Items filtered by date: August 2022

Everyone experiences cold feet at some point, but chronic cold feet may be the result of an underlying condition. Symptoms to look for include numbness, tingling, or a feeling of pins and needles. Changes in foot color, from purple-blue to pale white also may be seen. Women, seniors, and people with poor circulation are prime candidates for chronic cold feet. One cause of cold feet is atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which restricts blood flow to the extremities. Other causes include nerve damage, hormone imbalance, and certain infectious diseases. Anemia (Iron-poor blood), an underactive thyroid, and low body fat may also contribute to cold feet. If the symptoms of cold feet do not go away or are interfering with your daily activities, please visit a chiropodist who can conduct a thorough exam to determine the possible causes and offer treatment solutions.

When blood flow to a specific part of the body is reduced, you may experience symptoms of poor circulation. Poor circulation is most common in your extremities, like your legs and feet. Please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Causes

Poor circulation isn’t a condition in itself. Instead, it results from other health issues. Therefore, it’s important to treat the underlying causes:

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

• Diabetes 

• Blood clots

• Varicose veins

• Obesity

• Raynaud’s disease 

Symptoms

Symptoms of poor circulation may include: 

• Numbness

• Tingling

• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs

• Pain

• Muscle Cramps

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will perform a physical exam to detect pain and swelling, as well as an antibodies blood test to detect inflammatory conditions, such as Raynaud’s disease. It’s important to disclose any known family history of poor circulation and any related diseases. A blood sugar test, blood pressure test, ultrasound, or CT scan may also be performed.

Treatment

Treatments for poor circulation depend on what is causing it. Compression socks may be used to reduce pain and swelling. An exercise program may be recommended to improve circulation. Various medications may be prescribed to manage underlying conditions that may contribute to poor circulation.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The foot is a complex structure designed to hold your weight when you stand, walk, run, or jump. Part of that structure includes two arches, longitudinal and transverse. Ligaments combine with muscles and a band of tissue called plantar fascia to form secondary support to the arch of the foot. Fat pads in the heel also help with holding your weight and absorbing impact. If anything goes wrong within this structure, the arch of the foot can be compromised. Among the causes of arch pain are direct trauma, muscle strains, ligament sprains, poor body mechanics, stress fractures, and overuse injuries. If you are experiencing arch pain that interferes with your daily activities, it is a good idea to consult a chiropodist. A brief history of your activities leading to the pain, an examination of the arch and foot, and imaging tests may be performed. Once the cause and severity of the arch pain are determined, the chiropodist can offer appropriate treatment options. 

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot pain, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

• Plantar fasciitis

• Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes

• Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet

• Arthritis

• Flat feet

• Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

• Heel pain

• Arch pain

• Toe pain

• Ball of foot pain

• Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality

• Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot blister forms when fluid fills a space between layers of skin on the feet. They can come from walking too much, wearing tight shoes, or not wearing socks with shoes. Friction is the usual cause of blisters, but things like excessive moisture can clog pores on the feet, sunburn, and allergic reactions can also result in blisters. Blisters are not dangerous in and of themselves, but they can become worse or infected if they do not heal. If you find that you are getting blisters on your feet and know the cause, there are measures you can take to treat and prevent them. With excessive moisture at the root of blister development, wearing sweat-wicking socks and breathable shoes can be helpful. Hydrating well and using cold compresses or a cool shower or bath can help relieve the effects of sunburn blisters. It is important to identify the allergen if you believe you are developing blisters from an allergic reaction. Such allergies might be poison ivy or latex. Avoiding the irritant is best but using medications to alleviate inflammation and itching should help. There are other reasons blisters can form on the feet and if they do not heal in a reasonable time or become worse, it is suggested that a chiropodist be consulted to properly identify the root cause of these annoying irritations and to treat them appropriately.

Blisters can usually be treated at home, however, if you have recurring blisters or experience significant discomfort or pain, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is a Blister? 

A blister is a small pocket of fluid in the upper skin layers and is one of the body’s natural responses to injury or pressure. Blisters can also result from burns, fungal or viral skin infections, and the feet are particularly prone due to ill-fitting footwear and friction. Friction on the skin causes the upper layer of skin to separate from the lower layers. The space that this separation creates then becomes filled with a liquid called serum, which protects the lower layers of skin. 

