Achilles Tendon Injuries
The Achilles tendon, located at the back of the lower leg, is a strong band of fibrous tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. There are several different types of Achilles tendon injuries. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendon ruptures.
When the tendon is injured due to repetitive strain and overuse, it can result in a condition called Achilles tendonitis. This injury is characterized by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, heel and calf pain, thickening of the tendon, ankle and calf stiffness, and a decreased range of motion. In the initial stages of Achilles tendonitis, pain primarily occurs following physical activity, but it can become constant and chronic if the injury is left untreated.
When the Achilles tendon fully tears, it is known as an Achilles tendon rupture. This usually occurs following a sudden, high-impact injury. Symptoms include a sudden, stabbing pain in the back of the affected leg, a popping or snapping sensation, swelling, and difficulty walking and raising the foot. This condition requires prompt treatment to prevent further damage to the tendon.
There are a variety of treatments available for Achilles tendon injuries. Achilles tendonitis can often be treated through conservative methods, such as resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, taking over-the-counter pain medications, and doing gentle stretches. Achilles tendon ruptures may require surgical treatment to avoid reinjury. For more information about Achilles tendon injuries, please consult with a chiropodist.
Causes and Treatment of Gout
Gout is a long-term form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid in the joints. When the body is unable to remove excess uric acid, sharp crystals can form, leading to sudden episodes of intense joint pain, swelling, and heat. The big toe is a common target of gout, causing painful flare-ups that often occur at night and can last for several days. Even after the pain subsides, uric acid crystals may remain in the joint, which increases the risk of future attacks and long-term damage. If left untreated, gout can lead to joint stiffness, visible lumps under the skin known as tophi, and kidney issues. Effective treatment includes medication to manage pain and lower uric acid levels. A chiropodist can monitor joint health, advise on footwear to reduce strain, and provide ongoing care to improve foot function. If you are experiencing flare-ups from gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for help.
Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. 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 Gout?
Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. This type of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid crystallizes in a joint, often the joint of the big toe, it can bring about a gout attack.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gout include:
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Sudden and severe pain
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Swelling
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Redness
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Warmth
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Joint stiffness
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Joint deformity
Diagnosis
A chiropodist will ask questions about your personal and family medical history, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout. A sample of fluid taken from your joint can show whether it contains uric acid.
Treatment
Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Patients with chronic gout can also use behavioral modifications such as diet, exercise, and decreased intake of alcohol to help minimize the frequency of gout attacks. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided since purines are converted in the body to uric acid. If left untreated, this painful condition can leave your joint permanently damaged and swollen.
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.
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that can affect the foot. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid levels become excessive, this substance can create crystals in the joints, causing severe pain, intense swelling, redness, and warmth. Typically this occurs in the big toe joint.
You may be at an increased risk of developing gout if you are a middle-aged man or postmenopausal woman, have family members who have had gout, drink alcohol, take certain medications, or have a medical condition like high blood pressure, kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, or sleep apnea. Gout may also be more likely to develop if you consume a diet high in sugars or purines, a substance that turns into uric acid when it breaks down. Foods high in purines include organ meats, red meat, oily fish, certain vegetables, beans, and mushrooms.
Gout that is left untreated can become chronic and lead to arthritis. Gout can be treated by a chiropodist. Treatment options may include taking medications to relieve pain and prevent future gout attacks, modifying your diet, and reducing alcohol intake. For more information about gout, please consult with a chiropodist.
Causes and Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, most often between the toes. It is usually spread through contact with contaminated surfaces like gym floors, showers, towels, or bathmats, especially in warm, damp environments. People are more likely to develop this infection if they have consistently sweaty feet, small cuts or cracks in the skin, or if they frequently walk barefoot in public areas. Medical conditions that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes, may also increase the risk. Symptoms can include itching, burning, peeling skin, redness, or white patches between the toes. In some cases, blisters or oozing may occur if the infection becomes more severe. Although athlete’s foot is common and not usually dangerous, untreated infections can spread to other areas like the toenails or groin and may lead to bacterial skin infections. A chiropodist can assess the condition, recommend appropriate antifungal treatment, and help prevent further complications. If you are experiencing symptoms of an athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for advice.
Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating this condition, 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 Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot refers to an infection of the skin on the feet that is caused by a fungus. This fungus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments. It is often spread in common areas such as public pools, locker rooms, and showers. It can also spread when sharing personal items, like shoes or towels, with an infected person.
Symptoms
The symptoms of athlete’s foot may include:
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Itching, stinging, or burning of the skin on the feet
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Cracking or peeling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles of the feet
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Scaly, red rash on the foot
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Blisters
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Foul odor
Treatment
Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves using over-the-counter topical antifungal medications on the feet. When over-the-counter options are ineffective, you may need to take prescription oral medications or topical antifungal drugs, or a combination of both.
