Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own otherwise healthy joint lining. This condition can affect any of the 33 joints of the feet, as well as the ankle joints. RA symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and warmth. It may become difficult to stand, walk, or exercise due to joint pain. RA can also affect the biomechanics of the feet. When the structure of the foot changes, this can affect one’s gait or walking pattern. Foot deformities, such as bunions and hammertoes, also become more likely. RA’s negative effects on mobility could impact one’s overall quality of life.
Although there is no cure for RA, your chiropodist can help you manage symptoms and maintain the health of your feet and your mobility. They may recommend conservative treatments such as resting and icing the feet and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain. Orthotic inserts and braces can help reduce pain and give the feet structure and support. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections can be used to relieve pain as well.
Surgical treatments for joint pain are another possible option for those with RA, particularly if the conservative treatment methods described above prove ineffective. Joint fusion surgery or joint replacement surgery may help. Deformities like bunions and hammertoes can be surgically corrected as well.
To learn more about living with RA, please consult with a chiropodist near you.
Essential Tips for Diabetic Foot Health
Caring for diabetic feet is vital to prevent complications like infections, ulcers, or nerve damage. Diabetic neuropathy, which causes insensitivity in the feet, makes it difficult to detect injuries or infections. Regularly cleaning the feet with mild soap and warm water is essential to keep them free from dirt and bacteria. After cleaning, make sure to thoroughly dry the feet, especially between the toes, to prevent moisture buildup that could lead to fungal infections. It is also important to perform self-inspections regularly to check for any cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling, as these may go unnoticed due to reduced sensation. Wearing well-fitted shoes with proper cushioning is key to avoiding foot injuries, and keeping the feet moisturized helps maintain healthy skin. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for help managing any foot-related complications.
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:
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Poor circulation
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Peripheral neuropathy
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Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers
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Infection
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Corns and calluses
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Dry, cracked skin
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Nail disorders
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Hammertoes
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Bunions
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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:
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Cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds
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Bruising or discoloration
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Swelling
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Rash
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Foul odor
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Nail changes
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Hair loss
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Warmth and inflammation
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Deformities
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Lower limb pain
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Strange sensations (numbness, tingling, burning, pins, and needles)
If you detect anything unusual, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. 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.
Diabetic Foot Care
Though diabetes begins with the pancreas not producing enough insulin, thus raising your blood sugar levels, it is a systemic condition that can affect every part of your body. The feet are no exception, and a variety of lower limb problems are very common among people with diabetes.
One of the primary foot-related concerns for patients with diabetes is diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). These are poorly healing open wounds on the feet that are at high risk of becoming infected due to a weakened immune system, another common complication of diabetes. Nerve damage in the feet caused by high blood sugar levels interferes with pain signaling between the peripheral nerves in the feet and the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). When this signaling is disrupted, it can be difficult to detect foot injuries, such as cuts and scrapes, when they occur. These injuries are then left unnoticed and untreated until they have significantly worsened. Poor circulation, another complication of diabetes, means that not enough nutrients reach the feet. Without them, the wounds on the feet heal slowly and poorly, or not at all. These wounds can then become infected, leading to tissue death.
The best way to prevent DFUs and their consequences is to carefully monitor the health of your feet through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you see your feet fully, look for any cuts, scrapes, sores, bruising, swelling, discoloration, rashes, hair loss, deformities, or nail changes. Take note of any foul odors, pain, warmth, and strange sensations such as numbness, tingling, burning, or pins and needles. If you notice a problem, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. Early treatment is key to avoiding potential complications.
DFUs are not the only foot problem diabetics are more likely to encounter. Diabetes can also increase your risk of corns and calluses, cracked skin, bunions, hammertoes, Charcot foot, nail disorders, and various infections. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a doctor who can help you monitor your foot health, treat any existing conditions, and prevent future ones.
Managing Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop as a natural response to repeated pressure or friction. Calluses typically form on weight-bearing areas like the soles of the feet and are larger with less defined edges. Corns are smaller, often circular, and can appear on non-weight-bearing areas, such as the tops or sides of toes. It also contains a cone-shaped area of hard keratin that develops from friction. Both conditions may cause discomfort, especially when pressure is applied. Corns and calluses are more common in people who wear ill-fitting shoes, spend long hours standing, or have structural foot issues. Those with diabetes or poor circulation should be particularly cautious, as untreated corns or calluses can lead to complications like infections or ulcers. A chiropodist can assess and safely remove these thickened skin areas using specialized tools while providing advice on proper footwear, foot hygiene, and orthotic solutions to prevent recurrence. If you have a problematic corn on your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for guidance.
Corns are small bumps or dry, hardened skin that can arise on the feet, usually in response to friction. Corns can be asymptomatic, or they can be uncomfortable or painful. If you have corns that are bothering you, 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.
There are three types of corns:
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Hard corns
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Often occur on the tops of toes
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Feature a hard core surrounded by dry, irritated skin
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Can be painful
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Soft corns
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Often occur in between the toes
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Soft due to constant exposure to sweat
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Can be painful
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Seed corns
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Tiny
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Often occur on the soles of the feet
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Usually asymptomatic
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Corns can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit properly. They are typically benign and don’t require medical treatment. However, if your corns are causing you pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to a chiropodist near you for treatment options. 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.
Corns on the Feet
Corns are hardened lumps of skin that are caused by excess friction. When wearing shoes or socks that don’t fit properly, the skin can become irritated from the shoes rubbing against them, or from squished toes rubbing against each other. This can lead to the development of a corn. Corns are usually benign, but they can sometimes cause discomfort or even pain. In those cases, seeking the care of a chiropodist is suggested.