Treatment 

If you notice a blister on your foot, you can cover it with a soft bandage or dressing to protect it. Popping the blister is discouraged. Doing so exposes the raw skin underneath it to bacteria and also raises the risk of infection. If a blister pops naturally, let it drain before covering it with a bandage. Blisters usually heal on their own or with home treatment, however, if your blister is recurring, very painful, or appears infected, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can help to prevent blisters by wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes. Keep your feet dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks and dust your feet with talcum powder if they tend to get sweaty. If you have areas on your feet that are more susceptible to blisters, you might be able to prevent the blister from forming by covering it with a pad. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Achilles tendon pain is a modern day problem, especially for physically active people. Those who participate in soccer, volleyball, track and field events, and racquet sports are particularly susceptible to Achilles tendon injury. The Achilles tendon, one of the body’s longest tendons, is a tough band of tissue that connects the heel to the leg. Its main job is to allow you to walk, run, and push up onto your toes. For that reason, it is at risk of injury when playing sports that require those actions, even more so as you age. When the Achilles tendon becomes painful, it is usually because of repetitive action, causing inflammation. In the worst case scenarios, the Achilles tendon can tear partially or rupture, that is tear completely. This is usually the result of a trauma to the ankle, such as stopping too quickly or pivoting while changing direction. This will be immediately noticeable by severe pain and difficulty bearing weight. If you believe you have sustained an Achilles tendon injury, please consult a chiropodist for an exam, diagnosis, and course of treatment.

Achilles tendonitis is a common injury of the Achilles tendon, a band of fibrous tissue that runs along the back of the lower leg. The Achilles tendon can also rupture, making it impossible to lift the foot. If you are suffering from heel or calf pain, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Causes of Achilles tendon injuries include: 

• Repetitive stress or overuse

• Sudden increase in activity levels

• High impact injury

• Calf muscle tightness or weakness

• Altered foot biomechanics

• Heel bone spurs

• Underlying medical conditions that weaken the tendon

Symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury include: 

• Heel and calf pain that worsens following exercise

• Chronic heel and calf pain

• Sudden pain in the back of the ankle or calf

• A popping or snapping sensation

• Thickened lump in the Achilles tendon

• Ankle and calf stiffness

• Decreased range of motion in the affected foot

• Swelling

• Difficulty walking 

Treatment

• Resting the affected leg

• Applying ice 

• Compressing the foot and ankle

• Elevating the injured leg 

• Wearing orthotics

• Low impact exercises

• Stretches

• Strengthening exercises 

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications

• Cortisone injections

• Surgery, if the tendon is ruptured 

Achilles tendon injuries can be very painful and lead to reduced mobility if left untreated. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are different types of foot afflictions that negatively impact the joints of the feet. These afflictions can be detrimental to the health of your feet and your overall well being. Gout is one such foot ailment, and it can be helpful for you to make yourself aware of the different causes of gout so that you can try to prevent its development. Gout is a kind of arthritis that primarily affects the joint in the big toe, which is referred to as the metatarsophalangeal joint. This is due to a buildup of uric acid in the body. Gout attacks can be very painful in some individuals. Sometimes taking certain medications can increase your risk of gout if the medication increases uric acid levels in the body. Also, excessive alcohol consumption can put you at a heightened risk of developing gout because alcohol inhibits your body’s ability to effectively remove uric acid from the body. Lastly, if you have been exposed to significant amounts of lead, you might also be at risk of developing gout. Gout is no joking matter – see a chiropodist if you think that you might be at risk of developing gout.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. Please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Gout?

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. This type of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid crystallizes in a joint, often the joint of the big toe, it can bring about a gout attack. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of gout include: 

• Sudden and severe pain

• Swelling

• Redness

• Warmth 

• Joint stiffness

• Joint deformity

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will ask questions about your personal and family medical history, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout. A sample of fluid taken from your joint can show whether it contains uric acid. 

Treatment

Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Patients with chronic gout can also use behavioral modifications such as diet, exercise, and decreased intake of alcohol to help minimize the frequency of gout attacks. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided since purines are converted in the body to uric acid. If left untreated, this painful condition can leave your joint permanently damaged and swollen.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.