stiff, which can affect your overall mobility. To help counteract this, regular stretching and low-impact exercises, such as foot rotations, can keep your joints limber.This season also requires some extra attention to footwear. Choose shoes with ample support to keep your feet cushioned against the impact of walking on hard, cold surfaces. Slippery conditions can further aggravate joint pain because your body works overtime to stay balanced, putting extra pressure on your feet. Adding orthotics or insoles that provide added arch support can also reduce some of this strain and make your steps feel more cushioned and less jarring.5. Winter Related Foot ConditionsWinter brings its own set of unique foot problems, including chilblains, frostbite, and Raynaud’s disease, all of which can make cold weather foot care a bit trickier. Chilblains occur when your feet are exposed to cold, damp environments, causing painful, itchy red patches. This is particularly common in teenagers, or people who quickly reheat their feet after being in the cold, so it’s best to warm up slowly.Frostbite is another concern in extreme cold, as it can severely damage your skin and tissues. Frostbite can occur more quickly than you might expect, especially if you don't protect your feet from the weather. Signs of frostbite include numbness, skin discolouration, and a hard, waxy texture. If you think you may be experiencing frostbite, it’s essential to seek medical help immediately. To prevent frostbite, be sure to layer up and wear weatherproof boots that keep your feet dry and warm.Lastly, Raynaud’s disease can be exacerbated by cold weather. People with Raynaud’s experience an exaggerated response to cold, which restricts blood flow to the toes, leading to reduced circulation and making your feet even more vulnerable. Keeping your feet constantly warm and avoiding sudden temperature changes can help manage Raynaud’s symptoms, but if you experience persistent pain or numbness, you should consult a healthcare provider.

October 10, 2024

Toronto's summer is behind us and the warm days of sandals won’t return until next year. But fall brings its own charm and many folks are excited for a new chapter. At the same time, you may also be looking to prevent foot issues this fall in as many ways as possible, and luckily, you’ve come to the right place! For top tips on blisters and dry skin prevention, as well as how you can fight some other common fall foot problems, keep reading today’s article!Cracked HeelsAs summer’s humid air is replaced with dryness, the skin on your feet may dehydrate and over time, cracked heels can form.One of the best fall foot care tips to prevent this is regular moisturizing. Use a nutrient-dense product like Gehwol’s Lipidro Cream, available at Toronto’s Feet First Clinic.It helps lock in moisture and prevent further damage. Containing high-quality ingredients like avocado oil and urea, this cream helps your skin absorb water into its layers and supplies dry skin with the lipids it needs. Properties like allantoin can also soothe irritation sometimes associated with cracked heels.Fungal InfectionsYou may have heard how fungal infections like athlete’s foot are easy to contract during the summertime. Public pools, shared locker rooms and showers, and other communal spaces are all summer hot spots where this foot fungus can breed. But did you know that foot fungi is still a threat in the fall?It can thrive when people wear closed shoes for longer periods, trapping moisture and warmth. To prevent this, keep feet clean and dry, wear breathable socks, and choose shoes that allow proper ventilation. Shoes should also be waterproof to prevent extra water getting into your shoe’s environment. To find the right pair for fall, visit your local Toronto foot clinic for a shoe fitting.While you’re at it, learn all about the best foot hygiene here!Musculoskeletal Foot ConditionsMusculoskeletal foot conditions can flare up as the fall chill starts to bite, making each step feel a little extra uncomfortable.Cold temperatures cause the tissues in your joints to contract, putting pressure on nerve endings and leading to more foot pain and aggravated osteoarthritis. The cold can also worsen foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and other sources of arch and heel pain.Get ahead of this issue by wearing boots with solid insulation that traps warmth. Also, keep your feet extra cozy with warm socks — a Toronto chiropodist may even suggest a pair of compression stockings (like Sigvaris' Thermoregulating Wool or Merino Wool compression stockings).BlistersAutumn foot health often involves managing painful blisters. As new footwear makes its debut, a tight squeeze can slowly wreak havoc and cause discomfort.To keep your feet happy and blisters at bay, make sure your shoes fit securely and snugly (but not tight!) to prevent excessive friction rubbing against your skin. Wear your boots with other products like moisture control socks, foot powders, blister bandages and insoles to prevent this frustrating issue.