There are three types of corns. Hard corns are commonly found on the tops of toes. They are characterized by a hard core surrounded by dry, irritated skin. Soft corns are typically found between the toes. They are soft due to continuous exposure to sweat. Seed corns are tiny and typically found on the soles of the feet. They usually do not cause any symptoms. Generally speaking, corns can be uncomfortable or painful when excess pressure is applied to them while standing, walking, or wearing poorly-fitted shoes or socks.
The best way to prevent corns is to wear shoes and socks that fit properly. Pain from a corn can be relieved by using over-the-counter corn pads, soaking your feet in lukewarm water, exfoliating and moisturizing the skin of the feet, and wearing comfortable shoes and socks. If these measures don’t help, then you may want to consult with a chiropodist for more treatment options.
Are You Suffering From Nerve Damage?
Neuropathy is a condition that can lead to numbness or loss of sensation in the feet, but it can also cause pain. This condition is more likely to develop for those who are diabetic, obese, or with high blood pressure.
Managing an Infected Foot Blister
Foot blisters are often caused by friction, typically from wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes, or engaging in repetitive activities such as walking or running. These blisters act as a natural defense mechanism, forming a protective bubble of fluid to shield the underlying skin from further damage. However, if the blister’s protective layer breaks, the risk of infection increases. Signs of an infected blister include redness, warmth, pain, swelling, or the presence of pus. In severe cases, the infection can spread, leading to conditions like cellulitis, which requires immediate attention. A chiropodist can help to manage foot blisters, particularly when infection is suspected. They can safely drain the blister and clean the area antiseptically to prevent further complications. Addressing infected blisters promptly can help avoid serious health risks. If you have an infected blister on the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.
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 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Blisters
Blisters are fluid-filled bubbles of skin that can appear on any part of the body and are particularly common on the feet. Most foot blisters form due to friction. As you walk, run, or go about your daily activities, your shoes may rub against specific areas of your feet, causing the skin to become damaged. The top layer of skin then separates from the lower layers of skin. The area between the separated layers fills with a fluid called serum, whose purpose is to cushion and protect the raw skin below the blister.
If you find a friction blister on your foot, it is highly recommended that you do not pop it. Popping the blister drains the fluid inside of it and exposes the raw skin underneath, increasing your risk of infection. Instead, protect the blister by loosely covering it with a bandage. You can also use special padding around the blister to protect it. Typically, friction blisters naturally heal over the course of one to two weeks. Friction blisters can be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and moisture-wicking socks. Wearing soft bandages over areas of your foot that tend to blister may also help.
Sometimes foot blisters can be caused by problems other than friction. Blisters can develop due to a sunburn, frostbite, or exposure to an allergen, as well as from medical conditions such as fungal infections or eczema. If you frequently find blisters on your feet, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist.
Foot and Ankle Injuries in Runners
Running is a high-impact activity that often results in foot and ankle injuries due to repetitive stress. Plantar fasciitis, a common issue, causes pain in the heel and arch, often due to overuse or wearing improper footwear. Achilles tendonitis, marked by inflammation in the tendon connecting the calf to the heel, is another frequent running injury, typically caused by increased training intensity. Sprained ankles, one of the most common running injuries, occur when the ligaments surrounding the ankle are overstretched, often from uneven surfaces or missteps. Stress fractures in the foot, which are tiny cracks in the bones, can develop from repeated impact without adequate rest. A chiropodist can assist by evaluating your foot mechanics, recommending custom orthotics to distribute pressure evenly, and providing guidance on appropriate footwear and stretching routines. This can also help reduce recovery time and prevent recurring injuries, ensuring that you can run safely. If you need guidance dealing with a running injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.
Although running is a wonderful exercise to keep you in shape, it can wreak havoc on your feet and ankles if you don’t take preventive measures. If you have sustained a foot and ankle injury from running, 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.
Some common running injuries include:
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Achilles tendonitis
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Shin splints
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Ankle sprains
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Stress fractures
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Plantar fasciitis
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Bursitis
What causes injuries?
These injuries are usually caused by overtraining, wearing the wrong shoes, running on hard surfaces, having tight and inflexible muscles, or having biomechanical issues in the feet or ankles.
What can I do to prevent injuries?
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Train slowly and gradually
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Give yourself plenty of time to recover following a run
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Wear shoes that fit properly and support your foot
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Avoid running on hard surfaces, like concrete
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Stretch and strengthen the muscles of your lower legs
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Warm-up prior to a run
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Have your gait analyzed and your feet examined by a chiropodist to determine if there are any biomechanical problems that need to be treated
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.
Preventing Running Injuries
Running injuries are a serious cause for concern. Not only are they painful, but they can also become chronic or take a while to fully heal. This makes running even more difficult in the future. To maintain your mobility and keep on running, it’s important to take measures to avoid injury.
Some of the most common running injuries, such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, occur due to repetitive overuse or overtraining. When running, you should train slowly and gradually. Do not increase the mileage, intensity, or duration of your runs too quickly. Allow yourself time to rest and recover following each run. Avoid running on concrete or other hard surfaces if possible and choose dirt trails or grassy terrains instead. Hard surfaces don’t absorb shock well, putting more strain on your lower limbs.
It’s also important to wear the right shoes. Choose shoes that fit your feet properly and provide adequate cushioning and support. If you have any biomechanical differences or a dysfunctional gait, consult with a chiropodist to help you find the right running shoes.
In addition, having strong, flexible feet and ankles helps prevent injury. Do stretching and strengthening exercises daily for maximum benefits and warm-up prior to each run. To learn more about preventing running injuries, or if you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while running, please consult with a chiropodist near you.