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 . 

Blisters can be quite an annoyance when they develop on the feet. Oftentimes, blisters can develop when an individual wears new shoes for the first time. The reason for this is essentially that wearing new shoes can cause an individual to experience sensations of friction on the feet in new places. One way to prevent this is by selecting shoes that fit well. For example, when purchasing a new pair of shoes, you might try selecting shoes that do not cause the fabric to rub up against your toes. Additionally, you could try slowly building up the activity that you engage in with each pair of new shoes. For example, you might start wearing a new pair of shoes by only taking short walks in them. If you are concerned about blisters from new shoes, consider contacting a chiropodist. They will be able to help assist you with avoiding developing blisters.

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 Scarborough, ON . 

Three injuries most common among runners are Achilles tendonitis, heel bursitis, and sprained ankles. The first two heel and ankle injuries are considered to be caused by overuse and generally become worse over time. A sprain, however, is usually caused by trauma and is felt immediately. Achilles tendonitis affects the long tendon that connects the leg muscles to the calcaneus bone of the heel. If a runner increases the speed, distance, or duration of a run too quickly, the Achilles tendon can become irritated or inflamed. The injury may also be the result of calf muscles that are too tight and need to be stretched. Heel bursitis occurs when the small fluid sac, or bursa, that cushions the heel bone becomes inflamed by too much running, jumping, or walking. Because the same area is affected, heel bursitis can be confused with Achilles tendonitis. Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that hold the ankle joint together are torn or stretched. Sprains commonly result from landing incorrectly on the foot, which rolls outward and pulls on the ligaments. If you have sustained any of these injuries, please consult a chiropodist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment options.

Although running is a wonderful exercise to keep you in shape, it can wreak havoc on your feet and ankles if you don’t take preventive measures. If you have sustained a foot and ankle injury from running, 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. 

Some common running injuries include:

• Achilles tendonitis
• Shin splints
• Ankle sprains
• Stress fractures
• Plantar fasciitis
• Bursitis 

What causes injuries? 

These injuries are usually caused by overtraining, wearing the wrong shoes, running on hard surfaces, having tight and inflexible muscles, or having biomechanical issues in the feet or ankles. 

What can I do to prevent injuries? 

• Train slowly and gradually
• Give yourself plenty of time to recover following a run
• Wear shoes that fit properly and support your foot
• Avoid running on hard surfaces, like concrete
• Stretch and strengthen the muscles of your lower legs
• Warm-up prior to a run
• Have your gait analyzed and your feet examined by a chiropodist to determine if there are any biomechanical problems that need to be treated 

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