Ankle bursitis develops when a fluid-filled sac near the ankle becomes irritated and swollen. This sac, called a bursa, cushions areas where bones and soft tissues move against each other. One bursa sits between the heel bone and the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle. Inflammation there can cause pain near the upper heel, along with swelling and tenderness. Some patients limp because placing full weight on the ankle feels uncomfortable. Symptoms can build gradually or appear after extra strain on the area.

Repeated pressure is a frequent cause of ankle bursitis. Running, jumping, and long periods of walking can place stress on the bursa. Shoes that fit poorly may rub against the back of the heel and increase irritation. Other causes include a direct blow, an ankle injury, or a raised area of heel bone. Arthritis, gout, and infection can also inflame a bursa. Redness, warmth, or fever can point to an infection and require prompt medical attention. Because bursitis can feel similar to an Achilles tendon problem, an accurate diagnosis is important.

A chiropodist can examine the location of the pain, check the ankle's movement, and look for swelling. The examination can also help identify pressure from shoes or changes in foot structure that contribute to irritation. Imaging may be arranged to rule out a fracture or detect swelling around the bursa. When infection is suspected, a fluid sample may be required for testing. Treatment from a chiropodist can include padding, custom orthotics, or advice about properly-fitted shoes. These approaches can reduce pressure and improve the way the foot functions. Follow-up visits allow the chiropodist to check healing and adjust the treatment plan. If you are experiencing symptoms of bursitis in the ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Scarborough, ON . 

A bunion is a common structural foot deformity. It develops when the big toe moves toward the smaller toes, while the joint at the base of the toe shifts outward. This creates a prominent bump along the inside edge of the foot. Bunions can develop slowly and may remain relatively mild for years before symptoms become noticeable. As the deformity progresses, the joint may become irritated by pressure from footwear and everyday movement. Some people experience significant discomfort, while others have a visible bunion without constant pain.

Common bunion symptoms include pain, tenderness, and stiffness surrounding the affected joint. The bump may become more sensitive when it rubs against shoes, particularly shoes with a narrow or restrictive toe box. Repeated pressure and friction can cause thickened skin, calluses, or corns to develop around the joint. As the big toe moves closer to the other toes, walking mechanics may also change. In more advanced cases, the toe may overlap or push against a neighboring toe, making comfortable footwear and normal movement more difficult.

Several factors can contribute to bunion development. Genetics may play a role because inherited foot structure can influence how pressure is distributed across the foot. Wearing shoes that are narrow, tight, or poorly fitted can place additional pressure on the toes and may aggravate an existing bunion. Other risk factors include occupations that require prolonged standing and activities that repeatedly place stress on the forefoot.

Treatment depends on the severity of the bunion and the symptoms it causes. Wearing supportive footwear with adequate room for the toes, protective padding, and other conservative measures may help reduce pressure and discomfort. If you notice a growing bump at the base of your big toe, persistent pain, or swelling, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist to explore appropriate bunion 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 . 

Foot pain with your first steps in the morning can make starting the day difficult. The discomfort might ease after you move around, but that does not mean the cause should be ignored. One cause is plantar fasciitis. This term means irritation of the band of tissue that supports the bottom of the foot. The tissue can tighten while you sleep, leading to sharp heel or arch pain when you stand. Morning pain can also be linked to a strained tendon, stiff joints, or a small stress injury in a bone.

Shoes that lack proper support can place pressure on painful areas. Changes in activity, long periods of standing, and the way your feet meet the ground can affect your symptoms. The location, pattern, and strength of the pain provide clues. Pain under the heel can feel different from discomfort near the toes or along the outside of the foot. A chiropodist can examine your feet and ask when the pain began. The assessment can look at how you stand, how you move, and how your shoes fit. This information helps the chiropodist identify the source of the problem and build a treatment plan.

Care options include custom-made orthotics, advice about shoes, and changes to activities that place excess pressure on the sore area. A chiropodist can also monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as your needs change. Early assessment can reduce the chance that pain will interfere with work, exercise, or other daily activities. It can also uncover concerns that require closer attention. Prompt care is essential when pain is severe, swelling is present, or putting weight on the foot is difficult. If you have foot pain first thing in the morning, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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: 

• Plantar fasciitis
• Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes
• Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet
• Arthritis
• Flat feet
• 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: 

• Heel pain
• Arch pain
• Toe pain
• Ball of foot pain
• Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality
• 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 Scarborough, ON .