Items filtered by date: December 2024

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that often starts between the toes, causing itchy, scaly patches and sometimes redness or cracking of the skin. Athlete's foot can spread to the soles of the feet or even the toenails, leading to a more persistent issue. Factors like damp or sweaty feet, walking barefoot in communal areas, and sharing towels or shoes can increase the risk of infection. While pharmacy treatments can address an athlete’s foot infection, recurrent cases are common. A chiropodist can provide expert care, including evaluating the severity, recommending the most effective treatments, and advising on strategies to prevent recurrence. If untreated, athlete's foot can worsen or spread to other body parts. A chiropodist can also help rule out other foot conditions with similar symptoms. If you have a troublesome athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for appropriate treatment.

Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating 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 Athlete’s Foot? 

Athlete’s foot refers to an infection of the skin on the feet that is caused by a fungus. This fungus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments. It is often spread in common areas such as public pools, locker rooms, and showers. It can also spread when sharing personal items, like shoes or towels, with an infected person. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of athlete’s foot may include: 

• Itching, stinging, or burning of the skin on the feet

• Cracking or peeling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles of the feet

• Scaly, red rash on the foot

• Blisters 

• Foul odor

Treatment

Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves using over-the-counter topical antifungal medications on the feet. When over-the-counter options are ineffective, you may need to take prescription oral medications or topical antifungal drugs, or a combination of both. 

Prevention

Preventing athlete’s foot places an emphasis on good foot hygiene practices. 

You can prevent athlete’s foot by:

• Washing and drying your feet thoroughly every day

• Wearing shoes when walking in public areas

• Not sharing personal items, like shoes or socks, with others

• Wearing shoes and socks made out of breathable materials

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cuboid syndrome is a condition that affects the cuboid bone, located on the outside of the foot, in the area between the heel and the fourth and fifth toes. This condition occurs when the cuboid bone becomes misaligned or restricted, leading to pain and discomfort. The causes of cuboid syndrome often include trauma, overuse, or repetitive stress, especially in athletes or individuals who engage in activities that place significant strain on the feet. Wearing improper footwear, foot abnormalities, or ankle sprains can also contribute to the condition. Symptoms of cuboid syndrome include pain on the outside of the foot, difficulty walking, and discomfort during activities like running or standing for extended periods. Swelling and tenderness surrounding the cuboid bone are also common. Cuboid syndrome can be painful and may hinder completing daily activities. If you have the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joint and ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone in the foot become injured. If you think that you may have cuboid syndrome, 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

The cuboid bone is one of the seven tarsal bones located in the foot. Cuboid syndrome develops when the cuboid bone moves down and out of alignment with the other bone (calcaneus bone) in the joint of the foot. Cuboid syndrome can be the result of a sudden injury like an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly over time from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures. 

Symptoms

The most common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain on the outside of the foot which may worsen with activity. 

Other possible symptoms include: 

• Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot

• Swelling

• Sensitivity on the bottom of the foot

• Reduced range of motion  

Diagnosis

A chiropodist can diagnose cuboid syndrome based on your medical history and a physical examination of the foot. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, often fail to show the dislocated cuboid. 

Treatment

Treatment often includes resting, icing, compressing and elevating the affected foot, taping, wearing orthotic inserts, and taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain. The chiropodist may also be able to manipulate the dislocated bone back into alignment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Standing all day at work can strain your feet, legs, and lower back, often leading to chronic discomfort and swelling. When you stand for prolonged periods, your muscles work hard to keep you upright, and blood can pool in your legs, causing additional fatigue. This prolonged standing can put stress on the arches of your feet, increasing the risk of developing painful foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, varicose veins, and even joint issues, over time. Wearing supportive shoes, taking breaks to sit or walk, and occasionally elevating your feet can help reduce discomfort. Compression socks can also encourage healthy blood circulation, minimizing swelling. A chiropodist can provide professional advice on foot health, including custom orthotics to support your arches and alignment. They can also offer exercises for foot pain caused by overuse or strain from standing. If you have foot pain related to working on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for advice.

If you stand all day, you may be at an increased risk of developing various foot conditions. If you are experiencing foot pain of any kind, 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 Foot Problems Are Caused by Standing?

Standing all day at work may increase your risk of developing foot or ankle problems.

Some common foot conditions that may arise from spending all day on your feet include: 

• Foot pain

• Blisters

• Corns and calluses

• Arthritis

• Flat feet

• Bunions

• Sprains 

• Athlete’s foot

Prevention

If you stand for prolonged periods of time for work, taking preventative measures to preserve the health of your feet is strongly recommended. 

Measures you can implement to help prevent foot problems include: 

• Wearing shoes that are comfortable and fit well - these shoes should be made of breathable materials and provide you with arch support and cushioning. It is best to avoid shoes that have heels or narrow toe boxes.

• Taking breaks to rest, walk, and stretch your feet throughout the day

• Maintaining good foot hygiene - wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain often stems from overuse, strain, or pressure on the heel, the largest bone in the foot. It typically occurs due to repetitive stress or excessive pressure from walking, running, or prolonged standing, which inflame the tissues that support the heel. Heel pain can feel sharp, especially with the first steps in the morning, or present as a dull ache throughout the day. People at risk include athletes, people with jobs requiring long hours on their feet, and individuals with flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns. Treatment typically involves rest and wearing supportive footwear. However, in some cases, custom orthotics or targeted stretching, and even surgery may be needed. With prompt care, heel pain often resolves, though chronic cases may require longer treatment for relief and prevention of recurrence. If you suffer from heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Heel pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you suffer from heel 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 it comes to heel pain, the exact location and type of pain are important to note. Some of the conditions that may cause heel pain include: 

• Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot; it causes a stabbing pain under the heel that is at its worst when taking your first few steps after a long rest and while standing on your tiptoes or climbing stairs

• Achilles tendonitis - An inflammation of the tendon in the back of the calf; it causes pain in the back of the heel that is at its worst after resting, as well as ankle and calf stiffness, swelling, and tenderness 

• Bone spurs - Bony lumps on the back of the heel bones that cause sharp pain upon first standing up; the pain becomes dull and achy over time 

• Heel fractures - A break or crack in the heel bone that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking

• Retrocalcaneal bursitis - Swelling of the small, fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone; it causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the back of the heel

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Compression of the posterior tibial nerve which causes a pins and needles sensation in the heel, foot, and calf 

Your chiropodist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and prescribe the right treatments for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs. 

Lateral foot pain can arise from several conditions, each with unique causes and symptoms. One common cause is a stress fracture, which occurs when repetitive impact or overuse leads to tiny cracks in the bones on the outside of the foot. Cuboid syndrome, a misalignment of the cuboid bone, can also cause lateral foot pain, often resulting from ankle sprains or improper foot mechanics. Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, may lead to inflammation in the joints of the foot, causing pain on the outer side due to joint wear and tear. Additionally, peroneal tendonitis is another condition that causes lateral foot pain, where the peroneal tendons, which run along the outside of the ankle, become inflamed due to overuse or injury. If you have this type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can accurately diagnose and treat what is brewing.

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 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.