There are several bones in the ankles, and if one of them breaks, it is considered to be an ankle fracture. A simple fracture may be uncomfortable, but many patients are able to walk on the affected foot. If the ankle is fractured in multiple spots, it is most likely that the patient is unable to walk, and the ankle may appear deformed. Some of the symptoms that are associated with a broken ankle can include severe pain, swelling, and a change in the shape of the ankle. Many people find the swelling may diminish when the foot is elevated. This can help to stabilize the ankle and reduce some of the pain. A walking boot or cast may be necessary to further stabilize the ankle, and this may help to accelerate the healing process. Many broken ankles heal in approximately six weeks and may take longer if the fracture is severe. If you have symptoms of a broken ankle, please consult with a chiropodist who can help you with proper treatment methods.

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Running and walking are both excellent forms of exercise. Both are usually done while wearing sneakers, but did you know that there are different types of sneakers? Running shoes are specifically designed for running. They have more cushioning, tend to be the most flexible at the arch or midfoot and have a higher heel height. Walking shoes are usually less cushioned, less flexible, and have a lower heel. Walking shoes are also usually harder to find in stores. While you can certainly walk in running shoes, doing the opposite — running in walking shoes — is not a great idea, as walking shoes lack the cushioning and flexibility needed to support the feet as they hit the pavement. For more information about the differences between walking and running shoes, and how to find the best shoes for you, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Finding the right shoes can sometimes be a major hassle, especially if you intend to work out in them. There are shoes on the market designed specifically for running and walking, but it can be difficult to differentiate between the two and find the right shoes for you. If you’re having trouble finding the right shoes, 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. 

What are the differences between running and walking shoes? 

These two types of shoes vary along several parameters.

• Cushioning: Runners need more cushioning in the heel and forefoot areas of the shoe, while walkers can get away with less cushioning.
• Heel height: Runners need a higher heel to provide them with stability, but the ideal height of the heel for runners varies depending on their running gait. Walkers generally don’t need a built-up heel.
• Heel flare: Flared heels can help provide extra stability for runners with certain gaits, while walkers may benefit from a flared heel to control the motion of their foot.
• Flexibility: Both runners and walkers need shoes that are flexible. 

For more information about the differences between walking and running shoes, and to figure out which shoes may be right for you, please consult with a chiropodist. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON . 

Your feet are composed of 26 bones, 30 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Your feet support the weight of your entire body and carry you through your daily activities. Exercising the feet can be highly beneficial to maintain their overall health. There are a variety of simple foot exercises that focus on building strength, flexibility, and mobility in the feet. One simple strength-building exercise is a toe curl. Spread a towel out on the floor in front of you and use only your toes to scrunch it up. This exercise builds up the flexor muscles in the feet. Stretch your toes by manually moving the big toe up, down, and to the side while you sit on a chair. For more information about the many benefits of foot exercises, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Stretching and strengthening your feet is very important for maintaining your foot health. If you would like to learn more about exercises for your feet, 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. 

There are a variety of relatively easy-to-do exercises that can boost the strength, flexibility, and mobility of your feet, as well as relieve foot pain.  

Strength exercises: 

• Toe splay - Spread the toes apart and hold for several seconds; improves control over toe muscles
• Toe curls - Scrunch up a towel with your toes; strengthens the flexor muscles
• Marble pickup - Pick up marbles with your toes; strengthens the muscles on the undersides of the feet and toes
• Walking on sand - Stretches and strengthens feet and calves

Flexibility exercises: 

• Heel raises - Raise the heels while keeping toes on the ground
• Toe point - Raise the heels while pointing the toes, keeping just the tips of toes on the ground
• Toe curl - Raise the heels while curling the toes inwards, keeping just the tips of toes on the ground
• Big toe stretch - Use your hands to gently stretch your big toes up, down, and to the side

Exercises for foot pain: 

• Toe extension - Gently pull the toes up towards the ankle and hold for several seconds
• Ball roll - gently roll a golf or tennis ball underneath the arches of the feet 

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

Biomechanics is the study of structure, function, and motion in a biological system, such as the feet. One area of biomechanics that chiropodists can help with is your gait or walking pattern. Many people are unaware of individual differences in how their feet move when they walk or run. By knowing more about your own unique gait, you may be better able to find foot care practices, shoes, and orthotics that suit the needs of your feet. Generally speaking, a person’s gait is often classified based on the foot’s motion while walking or running. An over pronated gait, common in people with flat feet, refers to a walking pattern where the feet roll too far outwards. An under pronated gait refers to a walking pattern where the feet roll too far inwards. A neutral gait refers to a normal walking pattern. To learn more about foot biomechanics, please consult with a chiropodist. 

The biomechanics of your feet play an important role in your foot health. To learn more, 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. 

Foot biomechanics refers to the study of the structure, function, and motion of the feet. The feet and ankles are a complex system consisting of many bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that work together to move your feet. Understanding the unique biomechanics of your own feet can help you and your chiropodist make informed decisions about your foot health care. This includes decisions about the best preventive measures to avoid foot pain, the best treatment options for various foot problems, and finding the best shoes for your feet. 

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