In a world where shoe sizes aren't standardized internationally and many shoes on the market are made with only style in mind, it can be difficult to find shoes that fit properly. Your feet gradually swell throughout the day. This means that the best time to shop for shoes is in the evening, as that is when your feet are at their largest. If the shoes you buy fit comfortably when your feet are at their largest, then they will likely fit your feet comfortably throughout the entire day. On the same note, if your feet are two different sizes, you should buy shoes that comfortably fit the larger of your two feet. When trying on shoes, wear the socks that you would normally wear with that type of shoe. Leave a half-inch of space at the front of the shoe (between the end of your longest toe and the end of the front of the shoe) and an eighth inch of space at the back of the shoe (between the back of your heel and the shoe) for a comfortable fit. You should also make sure that the toe area of the shoes is not too tight or narrow. For more tips on finding the right size shoe for you, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Finding the right shoes can be a hassle, however, wearing properly fitted shoes is one of the best things that you can do to prevent future foot problems. For more information about the importance of wearing the right shoe size, 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.

Tips for finding shoes that fit

• Measure your foot - This should be done later in the day when your feet are naturally at their largest. An associate at a shoe store can measure your foot using a Brannock device.
• Wear the right socks - You should be wearing the socks or other hosiery that you intend to wear with the kind of shoe you are looking for. For example, if you are shopping for running shoes, wear the socks that you would normally wear while running.
• Remember these numbers - When trying on shoes, there should be about ½ an inch of space between the end of your longest toe and the end of the front of the shoe, and ⅛ of an inch between the back of your heel and the shoe
• Don’t “break them in” - Any shoes you buy should be immediately comfortable; don’t settle for shoes that you have to “break in" before you can wear them out. 

A chiropodist can help you find the best shoes and orthotics to help maintain the health of your feet. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON . 

Running, while an excellent form of exercise, can lead to a variety of foot and ankle injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and ankle sprains. Fortunately, there are preventative measures that you can take to reduce your risk of injury. When running, it’s important to avoid overtraining. Running too many miles, too often, and too quickly is a recipe for overuse injuries. When running, increase the mileage, duration, and intensity of your runs slowly over time. It’s also important to wear the right shoes. Running shoes should fit properly, cushion and support the feet, and be replaced when they become worn out. Stretching and strengthening the legs and feet can help prevent injury as well. To learn more about how to avoid running injuries, please consult 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:

• 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 . 

Sesamoiditis is an injury of the sesamoid bones — two tiny, pea-shaped bones located in the ball of the foot, just under the big toe. When these bones and their surrounding tendons are damaged, displaced, or inflamed, you may experience foot pain, swelling, and warmth. The symptoms are usually made worse by walking or wearing thin-soled or high-heeled shoes. Sesamoiditis is a common injury in dancers and joggers, as well as those who have high arches or bunions, and those who wear high heels. Conservative treatments, such as footwear modifications, orthotics, and over-the-counter pain medications are usually sufficient for pain relief. If you are experiencing any foot pain, please seek the care of a chiropodist. 

Sesamoiditis can be painful and prevent you from participating in certain activities. To learn more about this condition, 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 Sesamoiditis? 

Sesamoiditis refers to an injury of the sesamoids (two small, pea-shaped bones located beneath the big toe joint) or the tendons and/or surrounding tissue in the joint.

Causes

Sesamoiditis is typically the result of an overuse injury caused by activities that put repetitive pressure on the sesamoid bones and the tendons involved with those bones. These activities can include basketball, football, running, ballet, and tennis. People who have high foot arches and those who frequently wear high-heeled shoes are also at an increased risk of developing sesamoiditis. 

Symptoms

Common symptoms of sesamoiditis include: 

• Dull, longstanding pain under the big toe joint
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Difficulty straightening or bending the big toe
• Pain during movement

Diagnosis

Sesamoiditis can be diagnosed by physical examination and X-rays. Sometimes other imaging studies, such as a bone scan, MRI, or ultrasound may be needed if damage to the area surrounding the sesamoid bones is suspected. 

Treatment

Treatment options include conservative measures, such as padding, strapping, taping or immobilizing the affected foot, taking oral medications or getting steroid injections to reduce pain and swelling, and wearing orthotic devices. Surgical treatment may be necessary if conservative measures are not effective. 

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