The biomechanics of the feet are essential for understanding how people walk and move. As you take a step, the movement starts at the heel, where the foot first makes contact with the ground. The body’s weight then shifts forward, allowing the arch of the foot to absorb the impact. The Achilles tendon, one of the strongest tendons in the body, plays a key role as it connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, facilitating the push-off during walking. The foot consists of 26 bones, including the tarsal bones, metatarsals, and phalanges, which work together to provide support, stability, and flexibility. As the foot moves from heel to toe, the toes help propel the body forward. The tendons and ligaments, such as the plantar fascia, also help maintain the arch and distribute pressure evenly, ensuring efficient movement while walking or running. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, it may be due to improper biomechanics of the feet and it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist who can treat various foot conditions.

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

Joint pain in the feet can be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy joint tissues. RA leads to inflammation, stiffness, and swelling in various joints, including the feet. The condition commonly affects the small joints of the feet, causing discomfort when walking or standing. The exact cause of RA is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors that trigger an abnormal immune response. Other factors, such as infections or hormonal changes, may also contribute to the development of the disease. As the condition progresses, joint damage and deformities may occur, further intensifying foot pain and affecting mobility. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own otherwise healthy joint lining or synovium. While RA can affect any joint in the body, it often affects the small joints of the feet and the ankle joint. If you’re dealing with RA in your lower limbs, 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. 

Symptoms of RA primarily affect the joints of the feet and may include:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Stiffness 

• Redness

• Warmth

• Difficulty walking

• Gait changes

• Bunions

• Hammertoes 

Treatment

While there is no cure for RA, your chiropodist can help you manage the health of your feet and maintain your mobility while living with this condition. Possible treatments include wearing orthotics, doing foot and ankle exercises, resting the feet, taking anti-inflammatory medications, getting steroid injections, and wearing braces for foot and ankle pain. In advanced cases of RA, joint replacement surgery may be helpful for mobility. Bunions, hammertoes, and other deformities can be corrected with surgery as well. 

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

Caring for diabetic feet is vital to prevent complications like infections, ulcers, or nerve damage. Diabetic neuropathy, which causes insensitivity in the feet, makes it difficult to detect injuries or infections. Regularly cleaning the feet with mild soap and warm water is essential to keep them free from dirt and bacteria. After cleaning, make sure to thoroughly dry the feet, especially between the toes, to prevent moisture buildup that could lead to fungal infections. It is also important to perform self-inspections regularly to check for any cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling, as these may go unnoticed due to reduced sensation. Wearing well-fitted shoes with proper cushioning is key to avoiding foot injuries, and keeping the feet moisturized helps maintain healthy skin. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for help managing any foot-related complications.

Diabetes can cause serious problems in the lower limbs if proper preventive measures are not taken and diabetic wound care is not performed. If you would like to learn more about caring for diabetic 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. 

Diabetes can lead to a host of foot and ankle complications, including: 

• Poor circulation

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers

• Infection 

• Corns and calluses

• Dry, cracked skin

• Nail disorders 

• Hammertoes 

• Bunions

• Charcot foot

If you have diabetes, you must be vigilant of any changes in your foot health. This is best done through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you if necessary, look for any: 

• Cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds

• Bruising or discoloration 

• Swelling

• Rash

• Foul odor

• Nail changes 

• Hair loss 

• Warmth and inflammation

• Deformities 

• Lower limb pain

• Strange sensations (numbness, tingling, burning, pins, and needles)

If you detect anything unusual, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. 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.