Items filtered by date: September 2023

Your feet often serve as a silent indicator of overall health, offering valuable clues about systemic diseases that may be lurking within the body. Recognizing these signs can be helpful for early detection and treatment. One of the most common signs is numbness or tingling in the feet, which can be indicative of diabetes or peripheral neuropathy. Discoloration or changes in nail texture may signify conditions such as fungal infections or psoriasis. Swelling in the feet and ankles can be a sign of heart, kidney, or liver problems. Additionally, poor circulation, often indicated by cold or pale feet, can be a symptom of vascular disease. If you notice any persistent or unusual changes in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for a comprehensive evaluation. 

Systemic diseases are medical problems that affect the entire body. Many systemic diseases can bring about foot and ankle problems. If you have a systemic disease that affects your lower limbs, 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. 

Which systemic diseases can affect the feet?

• Peripheral artery disease - Causes inadequate blood flow to the lower limbs

• Peripheral neuropathy - Nerve damage in the nerves that supply the feet and ankles

• Diabetes - Can cause nerve damage, poor circulation, and a weakened immune system that can lead to the formation of poorly healing wounds on the feet

• Arthritis - A disease of the joints that damages joint lining, it often affects the small joints of the feet and the ankle joints

• Gout - A build up of uric acid in the bloodstream that forms crystals that can lodge in the joints

How can a chiropodist help? 

Chiropodists help people who have systemic disease manage and maintain their foot health in a variety of ways. They can diagnose a multitude of foot and ankle problems, screen for certain systemic conditions, teach patients about proper foot care, and provide information about preventive strategies that patients could employ to avoid complications from their systemic diseases. Chiropodists can also treat foot and ankle problems through medications, foot and ankle exercises, orthotics, and lifestyle recommendations, among many other potential treatments

If you are living with a systemic illness that impacts your foot health, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Summer is the season of barefoot walks on the beach, outdoor adventures, and stylish sandals. To make the most of it, it is essential to prepare your feet for the warmer months ahead. This can begin by exfoliating your feet to remove dead skin and calluses, leaving them soft and smooth. It is helpful to invest in a high SPF sunscreen to protect your feet from harmful UV rays, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. Moisturizing daily can help to keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness and cracking. Additionally, choose comfortable, supportive footwear that provides ample arch support and cushioning. Be mindful of wearing flip flops for extended periods, as they lack arch support and may lead to foot pain. Regularly trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Lastly, stay hydrated to maintain overall foot health. By following these steps, you can ensure your feet are ready for summer adventures and look their best in those stylish sandals. If you would like more information about foot preparation for the summer months, it is suggested that you speak with a chiropodist.

Summer is the season for many foot and ankle issues. If you’re suffering from a foot or ankle problem, 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. 

Common Summer Foot Problems 

• Athlete’s foot

• Toenail fungus

• Plantar warts

• Foot and ankle injuries

• Bunions

• Hammertoes

• Heel pain

• Cracked heels 

• Sunburns

• Blisters

Prevention

• Wear supportive shoes and avoid flip-flops

• Maintain good foot hygiene

• Exfoliate and moisturize the heels

• Apply sunscreen to the feet and ankles

• Wear shoes in public areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers 

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.

The feet and lower legs are pivotal in most sports, enduring significant strain during intense physical activity. Accurate assessment is the vital first step toward recovery, as incorrect diagnoses can hinder healing and lead to lasting damage. Common sports injuries include toenail injuries, foot pain, and Achilles tendon pain. There can be overuse and postural imbalance injuries, especially among runners transitioning to longer distances. Treatment may include offloading the affected area and encompass strapping, and therapy, in addition to altering training routines. It may be helpful to consider making footwear adjustments, incorporating stretching techniques, and wearing custom orthotics. If you have a sports-related foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, 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 Injuries Among Athletes: 

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Ankle strains or sprains

• Plantar fasciitis

• Fractures

• Turf toe 

• Joint dislocations

• Sever’s disease

• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

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.

In the realm of sports and physical activities, one crucial yet vulnerable component often overlooked is the Achilles tendon. Nestled at the back of our heels, this strong band of tissue connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, enabling us to walk, run, and jump. Achilles tendon injuries, though seemingly commonplace, can be debilitating and require extensive recovery periods. These injuries, often stemming from overuse, inadequate warm-up routines, or sudden increases in intensity, can be excruciatingly painful. Such injuries are prevalent among athletes, especially runners and basketball players. This type of injury can result from poor footwear choices or biomechanical imbalances. Understanding the factors that contribute to Achilles tendon injuries is beneficial in successful prevention. If you have incurred an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you speak with a chiropodist as quickly as possible who can accurately diagnose and treat you.

Achilles tendonitis is a common injury of the Achilles tendon, a band of fibrous tissue that runs along the back of the lower leg. The Achilles tendon can also rupture, making it impossible to lift the foot. If you are suffering from heel or calf 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. 

Causes of Achilles tendon injuries include: 

• Repetitive stress or overuse

• Sudden increase in activity levels

• High impact injury

• Calf muscle tightness or weakness

• Altered foot biomechanics

• Heel bone spurs

• Underlying medical conditions that weaken the tendon

Symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury include: 

• Heel and calf pain that worsens following exercise

• Chronic heel and calf pain

• Sudden pain in the back of the ankle or calf

• A popping or snapping sensation

• Thickened lump in the Achilles tendon

• Ankle and calf stiffness

• Decreased range of motion in the affected foot

• Swelling

• Difficulty walking 

Treatment

• Resting the affected leg

• Applying ice 

• Compressing the foot and ankle

• Elevating the injured leg 

• Wearing orthotics

• Low impact exercises

• Stretches

• Strengthening exercises 

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications

• Cortisone injections

• Surgery, if the tendon is ruptured 

Achilles tendon injuries can be very painful and lead to reduced mobility if left untreated. 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.