Prevention
Preventing athlete’s foot places an emphasis on good foot hygiene practices.
You can prevent athlete’s foot by:
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Washing and drying your feet thoroughly every day
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Wearing shoes when walking in public areas
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Not sharing personal items, like shoes or socks, with others
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Wearing shoes and socks made out 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.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot lives and thrives in warm, moist environments such as public swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. This fungus can infect the feet through a cut or crack in the skin. Athlete’s foot is also highly contagious, and the fungus can spread from person to person through sharing personal items such as shoes, socks, or towels.
The symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, stinging, or burning between your toes or on the soles of your feet, itchy foot blisters, and dry, cracked, or peeling skin on the feet. The infection can also spread to your toenails, leading to discoloration, thickening, and crumbling.
Through a physical examination, athlete’s foot can be diagnosed by your chiropodist based on its symptoms. Sometimes, a skin test may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Athlete’s foot can be treated with both oral and topical over-the-counter or prescription medications. You can prevent a fungal infection by maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing shoes when walking in public areas, avoiding sharing personal items with others, and keeping your feet clean and dry.
Foot Pain Caused by Weightlifting
Weightlifting can lead to foot pain when exercises like squats, lunges, or deadlifts place repeated stress on the feet. Heavy resistance, poor lifting technique, and lack of recovery time can cause such overuse injuries as plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, or muscle strains. People with flat or high arches may be more likely to develop foot problems, especially if they wear shoes that are too tight or lack proper support. Previous foot or ankle injuries, poor flexibility, and high training volume can also increase the risk. Continuing to train through pain may worsen injuries and delay healing. A chiropodist can help by assessing your foot alignment and gait, offering footwear recommendations, and providing custom orthotics if needed. If you experience foot or ankle pain after lifting weights, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for help.
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:
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Achilles tendon injuries
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Ankle strains or sprains
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Plantar fasciitis
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Fractures
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Turf toe
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Joint dislocations
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Sever’s disease
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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 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Participating in sports is great for maintaining your health and fitness, but can sometimes result in injuries to your feet or ankles. Common sports-related foot and ankle injuries include Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, stress fractures, turf toe, and plantar fasciitis.
Achilles tendonitis is a common injury in which the Achilles tendon located at the back of your ankle becomes inflamed due to overuse or biomechanical issues with the feet. Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain in the lower calf, swelling, stiffness, redness, warmth, and reduced strength and range of motion.
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may experience symptoms such as localized pain, swelling, and bruising at the site of the sprain, a limited ability to move the affected ankle, and difficulty walking.
Stress fractures are fine cracks that occur in the bones when they can’t bear the load placed on them. These fractures often occur in the foot bones and get worse over time if they are not promptly diagnosed and treated. Symptoms of stress fractures in the feet include tenderness, deep and dull or sharp and localized pain, weakness, swelling, and bruising.
Turf toe is a sprain of the largest joint in the big toe. It can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, or tenderness that vary in intensity depending on the severity of the injury.
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot. This condition usually causes stabbing heel pains, arch pain, and pain when taking your first steps after a long period of rest.
If you have injured your feet or ankles while playing sports, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist who can diagnose and treat your condition and get you back on your feet.
We Can Treat Your Foot or Ankle Pain
Foot or ankle pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life and can occur due to several different conditions. Pain can also be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition, which is why you should seek professional help as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your feet.
Understanding Foot Pain and What You Can Do About It
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:
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Plantar fasciitis
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Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes
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Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet
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Arthritis
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Flat feet
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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:
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Heel pain
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Arch pain
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Toe pain
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Ball of foot pain
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Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality
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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.
Foot Pain
Foot pain is a common symptom of a large variety of injuries and medical conditions. A diagnosis can be narrowed down by describing the locations and type of pain that you are experiencing.
Pain in the heel is often caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis usually causes stabbing heel pains and the pain is at its worst upon arising in the morning or when taking your first steps after a long period of rest. Heel pain can also be caused by heel spurs, bruises on the fat pad of the heel, or heel fractures.
Pain in the ball of the foot can be caused by Morton’s neuroma, in which the tissue of the nerves between the bases of the toes become thickened, causing tingling and numbness. Other causes of pain in the ball of the foot include metatarsalgia or sesamoiditis.
Pain in the arch of the foot can be caused by plantar fasciitis or having flat feet or fallen arches. Pain in the toes can be caused by many conditions, including gout, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, toe sprains or fractures, arthritis, and corns.
To find out what is causing your foot pain, it is recommended that you consult with a chiropodist, who can diagnose your condition and offer the appropriate treatments.