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"Foot care nurse, Mark Stoyanovich, is now available for routine foot care at the Foot Care Institute"
Now Available for Routine Foot Care

(519) 258-3668

283 St Rose Ave
Windsor, ON N8S 1X1

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October 2024

Tuesday, 29 October 2024 00:00

Definitions and Causes of Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop as a protective response to friction and pressure. Corns typically form on the toes and are small, often painful growths with a hard center. Calluses are larger and usually appear on the soles of the feet or palms, serving as a broader protective barrier. The primary causes of corns and calluses include poorly fitting footwear, repetitive activities, and abnormal foot mechanics. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can create pressure points that lead to corn formation, while continuous friction from walking or standing may result in calluses. Conditions such as bunions or hammertoes can worsen these issues. While corns and calluses serve a protective function, they can become uncomfortable and may require attention to prevent further complications. If you have pain from either corns or calluses, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief solutions.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact the practitioners of Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our practitioners to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Read more about Understanding Corns and Calluses
Tuesday, 22 October 2024 00:00

Understanding Foot Stress Fractures

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repetitive force or overuse, often seen in athletes or individuals engaging in high-impact activities. Common symptoms include localized pain that worsens with activity, tenderness, swelling, and bruising surrounding the affected area. Individuals may also experience discomfort while walking or standing for extended periods. To relieve the pain and promote healing, rest is vital, allowing the body to recover without further stress on the injured foot. Elevating the foot helps minimize discomfort, and in some cases, wearing a supportive brace or orthotics can provide additional stability. Gradually returning to activity, along with strengthening and stretching exercises, can help prevent future injuries. If you have suffered a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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 Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

  • Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
  • Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
  • Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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 Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Tuesday, 15 October 2024 00:00

Swollen Feet in the Elderly

Swollen feet are a common issue among the elderly and can arise from various underlying causes. One significant factor is congestive heart failure, which occurs when the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the extremities. Additionally, certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure or diabetes, can contribute to swelling as a side effect. Edema, a condition noted for fluid retention in the tissues, is also prevalent among older adults and can result from kidney problems or prolonged immobility. Early identification can lead to effective management strategies, improving comfort and overall health for elderly patients. If you are elderly or you are taking care of an elderly person who has swollen feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can diagnose the cause and provide treatment.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

Read more about Elderly and their Feet

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, and gout are two distinct forms of arthritis that can cause significant foot pain. RA is an autoimmune condition that leads to swelling, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints, including those in the feet. This inflammation can result in joint damage if left untreated. Gout occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, often causing sudden and intense pain, redness, and swelling. It typically causes painful flare ups in the big toe. While RA tends to cause more generalized joint discomfort, gout pain is more localized and can be severe during flare-ups. Both arthritic conditions can limit mobility and interfere with your daily activities. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms and suggest treatment that helps manage pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent further joint damage. Included are certain medications, targeted exercises and lifestyle or diet adjustments. If you have inflammatory pain in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of 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.

Read more about Systemic Diseases of the Foot
Wednesday, 02 October 2024 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Tuesday, 01 October 2024 00:00

Relief Options for Plantar Fibromas

A plantar fibroma is a benign growth that develops in the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. This condition can cause discomfort and pain, making walking challenging. Non-surgical relief options may be able to manage symptoms effectively. Steroid injections can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Radiotherapy, although less common, may be used to target and shrink the fibroma. Conservative treatments like custom orthotics can provide support and reduce pressure on the affected area. In cases where non-surgical methods are insufficient, surgery might be considered to remove the fibroma. If you have plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

A plantar fibroma may 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.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

  • Steroid injections
  • Orthotics
  • Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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.

Read more about Plantar Fibroma
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