Flat feet, also called fallen arches, occur when the arch of the foot collapses and the entire sole touches the ground. This condition may affect one or both feet and can develop in childhood or later in life. Flexible flat feet are present when the arch appears while resting, but flattens when standing, often without pain. Flat feet related to a tight Achilles tendon occur when limited flexibility restricts motion and places strain on the arch. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction develops when the tendon that supports the arch weakens, leading to gradual flattening. Symptoms may include foot fatigue, arch pain, heel discomfort, and swelling near the inner ankle. Some individuals notice changes in balance or walking pattern. Risk factors include genetics, excess weight, and aging. Injury and long periods of standing also contribute. Causes may involve ligament looseness or tendon weakness. If you have flat feet that are uncomfortable, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for effective relief and management solutions.

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 . 

A broken toe is a fracture of one of the small bones in the toe caused by direct force or impact. This common foot injury can affect balance and walking, making daily movement uncomfortable. Even a minor fracture may require proper care to prevent complications and support healing. The most frequent causes include stubbing the toe against a hard surface or dropping a heavy object on the foot. These sudden impacts place pressure on the bone, leading to a break. Wearing poorly fitting shoes may also reduce protection and increase injury risk. Symptoms often include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and tenderness. The toe may feel stiff, and walking can become difficult. In some cases, the toe may appear slightly misaligned or swollen after the injury. Risk factors include high activity levels, walking barefoot, and reduced bone strength. Early care helps prevent further issues and supports recovery. If you have a broken toe, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist to explore effective relief and management solutions.

A broken toe typically occurs following either a sudden, traumatic injury, like dropping a heavy piece of furniture on the toe. The impact causes the bone to fracture and produces a variety of painful symptoms. If you suspect that you’ve broken your toe, 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

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Cracking sound at the time of injury
• Difficulty bearing weight on the toe
• Difficulty walking
• Toe resting at an unnatural angle

Diagnosis

Your chiropodist can diagnose a broken toe through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays. 

Treatment

The main goals of treatment are to ensure that the bone heals properly, as a toe fracture that doesn’t heal properly can lead to osteoarthritis. You will typically need to rest the affected toe. You may be prescribed a splint to immobilize the toe while it heals. Icing the affected toe and taking over-the-counter medications can help reduce pain. In cases of severe fractures, surgery may be necessary to reset the broken bones and make sure that they heal correctly.  

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

Diabetes can affect the nerves and blood flow in the feet, increasing the risk of injury and infection. Symptoms often include burning sensations, numbness, and changes in sensitivity, which may reduce awareness of minor injuries. Risk factors such as high blood sugar levels, poor circulation, and wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to serious complications. Understanding these causes highlights the importance of consistent foot care. Washing feet daily in warm water helps maintain cleanliness, while drying thoroughly between the toes reduces the chance of fungal growth. Keeping the skin soft prevents cracks that can allow bacteria to enter, and daily inspection helps identify early warning signs. Redness, swelling, and slow healing wounds are key signs of potential problems that require prompt attention. If you are managing diabetes and notice changes in your feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

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