Blisters can be quite an annoyance when they develop on the feet. Oftentimes, blisters can develop when an individual wears new shoes for the first time. The reason for this is essentially that wearing new shoes can cause an individual to experience sensations of friction on the feet in new places. One way to prevent this is by selecting shoes that fit well. For example, when purchasing a new pair of shoes, you might try selecting shoes that do not cause the fabric to rub up against your toes. Additionally, you could try slowly building up the activity that you engage in with each pair of new shoes. For example, you might start wearing a new pair of shoes by only taking short walks in them. If you are concerned about blisters from new shoes, consider contacting a chiropodist. They will be able to help assist you with avoiding developing blisters.

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 Scarborough, ON . 

Three injuries most common among runners are Achilles tendonitis, heel bursitis, and sprained ankles. The first two heel and ankle injuries are considered to be caused by overuse and generally become worse over time. A sprain, however, is usually caused by trauma and is felt immediately. Achilles tendonitis affects the long tendon that connects the leg muscles to the calcaneus bone of the heel. If a runner increases the speed, distance, or duration of a run too quickly, the Achilles tendon can become irritated or inflamed. The injury may also be the result of calf muscles that are too tight and need to be stretched. Heel bursitis occurs when the small fluid sac, or bursa, that cushions the heel bone becomes inflamed by too much running, jumping, or walking. Because the same area is affected, heel bursitis can be confused with Achilles tendonitis. Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that hold the ankle joint together are torn or stretched. Sprains commonly result from landing incorrectly on the foot, which rolls outward and pulls on the ligaments. If you have sustained any of these injuries, please consult a chiropodist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment options.

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 . 

Arthritis is a painful disease that affects joints in the body. There are several kinds of arthritis, including osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and gout. Gout occurs when the body fails to fully expel uric acid from the body as it processes purines. This excess uric acid forms into hard crystals that accumulate in joints, most commonly in the joint at the base of the big toe. Diet, heredity, certain medical conditions, and other factors can make a person more prone to developing gout. Some believe that there may be an association between gout, OA, RA, and PsA in certain cases. This is because these conditions compromise joints, and make them vulnerable to other forms of arthritis. If you have any pain in the joints of your feet or ankles, contact a chiropodist for an examination. Once they make a diagnosis of your condition, an appropriate treatment plan can be devised and implemented.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. 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 Gout?

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. This type of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid crystallizes in a joint, often the joint of the big toe, it can bring about a gout attack. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of gout include: 

• Sudden and severe pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Joint stiffness
• Joint deformity

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will ask questions about your personal and family medical history, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout. A sample of fluid taken from your joint can show whether it contains uric acid. 

Treatment

Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Patients with chronic gout can also use behavioral modifications such as diet, exercise, and decreased intake of alcohol to help minimize the frequency of gout attacks. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided since purines are converted in the body to uric acid. If left untreated, this painful condition can leave your joint permanently damaged and swollen.  

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