Items filtered by date: August 2024

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, affects a significant portion of the population, with fungal toenail infections being more common than those of the fingernails. These fungal infections can cause discomfort and affect nail appearance. Common symptoms include nail discoloration, thickening, and fragility, along with separation from the nail bed. Fungal toenail infections are caused by various environmental fungi that enter through small nail or skin cracks. Certain factors, such as age, nail trauma, diabetes, weakened immunity, and poor circulation, increase the risks of fungal toenail infections. Diagnosis requires laboratory testing to differentiate fungal infections from other nail problems. Treatment usually involves prescription antifungal medication, which is most effective when started early. However, recurrence is possible, especially in individuals with predisposing conditions like diabetes. If you have developed symptoms of fungal toenails, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for treatment. 

Toenail fungus can be uncomfortable and unsightly. If you have diabetes or a compromised immune system, it may also be dangerous. To learn more about treatment options, 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 Does Toenail Fungus Look Like? 

A fungal infection of the toenail may cause the affected nail to become thickened, brittle, crumbly, and yellowish or brown in color. Sometimes the toenail may separate from the nail bed, become deformed, emit a foul odor, or cause pain or discomfort. 

What Causes Toenail Fungus? 

Toenail fungus is caused by a fungus that infects the nail bed. The fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments and is also contagious. Athlete’s foot, which is a fungal infection of the skin, may spread to the nails and cause toenail fungus. 

What Treatments Are Available? 

Potential treatments for toenail fungus may include oral antifungal medications, topical antifungal medications, such as medicated nail polishes that are applied directly to the affected nail, and laser therapy. Sometimes, a combination of treatments is prescribed. 

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.

Treating a foot wound properly is essential to prevent infection and promote healing. Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water to ensure that you do not introduce any germs to the wound. Gently clean the wound with mild soap and water, removing any debris or dirt. If the wound is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding. Once the bleeding has ceased, apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and cover the wound with a sterile bandage. Keep the wound clean and dry, changing the bandage regularly. Foot wounds can cause severe health complications if not treated correctly. If you have a foot wound, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can provide you with the care that is needed.

Wound care is the process of treating and preventing wounds on the feet. This is especially important if you have diabetes, as diabetic foot wounds are common and can lead to serious complications when left untreated. To learn more about proper wound care, 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. 

Why Is Wound Care Important for Diabetics?

While wound care is important for maintaining the health of your feet, it is especially important for people with diabetes. This is because diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation, causing foot wounds to heal very slowly or not to heal at all. Diabetics also frequently suffer from neuropathy or nerve loss. This means no matter how big or little the wound, they might not feel it on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. This is why it is imperative that diabetics complete daily foot checks.

Wound Care Basics

The best way to care for wounds is to prevent them in the first place. It is recommended that people with diabetes perform a daily examination of their feet to locate cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds. Early detection allows for ample time to treat the wounds and prevent further complications. If you notice a wound at home, you can clean it using water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover the wound with a clean bandage. Seeing a chiropodist, who can examine your feet thoroughly and treat any existing wounds, can also help you maintain proper foot health. 

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.

Children's participation in sports from a young age is extremely beneficial for their overall health and well-being. It helps them develop discipline, team spirit, and physical fitness. While training is important, the primary focus for young athletes should be on having fun. Specializing in a single sport at an early age can increase the risk of foot and ankle injuries due to repetitive stress on growing bones and ligaments. Wearing proper footwear that fits well and is replaced regularly is essential to support their developing feet and prevent issues like in-toeing and out-toeing. Common injuries in young athletes can include fractures, sprains, and conditions such as Sever's disease. Parents should avoid being overly zealous and pushing their children too hard, as this can lead to overuse injuries. If concerns about your child’s foot health arise, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for appropriate advice and care.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, 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. 

Common Injuries Among Athletes: 

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Ankle strains or sprains

• Plantar fasciitis

• Fractures

• Turf toe 

• Joint dislocations

• Sever’s disease

• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

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.

Heel pain can stem from various conditions that affect the foot's structure and function. Pump bump, also known as Haglund's deformity, results from irritation of the bony prominence at the back of the heel, often aggravated by wearing tight shoes. Bursitis, which is an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs, or bursae, near the heel, can cause pain and swelling, particularly with excessive pressure or repetitive movements. Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with plantar fasciitis, a condition where the plantar fascia becomes inflamed due to overuse or biomechanical issues. Another cause of heel pain is a trapped nerve, also known as Baxter's neuritis, where a nerve becomes compressed or irritated, leading to sharp or burning pain. If you have heel pain for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Heel pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you suffer from heel 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. 

When it comes to heel pain, the exact location and type of pain are important to note. Some of the conditions that may cause heel pain include: 

• Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot; it causes a stabbing pain under the heel that is at its worst when taking your first few steps after a long rest and while standing on your tiptoes or climbing stairs

• Achilles tendonitis - An inflammation of the tendon in the back of the calf; it causes pain in the back of the heel that is at its worst after resting, as well as ankle and calf stiffness, swelling, and tenderness 

• Bone spurs - Bony lumps on the back of the heel bones that cause sharp pain upon first standing up; the pain becomes dull and achy over time 

• Heel fractures - A break or crack in the heel bone that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking

• Retrocalcaneal bursitis - Swelling of the small, fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone; it causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the back of the heel

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Compression of the posterior tibial nerve which causes a pins and needles sensation in the heel, foot, and calf 

Your chiropodist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and prescribe the right treatments for you. 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.