Since the foot is made up of many small bones that can become injured or misaligned and the protective cushioning around them can deteriorate, several factors can cause foot pain when walking. A few causes of such pain are as follows: Plantar fasciitis causes pain in the heel or bottom portion of the foot. It is typically worse upon arising in the morning. Morton’s neuroma is when the nerves in the foot start to thicken and place pressure on the toes. One might feel as if there is something in the shoe like a rock or pebble, and there may be tingling, numbness, or burning in the ball of the foot and toes. Metatarsalgia causes sharp, aching, or burning pain on the ball of the foot just behind the toes, which can cause numbness or tingling in the toes. Similar to Morton’s neuroma, a feeling of an object being in the shoe might also be felt. Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe. The pain worsens when the toe is hyperextended, which is often the case in the push-off position. Bunions occur when the foot changes structure and the big toe is tilted inward toward the other toes. This misalignment causes a bump to appear at the base of the big toe. There can be a burning sensation, redness, swelling, or numbness in the foot that may get worse, particularly when wearing shoes. If you feel pain when walking, consult with a chiropodist who can diagnose the problem and help you with treatment options.

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

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 Scarborough, ON . 

Flat feet is a condition where the foot has no discernible arch, and the bottom of the foot rests entirely on the ground while standing. Most children start out life with flat feet, as they are born with loose ligaments, but with time an arch develops. By the time a child is three years old, an arch has usually begun to form and it continues to develop into puberty. Flat feet can be caused by genetics, complications inside the womb, and in rare cases, fused bones in the feet. Baby fat between the bones can sometimes be a reason for flat feet, and other times, an injury may be the cause. However, flat feet do not generally pose a health risk in young children. If your child complains of pain after walking or exhibits a limp, it may be a good idea to seek out a professional diagnosis from a chiropodist. This foot specialist may suggest certain exercises or  shoe inserts, or may pose other treatment options to correct the problem.  

Flat feet are a common foot condition. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to flat feet, 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 Are Flat Feet? 

Flat feet are feet that do not have a well-defined arch in the middle of the sole of the foot. Flat feet may be flexible or rigid. Flexible flat feet have an arch when there is no pressure put on the foot, such as when one is sitting, but the arch disappears upon standing. Rigid flat feet lack an arch regardless of whether one is standing or not. 

Causes

Flat feet can be present from birth or acquired over time due to a weakening of the ligaments in the arch. Sometimes flat feet are caused by illnesses, injuries, or pregnancy. 

Symptoms

Flat feet often cause no noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience pain and discomfort due to their flat feet. 

Symptoms associated with flat feet include:

• Pain in the arch, heel, ankle, or along the outside of the foot
• Overpronation of the foot
• Shin splints
• Aching or fatigue in the feet or legs
• Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back

Treatment 

In cases where flat feet cause symptoms, there are various treatments available. Wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes to provide more arch support, performing stretches, and taking medications may improve your symptoms. If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve pressure on the feet. In severe cases, surgery may be considered. 

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

Boots or shoes that do not fit well can hurt your feet. They can be too loose and cause poor arch support and heel pain, and cause trips and falls because the feet cannot feel the surface as well as they should. Whether too small or too big, ill-fitting shoes can cause foot problems. It is important to have feet measured regularly, try shoes on at the end of the day, and wear foot coverings during try-ons that will be worn with the shoes. If feet are different sizes, the boots or shoes should be the size of the larger foot. In terms of boots, specifically, they should support the ankle well and should not be worn all day or every day. Rotate footwear so as not to cause imbalances in muscles and ligaments and increase the chance of repetitive stress injuries. If you have additional questions about wearing boots or other footwear, consult a chiropodist, who is an expert in feet and ankles.

Finding the right shoes for you can ensure your comfort and help maintain proper foot health. If you suffer from foot pain and need help finding the right shoes for you, 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. 

Tips to Find Great Shoes 

Finding shoes that are well-fitting, supportive, and comfortable can be key in maintaining your overall foot health, but can sometimes seem like a monumental task. 

Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when shopping for shoes. 

• Shop in a brick and mortar store - Your shoe size can change throughout your lifetime. You will be able to try on shoes before you buy them to ensure a proper fit. A salesperson can also provide recommendations on what shoes best serve your specific needs.
• Try shoes on at the end of the day - Your feet swell throughout the day. By trying shoes on in the evening when the feet are at their largest, you ensure a good fit and shoes that are comfortable all day.
• Have your feet measured - Find the right fit by having your feet measured at the shoe store. A salesperson can help by measuring both feet with a Brannock device to determine your true size.
• Opt for comfort and support - Some shoes, such as high heels and flip flops, may look great but can cause damage to the feet over time. Look for shoes that have a low heel, adequate arch support, a wide toe box, and are made of breathable materials. 

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