Getting injured while playing sports is not unusual, and according to research, about one-fourth of those injuries occur in the foot. Further, the type of sport you play has a direct effect on the likelihood of getting hurt. Sports that involve running and jumping, especially on hard surfaces, increase the risk of foot and ankle injuries. The most common sports-related injuries, brought on mainly by overuse or repetitive actions, are plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, foot stress fractures, and Achilles tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis, common to runners, occurs when the band of tissue on the sole of the foot becomes inflamed and tears. Heel spurs, often linked to plantar fasciitis, occur as calcium deposits develop on the bottom of the heel bone. Foot stress fractures are tiny cracks in the foot bones that can result from repeated pounding. They are common in basketball, tennis and soccer players, as well as dancers and gymnasts. Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon that connects the heel to the calf. It is common in sports that call for a lot of running and jumping. If you are active in sports, it is a good idea to develop an ongoing relationship with a chiropodist who can treat any foot and ankle injuries you may sustain.  

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, 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. 

Common Injuries Among Athletes: 

• Achilles tendon injuries
• Ankle strains or sprains
• Plantar fasciitis
• Fractures
• Turf toe
• Joint dislocations
• Sever’s disease
• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

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

An ingrown toenail, or onychocryptosis, happens when the side of a toenail burrows into the skin along the nail bed. This most commonly affects the big toe and can be painful, red, and swollen when it happens. Ingrown toenails often occur from cutting toenails incorrectly, wearing shoes that are too tight, having a fungal infection, or having abnormally shaped toenails. If this is left untreated, discharge or pus can drain from the site and a bacterial infection may develop and lead to serious complications. Wearing properly fitted shoes, with enough room in the toe box so the toes do not rub against them, is recommended for healing, comfort, and preventing this problem.  If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, you can soak your foot in warm water, which might soften the nail so that it can be lifted from the skin. However, it is suggested that you seek help from a chiropodist who can make sure the ingrown nail is handled properly and you are treated with any medication warranted.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, 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 an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include: 

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail. 

Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers. 

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

Oh, my aching feet! If that’s a common refrain around your house, here are some ways to soothe your soles (note that if you are experiencing severe foot pain, be sure to see a chiropodist as soon as possible). Most aching feet are the result of standing, walking or running for too long. If your foot seems warm to the touch, it may be inflamed or swollen. Try icing it, because adding heat will open the capillaries further, increasing blood flow and adding to the inflammation. Remember to place a towel or cloth over your skin before applying an ice pack to it, and limit the time to about 15 minutes. Conversely, if your feet are tired and aching, but cool to the touch, a warm foot bath could be just the thing to gain some relief. After drying your feet thoroughly, you may wish to apply soothing lotion while also giving your feet a little massage. This will improve circulation and stimulate your foot muscles. Avoid massages if your feet are swollen or injured. If you believe you may have a serious foot injury, be sure to consult a chiropodist as soon as possible for a complete examination and diagnosis.

Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have foot 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 you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis. 

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:

• Stress fractures
• Sinus tarsi syndrome
• Extensor tendonitis
• Tibialis anterior tendonitis
• Gout
• Athlete’s foot
• Ganglion cysts

Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Foot cramps
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fibromatosis
• Posterior tibial tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Flat feet

Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:

• Ankle sprain
• Cuboid syndrome
• Peroneal tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Bunions
• Corns or calluses
• Posterior tibial tendonitis

Heel pain may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Bone spurs
• Heel fractures
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis
• Sever’s disease 

Pain in the toes may be caused by:

• Gout
• Hammertoe
• Turf toe
• Bunions
• Ingrown toenails
• Blisters
• Arthritis

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