October 2022

The pain and discomfort from having flat feet may vary from person to person. There are some patients who do not have pain at all with this condition, whereas there are patients who have difficulty in completing daily activities with flat feet. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally forms during the teenage years. For those people who approach adulthood with flat feet, there may be existing medical conditions that can cause it. These are generally hereditary, and can include Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Marfan Syndrome. A proper diagnosis consists of having CT and MRI tests performed, and it is beneficial to have an X-ray taken that can determine if there is arthritis in the feet. Relief may be found when custom-made orthotics are worn, which can make it easier to complete daily activities. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly fit you for orthotics, in addition to providing you with other helpful relief options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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 and ankle needs.

Sometimes when you sit for a while with legs crossed, a feeling of numbness and tingling in the feet sets in, but dissipates rapidly after standing up or changing positions. The term for this sensation is transient (temporary) paresthesia. Frequent or long term numbness, however, can indicate more serious problems and could be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease. Other possible causes of numbness in the feet include an injury that puts pressure on the nerves, lower back problems, or sciatica (irritation of the sciatic nerve). Tarsal tunnel syndrome, when a nerve that runs from the back of leg to the ankle and foot is compressed or damaged, also can result in numbness. Tumors or growths that put pressure on the spinal cord, legs or feet may be another cause. Numbness is often joined by tingling, pain, and a burning or itching sensation. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms regularly, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and suggest an appropriate treatment plan.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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 and ankle needs.

If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, you ought to know that your feet will experience a number of important changes as a result of your pregnancy. For example, in addition to experiencing possible swelling and enlargement, you might experience numbness in the feet during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that nerves in the legs can experience pressure when the uterus grows. As a result, a pregnant woman may have feelings of numbness in the toes. Some individuals will even describe this feeling as a kind of “pins and needles” sensation in the feet. A number of women experience this kind of numbness in their feet during the pregnancy, and fortunately, the feelings should subside after the pregnancy. If pregnancy is something you anticipate in your future, it might be a good idea to contact a podiatrist to discuss ways you can maintain healthy feet throughout the process.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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 and ankle needs.

The increasingly popular sport of pickleball was born from a cross between tennis, badminton and ping-pong. 2022 marked the 57th anniversary of this sport. It has grown in participation because it is fun and older participants especially think it is easier on the body. However, those who play this sport are still at risk for injury to various parts of their bodies. The quick side-to-side movements in pickleball put the ankle joint at high risk for sprain injuries. The repeated pounding of the feet on hard courts can also lead to foot pain. Investing in good, stable court shoes with a large toe box can help offset some of the pain suffered. Also, increasing the strength of the foot and ankle by practicing balancing exercises on one foot at a time can help in the prevention of injuries. If you are a pickleball player and have sustained an injury or suffer from foot pain, contact a podiatrist who can help with proper diagnoses and treatments appropriate for you.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact the practitioners of Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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 and ankle needs.