Items filtered by date: December 2022

Baby shoes are known to be cute and adorable. They can range from sneakers to dress-up flats, and it can be difficult to resist the temptation to buy them. Research has shown it is beneficial for babies to crawl and walk barefoot while indoors, and this can be helpful in strengthening the entire foot. The toes can become stronger while pushing off the floor to crawl, followed by gripping the floor with the toes while standing or walking. Wearing shoes at an early age may inhibit balance, and it may take longer for children to learn how to point and flex their feet. When it is time for the first pair of shoes to be purchased, it is suggested they are made with a flexible and non-skid sole, in addition to ensuring they fit correctly. It is important that children's feet are frequently measured, so they can wear the correct size to accommodate their growing needs. If you have concerns about when to have your child wear shoes, please consult with a chiropodist who can answer any questions you may have.

If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, please consult with Chiropodist Stephanie Poupore from North Bay Foot & Ankle. Our clinician will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Causes of Foot Pain in Children

While children can experience many of the same foot problems as adults do, some foot problems may be more common during childhood. 

Causes of foot pain in children can include:

• Deformities that are present from birth, such as flat feet or clubfoot

• Sever’s disease, which is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone

• Various sports injuries, such as sprains and fractures 

• Ingrown toenails

• Athlete’s foot

• Plantar warts

Prevention

It is important to look after the health of children’s feet in order to prevent future problems from arising. Keep your child’s feet clean and dry, trim their toenails regularly, ensure their shoes fit properly, and keep a watchful eye on any symptoms of foot pain, such as limping. If you notice any symptoms or if your child complains of foot pain, a chiropodist can help. 

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

Falling episodes in elderly people can wreak havoc on their daily lives. Many falls can result in breaking a toe, ankle, or foot, and may require a cast or walking boot to be worn. Additionally, fracturing a bone may create serious health issues, possibly leading to long-term disability. Research has indicated that approximately one-quarter of people who are 65 or older experience a fall, which can result in a fear of falling. This can make older people wary of partaking in social activities or completing daily tasks. There are various factors that can contribute to people falling. These include medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, poor vision, or heart disease. Their balance may be compromised as a result of the aging process, and muscle mass may decrease. Prevention methods that can help to reduce the risk of falling include improving the lighting in the household, having routine physical and eye examinations, and wearing shoes that fit correctly. If you would like to learn about more effective prevention techniques, please consult with a chiropodist who can offer you the correct information.

Falls are a common but preventable problem for older adults. If you would like to learn more about preventing falls, please consult with Chiropodist Stephanie Poupore from North Bay Foot & Ankle. Our clinician can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Did you know that most falls occur in the home? Fortunately, there are many simple changes that you can make to the living environment to reduce the risk of falling. 

In the Bathroom:

• Install grab bars near toilets, bathtubs, and showers

• Put non-skid mats on all surfaces that may get wet

In the Bedroom:

• Keep a light near the bed so that you can easily turn it on if you have to get up at night

• Keep the path from your bedroom to the bathroom clutter-free and well-lit

• Consider installing a bed rail for added support

In the Kitchen:

• Use non-skid mats

• Wipe up any spills immediately

• Move commonly used items to areas that are easily within your reach

In the Hallways:

• Place handrails on both sides of the stairs

• Install good lighting in the hallways and around the entire home

• Keep hallways free of clutter

• Don’t use throw rugs or small area rugs

In Other Living Areas: 

• Keep loose cables, cords, and wires near the wall and away from walking surfaces

• Make sure that all carpets and rugs are secure firmly to the floor

• Arrange your furniture so that it is not in your way when you walk

• Use chairs and couches that you can easily get up from

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

There are times when feet sweat and it is natural to the circumstances. There are other times when excessive sweating of the feet, known as hyperhidrosis, indicates something out of the ordinary may be going on. Sweaty feet can lead to other health issues, including foot odor, athlete’s foot, and toenail fungus. With this condition, the sweat glands produce extreme quantities of sweat, which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Things that may be the cause of such over-sweating include certain foods, situations, or emotions that may be triggered.  Also wearing socks and shoes that trap moisture or are ill-fitting, and not practicing routine foot care to help keep the feet clean and dry. If you suffer from excessively sweaty feet, talk to a chiropodist who can discuss what might be causing this and provide you with treatment options to help manage it. 

Plantar hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes excessive sweating of the feet. This problem is not only embarrassing but can also cause a variety of foot health problems if left untreated. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments available for plantar hyperhidrosis. If you have very sweaty feet, please consult with Chiropodist Stephanie Poupore from North Bay Foot & Ankle. Our clinician can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Signs & Symptoms

• Excessive foot sweat

• Sweating from both feet

• Slipping out of shoes due to sweat

• Damp footprints

• Ruined shoes

• Frequent foot infections

• Friction blisters

• Whitish foot color

• Wrinkly, pruney feet

• Cold feet

• Strong odor

Treatment Options

• Topical antiperspirants - Powders, creams, or gels that are applied directly to the feet to prevent sweating; can be over the counter or prescription strength

• Oral medications - Pills taken by mouth to reduce sweating temporarily

• Iontophoresis - A procedure that uses a mild electrical current conducted through water to reduce activity in hyperactive sweat glands

• Botox - Injected into the feet to prevent activation of sweat glands

In addition to these treatment options, footwear modifications, such as wearing shoes and socks made of breathable or moisture-wicking materials, are also suggested. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Drop foot, also known as foot drop, involves difficulty lifting the front part of the foot. This can make it difficult to walk. Drop foot is generally caused by weakness in the muscles used to lift the foot. It can be associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), another neurological syndrome, or physical damage to a nerve that controls the muscles that lift the foot. Those with drop feet walk by lifting the knee as though walking upstairs. Treatment ranges from braces to physical therapy to surgery. Such treatment may not cure the affliction, but it may help ease the symptoms and make walking easier. If you feel like you might be having symptoms of drop foot, contact a chiropodist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and guide you in treatment.

Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have foot pain, please consult with Chiropodist Stephanie Poupore from North Bay Foot & Ankle. Our clinician can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

When you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis. 

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:

• Stress fractures

• Sinus tarsi syndrome

• Extensor tendonitis

• Tibialis anterior tendonitis

• Gout

• Athlete’s foot

• Ganglion cysts

Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Foot cramps

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

• Plantar fibromatosis

• Posterior tibial tendonitis

• Stress fractures

• Flat feet

Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:

• Ankle sprain

• Cuboid syndrome

• Peroneal tendonitis

• Stress fractures

• Bunions

• Corns or calluses

• Posterior tibial tendonitis

Heel pain may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Achilles tendonitis

• Bone spurs

• Heel fractures

• Retrocalcaneal bursitis

• Sever’s disease 

Pain in the toes may be caused by:

• Gout

• Hammertoe

• Turf toe 

• Bunions

• Ingrown toenails

• Blisters 

• Arthritis

These and many more conditions can be treated by a chiropodist. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.