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.

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.

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.

The biomechanics of the feet are essential for understanding how people walk and move. As you take a step, the movement starts at the heel, where the foot first makes contact with the ground. The body’s weight then shifts forward, allowing the arch of the foot to absorb the impact. The Achilles tendon, one of the strongest tendons in the body, plays a key role as it connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, facilitating the push-off during walking. The foot consists of 26 bones, including the tarsal bones, metatarsals, and phalanges, which work together to provide support, stability, and flexibility. As the foot moves from heel to toe, the toes help propel the body forward. The tendons and ligaments, such as the plantar fascia, also help maintain the arch and distribute pressure evenly, ensuring efficient movement while walking or running. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, it may be due to improper biomechanics of the feet and it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist who can treat various foot conditions.

The biomechanics of your feet play an important role in your foot health. To learn more, 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. 

Foot biomechanics refers to the study of the structure, function, and motion of the feet. The feet and ankles are a complex system consisting of many bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that work together to move your feet. Understanding the unique biomechanics of your own feet can help you and your chiropodist make informed decisions about your foot health care. This includes decisions about the best preventive measures to avoid foot pain, the best treatment options for various foot problems, and finding the best shoes for your 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.

Joint pain in the feet can be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy joint tissues. RA leads to inflammation, stiffness, and swelling in various joints, including the feet. The condition commonly affects the small joints of the feet, causing discomfort when walking or standing. The exact cause of RA is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors that trigger an abnormal immune response. Other factors, such as infections or hormonal changes, may also contribute to the development of the disease. As the condition progresses, joint damage and deformities may occur, further intensifying foot pain and affecting mobility. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own otherwise healthy joint lining or synovium. While RA can affect any joint in the body, it often affects the small joints of the feet and the ankle joint. If you’re dealing with RA in your lower limbs, 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 of RA primarily affect the joints of the feet and may include:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Stiffness 

• Redness

• Warmth

• Difficulty walking

• Gait changes

• Bunions

• Hammertoes 

Treatment

While there is no cure for RA, your chiropodist can help you manage the health of your feet and maintain your mobility while living with this condition. Possible treatments include wearing orthotics, doing foot and ankle exercises, resting the feet, taking anti-inflammatory medications, getting steroid injections, and wearing braces for foot and ankle pain. In advanced cases of RA, joint replacement surgery may be helpful for mobility. Bunions, hammertoes, and other deformities can be corrected with surgery as well. 

If you have RA, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.