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Causes and Grades of Ankle Sprains

Tuesday, 29 July 2025

Ankle sprains are common injuries caused by sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle, often during sports or uneven walking. Inversion sprains affect the outer ligaments of the ankle, while eversion sprains impact the inner ones. Sprains are categorized into three grades. A mild sprain, or Grade 1, causes slight swelling and discomfort. A moderate sprain, or Grade 2, results in partial tearing with pain, bruising, and difficulty walking. A severe sprain, or Grade 3, involves complete tearing of ligaments, significant swelling, and ankle instability. A podiatrist can diagnose the severity, provide targeted treatment, and recommend therapies to restore strength and mobility. If you have sustained an ankle sprain, it is recommended that you schedule an emergency visit with a podiatrist today for a comprehensive evaluation and expert care.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

Mild to moderate bruising
Limited mobility
Swelling
Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
Stretching before exercises and sports
Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

How Walking and Running Shoes Differ

Tuesday, 22 July 2025

Walking and running shoes may appear similar, but they are designed to meet different demands placed on the feet. Walking places less impact on the foot, with the heel striking first followed by a rolling motion through the step. As a result, walking shoes are often built with softer soles and an angled heel to cushion impact and promote a smooth transition. Running, however, places greater force on the feet, often up to three times the body weight, and may involve striking with the heel, midfoot, or forefoot. To handle this stress, running shoes are typically lighter and built with thicker cushioning to absorb shock and reduce fatigue. Choosing the wrong shoe can lead to foot pain or injury, including plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendon pain. A podiatrist can assess your gait, foot structure, and any symptoms you may be experiencing. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with this type of doctor to determine the cause of the pain and receive guidance on proper footwear.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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

Managing Bunions

Tuesday, 15 July 2025

Bunions are more than just a bump on the side of your big toe, they can cause chronic discomfort and significantly affect daily life. In addition to the classic symptoms of redness, swelling, and pain at the joint, a bunion may also lead to numbness, tingling, and calluses due to shoe friction. Some people experience balance issues or compensation pain in the knees, hips, or lower back, as they shift their weight to avoid pressure on the bunion. Over time, as the big toe angles sharply toward the other toes, overlapping or joint stiffness may occur. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the bunion and offer tailored treatment options, from custom orthotics and footwear recommendations to padding, targeted exercises, and surgical solutions, if necessary. Early intervention can slow progression and relieve discomfort. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact the practitioners of Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
Orthotics or foot inserts
Surgery

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

The Importance of Wearing Safety Shoes at Work

Tuesday, 08 July 2025

Wearing safety shoes during the workday is essential for protecting your feet from a variety of hazards. These shoes help prevent slips and falls by providing proper traction and reduce fatigue through cushioning and support. They also guard against sharp object penetration and shield your feet from harsh weather conditions. Choosing the right work shoes can make a significant difference in your comfort and safety. However, the use of improper footwear can lead to foot injuries, pain, or long-term problems. A podiatrist can assess foot injuries caused by wearing incorrect work shoes and recommend solutions, such as custom insoles or alternative footwear options. If you have injured your feet during your work day, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Wednesday, 02 July 2025

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

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