Foot pain can affect anyone, whether you are an athlete, spend long hours on your feet, or simply wear unsupportive shoes. It can show up in many forms, from sharp heel pain and aching arches to sore toes and ball-of-foot discomfort. Sometimes, the pain is temporary, but if it persists, it can start to limit your daily activities. Many factors contribute to foot pain, including plantar fasciitis, bunions, arthritis, tendonitis, and stress fractures. Wearing poor footwear, biomechanical issues, and overuse are often underlying causes. The good news is that most foot pain can be managed with early diagnosis and treatment. Rest, supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises are some of the options that can make a big difference. If you are living with persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot 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. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

• Plantar fasciitis

• Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes

• Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet

• Arthritis

• Flat feet

• Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

• Heel pain

• Arch pain

• Toe pain

• Ball of foot pain

• Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality

• Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

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.

Pregnancy brings significant changes to a woman's body, including their feet. Many people experience swelling, known as edema, due to increased fluid retention, which can lead to discomfort and difficulty wearing shoes. Hormonal changes, particularly the increase in relaxin and progesterone, cause ligaments to become more flexible, potentially reducing arch support. This, combined with weight gain, may lead to foot pain, muscle strain, and even a lasting increase in foot size. Changes in posture and balance can also alter the way a person walks, sometimes resulting in a waddling gait. Additionally, swelling and increased pressure on the feet can contribute to ingrown toenails, which may become infected, if left untreated. A chiropodist can help manage these changes by assessing foot structure, recommending appropriate footwear, and providing treatment for painful conditions, such as ingrown toenails or arch strain. If you are experiencing foot problems during pregnancy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment 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 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. 

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.

Pain in the front of the ankle is often linked to anterior ankle impingement, a condition where soft tissue becomes compressed between the shin bone and the ankle joint. Anterior ankle impingement can develop from repetitive movements, previous injuries, or structural foot imbalances like flat feet or high arches. Symptoms include pain while walking, running, or climbing stairs, along with stiffness and swelling. Athletes who frequently bend at their ankles, such as football players and dancers, may be more susceptible. Overpronation, where the foot rolls inward excessively, can also contribute to pain in the front of the ankle by placing additional strain on the joint. A chiropodist can assess your foot structure and gait to determine the best course of treatment. Custom orthotics can help correct alignment and reduce pressure on the ankle, while bracing may provide additional stability. Prescribed stretching and strengthening exercises can improve mobility and support the affected area. If you are experiencing unexplained pain in the front of your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Ankle pain is a common symptom of many lower limb problems. If you are experiencing ankle 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. 

The ankle is composed of a number of muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. There are many conditions which may cause ankle pain. 

Causes

• Ankle strains or sprains

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Fractures

• Bursitis

• Arthritis

• Gout

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Symptoms

If you have ankle pain, you may also experience a variety of other symptoms depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Some of these symptoms may include ankle swelling, bruising, redness, numbness or tingling, instability, and difficulty walking.

Diagnosis

The underlying cause of ankle pain can be diagnosed by a chiropodist. Diagnoses are typically made based on your medical history, a physical examination of the affected ankle, and imaging studies such as X-rays. 

Treatment

Treatment for your ankle pain will depend on its underlying cause. Often, the chiropodist will recommend that you rest the affected ankle. You might also need to ice, compress, and elevate the ankle, wear an orthotic device, or take medications to reduce pain and inflammation. 

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.

Proper shoe selection and fitting are essential for people with diabetes, as suitable footwear can significantly reduce the risk of foot injuries. Diabetic patients, especially those experiencing neuropathy, or  loss of sensation, must pay special attention to shoe fitting to prevent complications like corns, calluses, blisters, or infections, which could lead to more serious issues. When shopping for shoes, do so later in the day when feet are naturally swollen. Measure your feet both seated and standing to check length, width, and depth. The shoe must comfortably accommodate the ball of your foot at its widest point and provide enough toe space without feeling overly tight. Choose footwear made of breathable material with a firm heel, secure fasteners, and good shock absorption. Consulting a chiropodist can ensure your shoes fit properly and offer adequate support. If you need help dealing with diabetic foot care, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist.

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 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.