Discomfort in the heel or back of the foot often becomes more noticeable with age. Over time, the tissues that support the foot can weaken or lose flexibility, making the area more prone to irritation. A frequent cause is strain where the Achilles tendon connects to the heel, which can lead to stiffness and soreness during walking or standing. Reduced padding under the heel and changes in foot shape may also contribute to pain. Joint conditions such as arthritis, years of wear on the feet, or the effects of long-term use of unsupportive shoes can add to the problem. Even simple activities like getting out of bed or walking short distances may become uncomfortable, if the issue is not addressed. If you are noticing continued soreness or stiffness in the heel or back of the foot, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate care plan.

Heel pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you suffer from heel pain, 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. 

When it comes to heel pain, the exact location and type of pain are important to note. Some of the conditions that may cause heel pain include: 

• Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot; it causes a stabbing pain under the heel that is at its worst when taking your first few steps after a long rest and while standing on your tiptoes or climbing stairs
• Achilles tendonitis - An inflammation of the tendon in the back of the calf; it causes pain in the back of the heel that is at its worst after resting, as well as ankle and calf stiffness, swelling, and tenderness
• Bone spurs - Bony lumps on the back of the heel bones that cause sharp pain upon first standing up; the pain becomes dull and achy over time
• Heel fractures - A break or crack in the heel bone that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis - Swelling of the small, fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone; it causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the back of the heel
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Compression of the posterior tibial nerve which causes a pins and needles sensation in the heel, foot, and calf 

Your chiropodist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and prescribe the right treatments for you. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON . 

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, most often between the third and fourth toes. It involves the thickening of tissue around a nerve leading to the toes, which can cause sharp, burning pain or the sensation of standing on a small pebble. Some people also feel tingling or numbness in the toes. Wearing tight shoes, high heels, and repetitive pressure from activities like running can contribute to this condition. It tends to affect women more than men. Treatment often begins with footwear changes, orthotics to reduce pressure, and activity modifications. In some cases, steroid injections or other medical procedures may be recommended. Early care can prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the need for more invasive treatments. If you have persistent forefoot pain or suspect a neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Morton's neuroma can be highly uncomfortable. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Morton's neuroma, 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 Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a condition in which a nerve located in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes thickens due to compression or irritation. Common causes of Morton’s neuroma include wearing shoes with high heels or narrow toe boxes, participating in running or court sports, an injury or trauma to the area, or pressure being placed on the nerve from foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. Left untreated, Morton's neuroma may result in permanent nerve damage.  

Symptoms

Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma often start gradually and worsen over time. Typical symptoms  include: 

• Foot pain
• Tingling, burning, or numbness in the affected foot
• The unique sensation that something is inside the ball of the foot or that there is something stuck in your shoe while walking

Treatment

Non-surgical treatments for this condition may include padding or icing the affected foot, wearing an orthotic device, modifying activities or shoes to reduce pressure on the foot, and taking medications or getting injections to reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery may be needed if non-surgical treatments are ineffective. 

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

Running regularly places repeated stress on the feet and ankles, which can lead to a range of injuries if warning signs are ignored. Common causes of foot pain in runners include plantar fasciitis, which causes stabbing pain under the heel, and Achilles tendinopathy, marked by soreness above the back of the heel, especially after activity. Runners are also at risk for ankle sprains, stress fractures in bones such as the metatarsals, and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, which may flatten the foot over time. Pain in the ball of the foot, known as metatarsalgia, often results from overloading the front of the foot during runs. Morton’s neuroma, a nerve issue between the toes, can cause tingling or a burning sensation. Heel bursitis leads to swelling behind the heel, and repetitive toe pressure may cause bruised toenails or runner’s toe. If you experience foot pain after running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for expert advice.

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:

• Achilles tendonitis
• Shin splints
• Ankle sprains
• Stress fractures
• Plantar fasciitis
• 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? 

• Train slowly and gradually
• Give yourself plenty of time to recover following a run
• Wear shoes that fit properly and support your foot
• Avoid running on hard surfaces, like concrete
• Stretch and strengthen the muscles of your lower legs
• Warm-up prior to a run
• 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 Scarborough, ON . 

Diabetic patients often experience foot problems due to nerve damage and reduced blood flow. High blood sugar over time can affect the nerves, leading to diabetic neuropathy, which makes it harder to feel pain, heat, or injuries in the feet. Small cuts, sores, or blisters may go unnoticed and untreated. Poor circulation, known as peripheral vascular disease, also affects people with diabetes and can slow healing, making the feet more prone to infections. Other diabetic foot problems include fungal infections like athlete's foot and thickened or discolored toenails. Dry or cracked skin, calluses, corns, and foot ulcers may develop. Deformities such as bunions and hammertoes, along with issues like blisters and ingrown toenails, may also occur. A chiropodist can assess circulation, check for nerve damage, and help manage foot conditions with regular care. Chiropodists are also trained to remove thickened skin, treat nail issues, and provide guidance on footwear to reduce pressure and friction. If you have diabetes and are experiencing foot problems, 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 . 

Toenail loss can happen for several reasons and is often painful. Injuries from stubbing the toe or dropping something on it are common causes. Fungal infections may also damage the nail and make it loosen, over time. Runners are at risk of toenail loss caused by repeated impact  against the inside of the shoe, especially during long distances or downhill strides. Some people may develop a bony growth under the nail, called a subungual exostosis, which puts pressure on the nail until it detaches. Illness, certain medications, or poor circulation may also cause nail loss. Once the toenail falls off, it will not grow back in the same spot. A new nail must grow, which can take several months to a year. If part of the nail is still attached, do not pull it off. That can lead to infection or injury. A chiropodist can examine the toe, remove a damaged nail safely, and guide proper regrowth. If your toenail falls off, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for advice.

Toe pain is common and can have a variety of causes. Causes can range from a broken toe to an ingrown toenail. Many types of toe pain can be corrected, but any toe pain that inhibits your activities for an extended period should be discussed with a chiropodist. If you suffer from toe pain, 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 feet.

Common Causes of Toe Pain 

• Trauma or fracture
• Cuts, sores, or bruises
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Turf Toe
• Morton’s neuroma
• Blisters
• Corns
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar warts
• Athlete’s Foot

Symptoms of Toe Pain

• Toe deformity
• Burning
• Numbness
• Toenail deformity
• Wart or ulcer
• Swelling
• Redness

When to See a Chiropodist

• Bleeding or severe swelling
• Trauma, such as a broken bone
• Discoloration or extreme swelling
• Inability to bear weight
• Persistent pain
• Wounds that won’t heal

Diagnosis of Toe Pain

A chiropodist can conduct a thorough examination of the painful toe or toes in order to determine the best course of treatment. The exam may include assessing the tenderness of the area, taking an X-ray or other diagnostic test, or assessing your gait and range of motion. A discussion of what led to the advanced pain issue may follow. Included will likely be a health history, as well as a list of medications you are taking and other previous injuries you may have sustained.

Treatment for Toe Pain

With such a wide range of possible causes for toe pain, treatment can be varied in scope and length. Sometimes, the chiropodist will recommend lifestyle and activity changes. In cases of trauma or other injuries, X-rays or imaging tests will likely be used to determine the severity of the problem, particularly if any bones have been broken. Treatment may also include injections of pain-relief medication or anti-inflammatory drugs. Certain injuries will require the splinting, bracing, or wrapping of injured toes. Orthotics or special shoes may be prescribed in cases of bone deformities and gait issues. Removal of warts, calluses, and corns may be needed. In other cases, such as with patients who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, ongoing treatment may be required to avoid more serious problems. 

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