Items filtered by date: February 2025

Joint pain in the feet can be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy joint tissues. RA leads to inflammation, stiffness, and swelling in various joints, including the feet. The condition commonly affects the small joints of the feet, causing discomfort when walking or standing. The exact cause of RA is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors that trigger an abnormal immune response. Other factors, such as infections or hormonal changes, may also contribute to the development of the disease. As the condition progresses, joint damage and deformities may occur, further intensifying foot pain and affecting mobility. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own otherwise healthy joint lining or synovium. While RA can affect any joint in the body, it often affects the small joints of the feet and the ankle joint. If you’re dealing with RA in your lower limbs, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Symptoms of RA primarily affect the joints of the feet and may include:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Stiffness 

• Redness

• Warmth

• Difficulty walking

• Gait changes

• Bunions

• Hammertoes 

Treatment

While there is no cure for RA, your chiropodist can help you manage the health of your feet and maintain your mobility while living with this condition. Possible treatments include wearing orthotics, doing foot and ankle exercises, resting the feet, taking anti-inflammatory medications, getting steroid injections, and wearing braces for foot and ankle pain. In advanced cases of RA, joint replacement surgery may be helpful for mobility. Bunions, hammertoes, and other deformities can be corrected with surgery as well. 

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

Caring for diabetic feet is vital to prevent complications like infections, ulcers, or nerve damage. Diabetic neuropathy, which causes insensitivity in the feet, makes it difficult to detect injuries or infections. Regularly cleaning the feet with mild soap and warm water is essential to keep them free from dirt and bacteria. After cleaning, make sure to thoroughly dry the feet, especially between the toes, to prevent moisture buildup that could lead to fungal infections. It is also important to perform self-inspections regularly to check for any cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling, as these may go unnoticed due to reduced sensation. Wearing well-fitted shoes with proper cushioning is key to avoiding foot injuries, and keeping the feet moisturized helps maintain healthy skin. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for help managing any foot-related complications.

Diabetes can cause serious problems in the lower limbs if proper preventive measures are not taken and diabetic wound care is not performed. If you would like to learn more about caring for diabetic feet, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Diabetes can lead to a host of foot and ankle complications, including: 

• Poor circulation

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers

• Infection 

• Corns and calluses

• Dry, cracked skin

• Nail disorders 

• Hammertoes 

• Bunions

• Charcot foot

If you have diabetes, you must be vigilant of any changes in your foot health. This is best done through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you if necessary, look for any: 

• Cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds

• Bruising or discoloration 

• Swelling

• Rash

• Foul odor

• Nail changes 

• Hair loss 

• Warmth and inflammation

• Deformities 

• Lower limb pain

• Strange sensations (numbness, tingling, burning, pins, and needles)

If you detect anything unusual, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. 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.

Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop as a natural response to repeated pressure or friction. Calluses typically form on weight-bearing areas like the soles of the feet and are larger with less defined edges. Corns are smaller, often circular, and can appear on non-weight-bearing areas, such as the tops or sides of toes. It also contains a cone-shaped area of hard keratin that develops from friction. Both conditions may cause discomfort, especially when pressure is applied. Corns and calluses are more common in people who wear ill-fitting shoes, spend long hours standing, or have structural foot issues. Those with diabetes or poor circulation should be particularly cautious, as untreated corns or calluses can lead to complications like infections or ulcers. A chiropodist can assess and safely remove these thickened skin areas using specialized tools while providing advice on proper footwear, foot hygiene, and orthotic solutions to prevent recurrence. If you have a problematic corn on your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for guidance.

Corns are small bumps or dry, hardened skin that can arise on the feet, usually in response to friction. Corns can be asymptomatic, or they can be uncomfortable or painful. If you have corns that are bothering you, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

There are three types of corns:

• Hard corns

  • Often occur on the tops of toes

  • Feature a hard core surrounded by dry, irritated skin

  • Can be painful

• Soft corns 

  • Often occur in between the toes

  • Soft due to constant exposure to sweat

  • Can be painful 

• Seed corns

  • Tiny

  • Often occur on the soles of the feet

  • Usually asymptomatic

Corns can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit properly. They are typically benign and don’t require medical treatment. However, if your corns are causing you pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to a chiropodist near you for treatment options. 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.

Foot blisters are often caused by friction, typically from wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes, or engaging in repetitive activities such as walking or running. These blisters act as a natural defense mechanism, forming a protective bubble of fluid to shield the underlying skin from further damage. However, if the blister’s protective layer breaks, the risk of infection increases. Signs of an infected blister include redness, warmth, pain, swelling, or the presence of pus. In severe cases, the infection can spread, leading to conditions like cellulitis, which requires immediate attention. A chiropodist can help to manage foot blisters, particularly when infection is suspected. They can safely drain the blister and clean the area antiseptically to prevent further complications. Addressing infected blisters promptly can help avoid serious health risks. If you have an infected blister on the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.

Blisters can usually be treated at home, however, if you have recurring blisters or experience significant discomfort or pain, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner 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.