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"We would like to welcome our Foot Care Nurse, Mark Stoyanovich to the Foot Care Institute"
Now Available for Routine Foot Care

(519) 258-3668

283 St Rose Ave
Windsor, ON N8S 1X1

May 2023

Tuesday, 30 May 2023 00:00

Risk Factors for Spraining an Ankle

Ankle sprains are a common injury for people who are active in sports, but they also can happen to anyone. Certain behaviors put a person at more risk for this type of injury. A typical risk factor is embarking on strenuous physical activity when your body is not in shape. Another is pushing through muscle and ligament fatigue, toward the end of a run for instance, rather than resting for a little while before continuing. A third risk factor for ankle sprains is not warming up thoroughly before an activity. This causes tight muscles and ligaments to be more likely to tear. Carrying extra weight is another contributor to the likelihood of spraining an ankle, because of an increased load on the joint. Ill-fitting or inappropriate footwear is another factor. This applies in ordinary life, such as walking on slippery surfaces in high heels, not just during athletic endeavors. Anyone who has previously sprained an ankle is at more risk of incurring another such injury. Making sure the previously injured ankle has completely healed before resuming activity can help to prevent this. For more information on ankle sprains, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further 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.

Read more about Three Grades of Ankle Sprains

Believe it or not, there are special shoes for pickleball, just as they are for running and walking. However, usually, shoes that should be worn for other racquet sports, like tennis or badminton, will work fine for pickleball. Appropriate shoes for this sport should be lightweight, have a good grip, and have adequate cushioning. If you decide to take the plunge and purchase actual pickleball shoes, it is important to know that these shoes are not as effective on certain surfaces that might be more common outdoors, like concrete or smooth tile. Suppose you are a seasoned or beginning pickleball player and would like more information about proper footwear for this activity. In that case, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for advice.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

  • Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
  • Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
  • Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
  • Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
  • Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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.

Read more about Proper Shoe Fitting
Tuesday, 16 May 2023 00:00

Causes of Swollen Ankles

Swelling in the ankles, also known as edema, is not uncommon and has many causes. A sprained ankle is one of the most common causes of a swollen ankle, as are sitting for prolonged periods, airplane travel, pregnancy, and obesity. Certain medications may contribute to swelling in the ankles. Among them are medication for blood pressure, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-allergy remedies. Certain hormonal therapy drugs and antidepressants may also generate swelling in the ankle. More seriously, swollen ankles can be caused by a number of underlying health conditions such as a blocked lymphatic system, arthritis, and blood clots. Preeclampsia, a common and potentially dangerous condition among pregnant women, can be indicated by a sudden swelling in the ankles. Congestive heart failure, as well as liver or kidney dysfunction, are other serious causes of swollen ankles. If you are unsure what is causing swelling in the ankles, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a thorough exam.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and 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.

 

Read more about Various Causes of Ankle Pain
Tuesday, 09 May 2023 00:00

Preventing Falls in the Shower

If you are a senior citizen, you undoubtedly know the importance of protecting the health of your feet. Something that can jeopardize the health of the feet, however, is suffering from a fall or trip. These falls can cause foot injuries in seniors and can further exacerbate foot health problems. Seniors might make a special effort to prevent falls in the shower. A senior might do this in a number of ways. For example, the installation of grab bars can help maximize stability and balance for a senior, giving them something to hold onto while entering and exiting the shower. Also, installing a shower chair gives the senior the option to sit while showering, which can reduce the chance of falling. Lastly, it might be a good idea to ensure that toiletries used while showering are placed within easy reach. If you are a senior or are caring for one, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today to be diligent in protecting your foot health.

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.

Read more about Falls Prevention

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Tuesday, 02 May 2023 00:00

Hammertoe Deformities

A hammertoe is caused by the misalignment in one of the toe joints which results in the toe developing a Z-shaped deformity. It can develop from rheumatoid arthritis, neurologic foot disorders, or other causes. Typically, the second toe is affected, and this happens because of an elongated second metatarsal and pressure from a bunion on the big toe. Corns can progress on the hammertoe deformity and can be an additional source of pain. When one has a hammertoe, it is important to wear shoes with a wider toe box so the toes have enough room to move freely, as well as to accommodate the foot deformity. Toe pads and orthotics might also help those with hammertoes. If these conservative measures are not helpful, speak to your podiatrist and see if surgery is an option. If you suffer with a hammertoe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an examination and treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact the practitioners of Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

  • Painful and/or difficult toe movement
  • Swelling
  • Joint stiffness
  • Calluses/Corns
  • Physical deformity

Risk Factors

  • Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
  • Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
  • Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
  • Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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 care needs.

Read more about Hammertoe
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