The major changes that occur during pregnancy can affect the entire body, including the feet and ankles. One of the most common pregnancy foot problems is foot swelling caused by fluid retention. Another is flat feet. During pregnancy, the ligaments throughout the body tend to relax, including those in the arch of the foot. This can cause the arch to flatten, increasing your shoe size and potentially leading to foot soreness, discomfort, or pain. To help ease this pain, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. It is also important to rest your feet when possible, and resting the feet above the hips can help with circulation. To learn more about common pregnancy foot problems and what you can do to alleviate them, please consult with a chiropodist.
Pregnancy can affect your feet in many ways, often causing pain or discomfort, as well as reduced mobility. If you are pregnant and experience foot pain, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
During pregnancy, your belly isn’t the only part of your body swelling. The whole body may experience swelling, especially in the feet and ankles. Since they carry the weight of both your body and the baby’s, caring for your feet during pregnancy is very important.
Common Foot Conditions During Pregnancy
Various foot conditions can develop during the course of a pregnancy, including:
Swelling of the feet and ankles
Fallen arches, leading to acquired flat feet
Plantar fasciitis
Aching, sore feet
Changes in the toenails
Caring for the Feet During Pregnancy
Some things that you can do to help maintain the health of your feet during pregnancy include:
Wearing comfortable shoes
Resting and elevating your feet
Icing sore areas, such as the arch
Keeping your toenails trimmed
Soaking and massaging the feet
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.
Blisters are small, fluid-filled bumps that typically develop on the feet due to friction. They usually heal on their own given time. It is best not to pop a blister, as the fluid inside protects the raw skin underneath the blister from the environment. If you find yourself with a foot blister that is likely to burst on its own, it is recommended that you cover it with a bandage or soft dressing to protect it. If your blister has burst, wash your hands before touching the area and allow the blister to fully drain before covering it with a bandage. If you have a foot blister that is showing signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, pain, swelling, or the appearance of pus, it is strongly suggested that you seek treatment from a chiropodist.
Blisters can usually be treated at home, however, if you have recurring blisters or experience significant discomfort or pain, please consult with one of our chiropodists 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.
A fungal infection of the toenails is also known as onychomycosis. This condition causes the nails to become distorted, thickened, brittle or crumbly, and discolored. The nail may lift from the nail bed, and it can emit an odor. Fungal infections typically affect toenails more than fingernails due to the toes being confined to shoes, where they’re in a warm, moist environment where fungi thrive. The fungal infection can affect part of the nail, the entire nail, or several nails. Toenail fungus is often treated through oral antifungal medications. You may also be prescribed topical medications, such as antifungal nail polishes, which are brushed directly onto the affected nails. If you have developed a toenail fungus, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for proper 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 one of our chiropodists 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.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
The major changes that occur during pregnancy can affect the entire body, including the feet and ankles. One of the most common pregnancy foot problems is foot swelling caused by fluid retention. Another is flat feet. During pregnancy, the ligaments throughout the body tend to relax, including those in the arch of the foot. This can cause the arch to flatten, increasing your shoe size and potentially leading to foot soreness, discomfort, or pain. To help ease this pain, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. It is also important to rest your feet when possible, and resting the feet above the hips can help with circulation. To learn more about common pregnancy foot problems and what you can do to alleviate them, please consult with a chiropodist. 
Blisters are small, fluid-filled bumps that typically develop on the feet due to friction. They usually heal on their own given time. It is best not to pop a blister, as the fluid inside protects the raw skin underneath the blister from the environment. If you find yourself with a foot blister that is likely to burst on its own, it is recommended that you cover it with a bandage or soft dressing to protect it. If your blister has burst, wash your hands before touching the area and allow the blister to fully drain before covering it with a bandage. If you have a foot blister that is showing signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, pain, swelling, or the appearance of pus, it is strongly suggested that you seek treatment from a chiropodist. 
A fungal infection of the toenails is also known as onychomycosis. This condition causes the nails to become distorted, thickened, brittle or crumbly, and discolored. The nail may lift from the nail bed, and it can emit an odor. Fungal infections typically affect toenails more than fingernails due to the toes being confined to shoes, where they’re in a warm, moist environment where fungi thrive. The fungal infection can affect part of the nail, the entire nail, or several nails. Toenail fungus is often treated through oral antifungal medications. You may also be prescribed topical medications, such as antifungal nail polishes, which are brushed directly onto the affected nails. If you have developed a toenail fungus, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for proper treatment. 
