A nerve condition that affects the extremities is called peripheral neuropathy and one of its main targets is the feet. The main symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include numbness and tingling as well as burning, stabbing, or shooting pain. Other common symptoms are loss of balance and coordination and muscle weakness. It is more likely to occur in older people and is frequently a side effect of diabetes. It can also be caused by shingles, a nerve injury, certain medications, and drinking too much alcohol. Complications from peripheral neuropathy can include foot ulcers caused by wounds that do not heal properly. This can lead to other serious problems, including gangrene. For that reason treatment of peripheral neuropathy, involving daily foot care, is essential. For anyone who experiences the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, regular visits to a chiropodist for evaluation and monitoring of the condition are strongly suggested.  

Neuropathy can cause permanent nerve damage if left untreated. If you are experiencing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, 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 Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that damages the nerves of the peripheral nervous system, which provide sensation to the limbs. The feet are often affected. Peripheral neuropathy can have many different causes, but it is most commonly associated with diabetes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Pain
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Burning sensations
• Weakness
• Loss of balance

Diagnosis

Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed based on medical history and physical examination. Various tests performed during physical examinations can help determine the type of peripheral neuropathy you may have and what is causing it. 

Treatment

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy will depend on what is causing it. For example, if your peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes, then managing your blood sugar, exercising regularly to strengthen the legs and feet, and taking pain medications may be recommended as treatments. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a medical condition that causes poor circulation in the lower limbs. This is due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries which leads them to narrow and harden, thereby reducing blood flow. Many people with PAD do not have any symptoms, especially in the initial stages of the disease. Over time, symptoms such as muscle cramps, weakness, and fatigue in the legs may develop. These symptoms may intensify particularly while walking or exercising. PAD is diagnosed through a physical examination, medical history, and non-invasive vascular testing. Treatment for this condition focuses on relieving symptoms and reducing the risk for further complications, such as a heart attack or stroke. To learn more about PAD, please consult with a chiropodist near you. 

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that causes poor circulation in the lower limbs. If you have PAD, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

What is peripheral artery disease? 

Peripheral artery disease is characterized by reduced blood flow to the lower limbs. This occurs due to a buildup of a fatty substance called plaque in the arteries. The plaque causes the arteries to become narrow and harden, which makes it difficult for blood to get to the lower limbs. Without adequate blood flow, the tissues of the legs, ankles, and feet do not get enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly, which can lead to various symptoms as the condition progresses. Having poor circulation also increases your risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. 

Symptoms

In its initial stages, PAD is often asymptomatic. If symptoms do arise, they often include: 

• Muscle cramps
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Pain that gets worse with physical activity
• Balance problems
• Difficulty walking

Diagnosis

PAD can be diagnosed through a thorough physical examination, medical history, and vascular testing. There are many simple, non-invasive tests that your chiropodist can use to determine your risk of having PAD. These include the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test and Doppler ultrasounds. 

Treatment

Treatments for PAD focus on lifestyle changes and medication management to lessen symptoms and prevent heart attacks and strokes. Your chiropodist may suggest various foot and ankle exercises to increase the strength and flexibility of your feet and ankles, boost circulation, and improve mobility. They may also suggest routine visits to monitor and maintain the health of your feet since poor circulation can lead to a variety of foot and ankle complications. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

Hammertoe is a toe deformity characterized by toes that bend downward at the middle joint. This deformity can affect one or multiple small toes. Other than a visible deformity, symptoms can include pain, irritation, corns, and calluses on the affected toes as they rub against your shoes, inflammation, redness, a burning sensation, and a permanent tightening and stiffness of the affected toes. Hammertoe usually develops slowly over time and gets progressively worse if left untreated. Conservative treatment options, such as footwear modifications and orthotics, can stop or slow the progression. Over-the-counter pain medications and padding can help alleviate pain. If you suffer from painful hammertoe, it's suggested that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity in which one or more of the small toes bends downwards at the middle joint. Though it may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, this is not the case. Hammertoes can be uncomfortable, painful, and even debilitating in severe cases. If you suffer from hammertoe, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.

Symptoms

• One or more small toes bending downward at the middle joint
• Pain or irritation on the affected toes
• Corns and calluses
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Stiff toe joints
• Sores on the tops of the toes

Diagnosis

A chiropodist can typically diagnose hammertoes through physical examination. X-rays may need to be taken to see the extent of the damage.

Treatment

Hammertoes tend to progressively worsen with time, so getting prompt treatment is very important. In its early stages, the progression of hammertoe can be slowed down or stopped. Your chiropodist may suggest changes in your footwear. Wearing wide, comfortable shoes with a larger toe area and a low heel can help you avoid putting pressure on your toes. You may also be prescribed orthotics. Over-the-counter medications or corticosteroid injections may be used to relieve pain. If you have any corns or calluses, your chiropodist may suggest padding them to avoid further irritation. In advanced cases, surgery may be suggested. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

Dry, cracked heels are not only annoying to look at, but they can also be very uncomfortable or even painful. In some cases, cracks can be so deep that they bleed and are at risk of becoming infected, especially if you have diabetes or are immunocompromised. Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can be caused by various factors. These include lifestyle factors, such as prolonged standing, wearing unsupportive or open-back shoes, not moisturizing the feet, and taking excessively hot showers, and environmental factors, such as living in a cold and dry climate. Underlying medical conditions can also cause dry skin and heel fissures. These include eczema, psoriasis, palmoplantar keratoderma, and juvenile plantar dermatosis. If you suffer from dry, cracked heels, it is suggested that you seek the care of a chiropodist. 

Dry, cracked heels are more than a cosmetic inconvenience. For many people, they are uncomfortable, deep, painful, and may even bleed. If you suffer from cracked heels, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Causes

• Prolonged standing
• Wearing open-back shoes
• Wearing shoes that don’t cushion the heels
• Living in a cold or dry climate
• Taking long, hot showers
• Not moisturizing the heels
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Palmoplantar keratoderma
• Juvenile plantar dermatosis

Treatments

• Soaking the feet
• Exfoliating with a pumice stone
• Moisturizing the heels
• Wearing closed-back shoes that cushion heels
• Avoiding prolonged standing
• Taking warm, rather than hot, showers
• Treating underlying skin conditions 

While milder cases of cracked heels can be treated at home, some patients present with deep, painful, bleeding heel fissures that are at risk of becoming infected and may require medical care. Additionally, patients with diabetes or any other conditions that affect the immune system should be monitored by a chiropodist. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON .