A bunion is a common structural foot deformity. It develops when the big toe moves toward the smaller toes, while the joint at the base of the toe shifts outward. This creates a prominent bump along the inside edge of the foot. Bunions can develop slowly and may remain relatively mild for years before symptoms become noticeable. As the deformity progresses, the joint may become irritated by pressure from footwear and everyday movement. Some people experience significant discomfort, while others have a visible bunion without constant pain.

Common bunion symptoms include pain, tenderness, and stiffness surrounding the affected joint. The bump may become more sensitive when it rubs against shoes, particularly shoes with a narrow or restrictive toe box. Repeated pressure and friction can cause thickened skin, calluses, or corns to develop around the joint. As the big toe moves closer to the other toes, walking mechanics may also change. In more advanced cases, the toe may overlap or push against a neighboring toe, making comfortable footwear and normal movement more difficult.

Several factors can contribute to bunion development. Genetics may play a role because inherited foot structure can influence how pressure is distributed across the foot. Wearing shoes that are narrow, tight, or poorly fitted can place additional pressure on the toes and may aggravate an existing bunion. Other risk factors include occupations that require prolonged standing and activities that repeatedly place stress on the forefoot.

Treatment depends on the severity of the bunion and the symptoms it causes. Wearing supportive footwear with adequate room for the toes, protective padding, and other conservative measures may help reduce pressure and discomfort. If you notice a growing bump at the base of your big toe, persistent pain, or swelling, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist to explore appropriate bunion relief and management solutions.

Bunions progressively worsen over time and may cause walking in your shoes to become difficult. To learn more about bunions, 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 Bunions? 

A bunion is a bony bump that protrudes from the base of the big toe. Bunions are caused due to a misalignment of the first metatarsal. The characteristic bump of a bunion forms when the metatarsal shifts outwards from its proper position. Bunions develop slowly over time and progressively worsen without treatment. The skin over the bunion may develop calluses due to the friction from shoes. Eventually, a bunion can make walking uncomfortable or even painful. Bunions are one of the most common foot deformities and are especially common in women and older adults.

Symptoms

A bunion appears as a bulging bump on the outside of the base of the big toe.

The bunion may also: 

• Be swollen, red, or sore
• Develop corns or calluses over it
• Cause pain
• Limit the big toe’s range of motion

Treatment

There are several different treatments available for bunions. Conservative treatment options include wearing shoes with a wider toe box, cushioning the bunion with a specialized pad, wearing shoe inserts, icing the bunion if it becomes inflamed, and taking medications to relieve pain. In more severe cases, more invasive procedures may be done. This may involve removing the swollen tissue around the bunion, straightening the big toe, realigning the bones at the front of the foot, or a combination of these procedures. 

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

Foot pain with your first steps in the morning can make starting the day difficult. The discomfort might ease after you move around, but that does not mean the cause should be ignored. One cause is plantar fasciitis. This term means irritation of the band of tissue that supports the bottom of the foot. The tissue can tighten while you sleep, leading to sharp heel or arch pain when you stand. Morning pain can also be linked to a strained tendon, stiff joints, or a small stress injury in a bone.

Shoes that lack proper support can place pressure on painful areas. Changes in activity, long periods of standing, and the way your feet meet the ground can affect your symptoms. The location, pattern, and strength of the pain provide clues. Pain under the heel can feel different from discomfort near the toes or along the outside of the foot. A chiropodist can examine your feet and ask when the pain began. The assessment can look at how you stand, how you move, and how your shoes fit. This information helps the chiropodist identify the source of the problem and build a treatment plan.

Care options include custom-made orthotics, advice about shoes, and changes to activities that place excess pressure on the sore area. A chiropodist can also monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as your needs change. Early assessment can reduce the chance that pain will interfere with work, exercise, or other daily activities. It can also uncover concerns that require closer attention. Prompt care is essential when pain is severe, swelling is present, or putting weight on the foot is difficult. If you have foot pain first thing in the morning, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Scarborough, ON . 

Foot blisters are fluid-filled skin lesions that develop when repeated friction damages the upper layers of the skin, causing separation and fluid buildup. This condition is common in runners, athletes, and individuals who wear tight or poorly fitted shoes. Symptoms include redness, tenderness, swelling, and a raised bubble that may be painful during walking or standing. The most common cause is friction from shoe rubbing, but blisters may also result from sunburn, scald injuries, or contact with harsh chemicals that irritate the skin. Certain medical conditions, including diabetes and skin disorders, can increase susceptibility and slow healing. Risk factors include excessive moisture, long periods of activity, and sensitive skin. Wearing improper footwear can also be a factor. Preventive measures include wearing moisture-wicking socks, ensuring proper shoe fit, and reducing repetitive pressure points. Early care helps avoid infection and discomfort. If you have frequent foot blisters, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist to explore effective relief and management solutions.

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 .