February 2023

The bones in the toes can be easier to fracture than other bones. They are small in size and can be stubbed or jammed against a piece of furniture, often causing pain and discomfort. Additional forms of toe pain can include bunions, ingrown toenails, or the toe may become sprained from an injury. If the toe is thought to be broken or sprained, an X-ray is often performed, which is successful in determining which type of injury it may be. Prompt medical attention is generally sought for an ingrown toenail, and relief may come from partially or completely removing the nail. A bunion is a bony area that develops on the side of the big toe. It may feel better when larger shoes are worn, and a protective pad is worn over it. In severe cases, the bunion may cause the other toes to shift toward each other, and surgery may be a necessary treatment method for permanent removal. If you have toe pain for any reason, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and treat it accordingly. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

Most people associate diabetes with a blood sugar and insulin imbalance, and that is certainly true. But diabetes can also affect the nervous system, causing a secondary condition termed neuropathy. This is nerve damage that restricts the ability of the peripheral nervous system to send accurate messages to the extremities. The effects of neuropathy in diabetics are commonly experienced in the feet. Symptoms often include a feeling of pins and needles in the feet or toes, pain that is felt especially at night, and numbness. The result of this nerve damage can be the cause of even more complications, such as foot infections and ulcers. A common warning sign is wounds that do not seem to heal. If these are not attended to promptly, they can cause infections and turn into gangrene. Checking the feet daily is paramount in preventing further damage. If you have diabetes, it is a good idea to have regular checkups with a podiatrist who is trained to deal with the effects of diabetes on the feet. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Research has shown that more than 50 percent of elderly people who fall will endure life-threatening injuries if they are not found shortly after falling. There are various reasons why seniors may fall, including having arthritis, taking multiple medications, or lacking exercise. Additionally, having hypertension may cause the patient to feel light-headed, and this may interfere with balance. There are straightforward methods that can be implemented that may help reduce the risk of falling. Improving the lighting in the household and having regular physical and eye examinations are simple, yet effective practices for limiting falling episodes. Many people choose to have a grab bar installed in the shower and toilet area, in addition to removing worn rugs from the living area. Falling can seriously impact the feet, and it is not to be taken lightly. If you would like more information about effective fall prevention techniques, please consult with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

Taking care of your toddler’s feet and helping them maintain proper foot health is one of the most important things that a parent can do. Caring for your toddler’s feet ensures that they can support your child as the child grows older. One important foot affliction to be on the lookout for in your child is known as athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that can cause a red rash on the feet. Athlete’s foot is often spread between children in damp, warm, public places where children may walk around barefoot. For example, you might encourage your children not to walk around barefoot in their school’s gymnasium. Often, a case of athlete’s foot may be spread on the sides of public pools. Children will demonstrate blisters and red skin when they are affected by athlete’s foot. If you care about maintaining the health of your children, start by protecting against athlete’s foot. See a podiatrist for more information.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute.  Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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.