October 7, 2024

Many people don’t know what goes into their custom orthotics – not just the materials, but the technology that creates a comfortable orthotic. In this post, learn about all the different accomodations and orthotic customizations available to make your feet happy!https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IBXAXoUouFY?feature=shareWhat Are Orthotic Customizations and AccomodationsAdditions and Accommodations are very common parts of custom orthotics. They are used if a normal over-the-counter insole just won’t cut it. For example, if a patient has a neuroma or a misaligned gait, an orthotic without custom support won’t have anywhere near the same effectiveness. Here is a list of the most common orthotic customizations and accommodations for custom orthotics.Heel ModificationsFirstly we have heel modifications. These are some of the most common additions to keep your feet comfortable and supported:Cushion – Adds additional padding and shock absorption on the heel. Heel cushions cover the whole heel. Cushioning the heel is helpful for a variety of foot conditions, like plantar fasciitis and arthritis. It essentially reduces the strain and impact of your step. Lift – Heel lifts can balance out differences in leg height and to prevent overpronation or supination. They can also be used to help with Achillies tendonitis. They're made of a harder material for balance. Hole – Heel holes are used to help with heel spurs. Cushioning can be added to increase comfort and distribute pressure in the heel.Seat – A Heel seat gives the patient more control if they overpronate. It's designed to hold the fatty tissue under the calcaneus in place.Metatarsal ModificationsThese orthotic customizations are designed to take pressure off of your metatarsals (the ball of your foot). They are helpful for anyone experiencing foot pain at the ball of their foot just below the toes.1st Ray Cutout - Helps to offload pressure off 1st metatarsal head (the big toe). This is used to help with bunions and arthritis.2-4 Metatarsal Pad – This is a teardrop shaped pad that sits below the metatarsals. It takes some of the load off the metatarsals by offloading pressure at ball of foot and elevating the second, third, and fourth metatarsals.Metatarsal Bar – This is similar to 2-4 metatarsal pads, but has more surface area and offloads more pressure from the metatarsal heads. It can provide more stress relief in some cases.Neuroma Pad – This is a small pad that sits between metatarsals and spreads them apart. It is designed to correct the transverse arch and help with pain in the metatarsals. As the name suggests, it is can help people experiencing a Morton's neuroma.Arch SupportMoving on, we have arch support, which is important for everyone - regardless of whether you have a foot condition - but moreso for people who struggle with plantar fasciitis and arch pain.Arch Pad – Additonal support on the arch for patients who need more arch support.Fill – Arch fills make the orthotic more rigid. This is used to help the orthotic to support more weight. It can also be used to help somewhat with controlling the midtarsal joints.Additional AccommodationsFinally, we have modifications that don't really fit into the previous categories. These are all very common additions that are often put in orthotics:Morton’s Extension – Extra length under 1st metatarsal to keep it rigid. It helps during the push off phase of gait and can be rigid if patient has hallux rigidus or limitus. It immobilizes and offsets pressure on the first met joint.Reverse Morton’s – This increases the mobility of the first met joint. The pad sits under the 2nd to the 5th met head and ends before the first.Dancer Pad – Offloads the ball of the foot. It works by taking weight off of the big toe joint and dispersing it.Scaphoid Pad - This is used to help support the mid and back foot. Helps take pressure off the joints and bones in the arch.While these are the most common accommodations found on orthotics, there are many more! To learn more about how orthotics can be modified and customized to suit your unique foot needs, check out this Website.What Orthotic is Right For Me?A licensed chiropodist can determine what orthotic customizations and features are best for you. The chiropodist would first do a biomechanical assessment and gait analysis. They'll then diagnose your foot condition and make recommendations. Remember - orthotics are just one part of the equation when it comes to treating foot pain. While they can be beneficial for many common foot conditions, it's recommended to also explore other treatment options first, like supportive footwear, exercises and stretches.If your chiropodist recommends orthotics, they'll discuss the different options and customizations available, and which ones will work best for your foot condition. They'll also take into account your activities and the footwear you'd be wearing the orthotics with. The chiropodist will then take a 3D scan of your foot and send it off to the lab to make your orthotics. You would then see the chiropodist a few weeks later for a fitting appointment, at which time the chiropodist will check that the orthotics are constructed properly and working the way they should. If everything checks out, you can take them home! We also recommend coming back about 6 to 8 weeks after your fitting for a follow-up appointment to see if your orthotics are helping with your foot pain. If they aren't, the chiropodist can modify the orthotics.https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pO5oWb6S5MA?feature=share