Foot pain can make everyday activities like walking, standing, and exercising uncomfortable. It may develop gradually or appear suddenly after an injury, depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include aching, tenderness, and discomfort when putting weight on the foot. Pain may affect the heel, arch, toes, or ball of the foot. Common causes include bunions, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures, each of which affects the foot differently. Risk factors include wearing poorly fitting shoes, repetitive activity, and changes in foot structure. Age, excess body weight, and certain medical conditions can also increase the likelihood of developing foot pain. Identifying the cause is important because appropriate treatment can relieve discomfort and help prevent further problems.

Bunions develop when the joint at the base of the big toe shifts out of alignment, creating a noticeable bump along the inner side of the foot. The big toe may angle toward the smaller toes, causing soreness and difficulty finding comfortable shoes. Genetics, foot structure, and tight footwear can contribute to bunion development. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue supporting the arch becomes irritated. It commonly causes sharp heel pain during the first steps in the morning or after sitting for extended periods. Repetitive walking, running, and wearing inadequate footwear may increase the risk. Although these conditions differ, both can interfere with comfortable movement and may worsen without appropriate care.

Stress fractures are small cracks in a bone that develop through repeated pressure rather than one major injury. They often affect the long bones in the middle of the foot and can cause localized pain that worsens during activity. Swelling and tenderness may also occur. Increasing exercise intensity too quickly, running on hard surfaces, and wearing worn-out shoes can increase the risk. Low bone density and inadequate recovery time between workouts also may contribute. Continuing high-impact activity despite pain can worsen a stress fracture, so resting the affected foot and seeking an assessment are important. A chiropodist can examine the foot and arrange imaging tests or further assessment when a fracture is suspected.

A chiropodist can assess your symptoms, examine foot alignment, and identify pressure points that may contribute to pain. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options include footwear changes, activity adjustments, or custom orthotics. Early assessment can help prevent minor problems from becoming persistent injuries. If you have foot pain that affects walking or daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist to explore effective relief and treatment solutions.

Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have foot 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 you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis. 

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:

• Stress fractures
• Sinus tarsi syndrome
• Extensor tendonitis
• Tibialis anterior tendonitis
• Gout
• Athlete’s foot
• Ganglion cysts

Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Foot cramps
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fibromatosis
• Posterior tibial tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Flat feet

Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:

• Ankle sprain
• Cuboid syndrome
• Peroneal tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Bunions
• Corns or calluses
• Posterior tibial tendonitis

Heel pain may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Bone spurs
• Heel fractures
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis
• Sever’s disease 

Pain in the toes may be caused by:

• Gout
• Hammertoe
• Turf toe
• Bunions
• Ingrown toenails
• Blisters
• Arthritis

These and many more conditions can be treated by a chiropodist. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON . 

A bunion is a common foot deformity that affects the joint at the base of the big toe. As the condition develops, the big toe gradually shifts toward the smaller toes, while the joint moves outward. This can create a visible bump along the inside of the foot. Bunions may develop slowly and become more noticeable over time. Some people have mild bunions without pain, while others experience ongoing discomfort that affects walking and footwear choices.

Common bunion symptoms include pain around the big toe joint, swelling, and tenderness. The affected joint may also become stiff, making it harder to move the big toe normally. Shoes can rub against the bunion and cause irritation or calluses. Risk factors include family history, foot structure, and previous foot injuries. Wearing narrow or poorly-fitting shoes may increase pressure on the toes. Activities that repeatedly place stress on the forefoot can also contribute to symptoms.

The exact cause of bunions can vary from person to person. Inherited foot structure may influence how pressure moves across the foot while walking. Some people naturally have an alignment that makes bunion development more likely. Arthritis can affect joint movement and contribute to changes in alignment. A chiropodist can examine the foot and determine whether a bunion is present. X-rays may be used to evaluate bone alignment and understand the severity of the deformity.

Treatment depends on symptoms and how much the bunion affects daily activities. A chiropodist may recommend wider footwear, protective padding, or activity changes to reduce pressure. More advanced cases may require additional treatment when pain continues despite conservative care. Early evaluation can help identify contributing factors and prevent unnecessary discomfort. If you have a bunion that causes pain or affects your ability to walk comfortably, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist to explore effective 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 . 

Flat feet occur when the arches are low or touch the ground while standing. In babies and toddlers, low arches are usually part of development. Arches become more noticeable as the feet grow. Adults can also develop flat feet after an injury, illness, or age-related weakening of the tissues that support the arch. Some feet remain flexible, meaning an arch appears when the person stands on tiptoe. Other flat feet are rigid and stay flat in every position. Many people have no discomfort, but painful or changing arches may require attention.

Common symptoms include aching in the arch, heel, or ankle. The feet may feel tired after standing, and pain can make sports or activities harder. Some patients notice swelling near the ankle or uneven wear on their shoes. Flat feet can change the way weight moves across the feet. This can place extra strain on joints and muscles. A chiropodist can examine the arches, watch how the patient stands and walks, and check foot flexibility. The assessment may also include a review of symptoms and medical history. Imaging may be recommended when pain, stiffness, or an injury needs closer evaluation.

Chiropody care focuses on improving comfort and supporting foot movement. A chiropodist can recommend fitted shoes with support and enough room for the toes. Custom orthotics can support the arches and spread pressure across the feet. Padding or changes to an orthotic can address sore areas when walking. The chiropodist can monitor the arches and identify related problems, including corns, calluses, or altered walking patterns. Treatment is based on the cause of the flat feet and the symptoms. Assessments can be helpful when pain affects work, exercise, or mobility. If you have pain from having flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for effective relief and management tips.

Flat feet are a common foot condition. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to flat feet, 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 Flat Feet? 

Flat feet are feet that do not have a well-defined arch in the middle of the sole of the foot. Flat feet may be flexible or rigid. Flexible flat feet have an arch when there is no pressure put on the foot, such as when one is sitting, but the arch disappears upon standing. Rigid flat feet lack an arch regardless of whether one is standing or not. 

Causes

Flat feet can be present from birth or acquired over time due to a weakening of the ligaments in the arch. Sometimes flat feet are caused by illnesses, injuries, or pregnancy. 

Symptoms

Flat feet often cause no noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience pain and discomfort due to their flat feet. 

Symptoms associated with flat feet include:

• Pain in the arch, heel, ankle, or along the outside of the foot
• Overpronation of the foot
• Shin splints
• Aching or fatigue in the feet or legs
• Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back

Treatment 

In cases where flat feet cause symptoms, there are various treatments available. Wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes to provide more arch support, performing stretches, and taking medications may improve your symptoms. If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve pressure on the feet. In severe cases, surgery may be considered. 

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