Foot and ankle injuries in athletes are often caused by repetitive stress, sudden impact, and high-intensity movement. These injuries affect ligaments, tendons, and soft tissue, making them a frequent concern. Common conditions include ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and turf toe, all of which can limit performance and daily activity. Ankle sprains occur when ligaments are overstretched, leading to swelling, bruising, and instability. Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain that is often worse in the morning. Achilles tendonitis symptoms include stiffness and discomfort along the back of the ankle, especially during activity. Turf toe results from excessive upward bending of the big toe, causing pain and reduced mobility. Risk factors include poor footwear, inadequate warm up routines, and overuse from repetitive training. Athletes with flat feet, high arches, or muscle imbalances are more prone to injury. Hard playing surfaces and sudden changes in direction can also increase stress on the foot and ankle. Rehabilitation includes rest, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Proper footwear support is also recommended to restore function. Early care can reduce recovery time and prevent long-term complications. If foot and ankle injuries are affecting your sports performance, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Trauma to the foot or ankle is one of the most common reasons that people visit a chiropodist. If you have a foot or ankle injury, 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. 

Your feet contain 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Your ankles are large joints made up of three bones and various ligaments. All of these components work together to allow your lower limbs to move you throughout your life. Injuries to the feet and ankles can affect any one of these structures and can occur at any time. Some of the most common foot and ankle injuries include:

• Morton’s neuroma - Swelling of a nerve that runs between two toes, causes pain in the ball of the foot
• Stress fractures - Tiny cracks in one or more bones that can cause severe pain
• Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, causes stabbing heel pain
• Sesamoiditis - Causes pain in the sesamoid bones, located beneath the ball of the foot
• Achilles tendonitis - Inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, causes pain in the back of the calf
• Ankle sprain - Overstretching or tearing of one or more ligaments in the ankle, which causes ankle pain and can make it difficult to walk 

Injuries to the feet and ankles often occur during athletic activities, such as running or playing a sport, or while wearing ill-fitting shoes. Other potential causes of injury include impacts from accidents, a sudden twisting while walking, or underlying biomechanical problems or medical conditions that affect the feet. Treatment for most of these injuries typically involves resting the feet and modifying activities and footwear to take pressure off of the affected foot. 

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

An Achilles tendon tear is a partial or complete rupture of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It often occurs during activities that involve sudden acceleration or jumping, such as in sports or running. Common symptoms include sharp pain in the back of the ankle, swelling, difficulty walking, and an inability to push off the foot. A chiropodist can help by assessing the severity of the injury, providing immobilization or orthotic support, and coordinating rehabilitation to restore strength and flexibility. Early diagnosis and care are essential for proper recovery. If you have pain in your calf and the back of your heel, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can offer effective treatment solutions. 

Achilles tendonitis is a common injury of the Achilles tendon, a band of fibrous tissue that runs along the back of the lower leg. The Achilles tendon can also rupture, making it impossible to lift the foot. If you are suffering from heel or calf 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. 

Causes of Achilles tendon injuries include: 

• Repetitive stress or overuse
• Sudden increase in activity levels
• High impact injury
• Calf muscle tightness or weakness
• Altered foot biomechanics
• Heel bone spurs
• Underlying medical conditions that weaken the tendon

Symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury include: 

• Heel and calf pain that worsens following exercise
• Chronic heel and calf pain
• Sudden pain in the back of the ankle or calf
• A popping or snapping sensation
• Thickened lump in the Achilles tendon
• Ankle and calf stiffness
• Decreased range of motion in the affected foot
• Swelling
• Difficulty walking 

Treatment

• Resting the affected leg
• Applying ice
• Compressing the foot and ankle
• Elevating the injured leg
• Wearing orthotics
• Low impact exercises
• Stretches
• Strengthening exercises
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Cortisone injections
• Surgery, if the tendon is ruptured 

Achilles tendon injuries can be very painful and lead to reduced mobility if left untreated. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON . 

Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that develop on the feet of individuals with diabetes, often caused by poor circulation, nerve damage, or pressure points. Risk factors include uncontrolled blood sugar levels, peripheral neuropathy, foot deformities, and a history of previous ulcers or infections. Proper care is essential to prevent complications and promote healing. This includes keeping the wound clean, offloading pressure, monitoring for signs of infection, and maintaining good blood sugar control. A chiropodist can provide expert assessment, professional wound care, guidance on protective footwear, and strategies to prevent recurrence. If you have diabetes and notice a foot sore or slow healing wound, it is suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist for help in treating diabetic foot wounds and in managing this serious condition.

Wound care is the process of treating and preventing wounds on the feet. This is especially important if you have diabetes, as diabetic foot wounds are common and can lead to serious complications when left untreated. To learn more about proper wound care, 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. 

Why Is Wound Care Important for Diabetics?

While wound care is important for maintaining the health of your feet, it is especially important for people with diabetes. This is because diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation, causing foot wounds to heal very slowly or not to heal at all. Diabetics also frequently suffer from neuropathy or nerve loss. This means no matter how big or little the wound, they might not feel it on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. This is why it is imperative that diabetics complete daily foot checks.

Wound Care Basics

The best way to care for wounds is to prevent them in the first place. It is recommended that people with diabetes perform a daily examination of their feet to locate cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds. Early detection allows for ample time to treat the wounds and prevent further complications. If you notice a wound at home, you can clean it using water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover the wound with a clean bandage. Seeing a chiropodist, who can examine your feet thoroughly and treat any existing wounds, can also help you maintain proper foot health. 

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