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PROFESSIONAL FOOT CARE FOR EVERYBODY
ANCASTER FOOT CLINIC and ORHTOTIC CENTRE offers a wide range of clinical services, from routine foot care to complex biomechanical and gait analysis and proper custom made ORTHOTICS. We will examine your feet first and clearly explain what is wrong and what can be done to relieve the problem.
Foot specialists, such as Robert Nekrasas D.Ch, attribute many foot problems to fashion: shoe designs that favor high heels and a narrow toe box over practicality. Feet are crammed into a narrow pointed shoe, imprisoned for 10 hours a day, withstanding almost 400 POUNDS OF PRESSURE PER SQUARE INCH every time you take a step. Your 26 foot bones and dozens of joints suffer without complaint until one day they just can’t take it anymore. Problems such as a corn, bunion, or blister can set your nerves afire.
Foot problems may take years to develop. As we age, changes can occur in ligament and muscle structure causing feet to lengthen and widen. In addition, feet tend to probate, or roll in more as we walk and the arches tend to flatten, causing heel pain. The excess weight that often comes with age may also contribute to foot problems. Unfortunately, few of us pay attention to these changes and squeeze our feet into the same size and style we have always worn.
WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER SEEING A CHIROPODIST?
The most common complaints that bring people to ANCASTER FOOT CLINIC are:
1. Corn: A small circular area, that has thickened due to shoe pressure or an underlying structural problem, such as a bunion or hammertoe. They may become infected underneath and can thus become very painful. Corns are commonly found on, or in between, the toes as well as on the ball of the foot.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT? Short term treatment consists of the gentle scraping down to remove the corns, but unless the underlying problem is remedied, they will return. Better fitting footwear may be all that is necessary and the patient will be advised. Custom made ORTHOTICS may also help by decreasing the pressure in the affected areas. If the toe alignment is the problem, a small soft toe prop can be custom made to prevent the toes from rubbing together.
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| 2. Ingrown Toenail:
Commonly occurring on the big toe, it is a nail that has grown into the skin, causing redness, pain and sometimes infection. It can be caused by improper nail cutting, improperly fitting shoes, or simply the structure of the nail.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT? Usually, a minor in office procedure solves the problem and gives relief. Nail surgery can be performed to permanently cure the problem. |
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3. Nail Fungus (ONYCHOMYCOSIS):
Is caused by a highly contagious organism that causes nails to become thick, chipped, discoloured and brittle. There are many types of fungus that can take hold around and under the nail as well as on the skin. It is present in our environment, however the nail can become more susceptible to infection for a variety of reasons, including trauma to the nail, tightly fitting shoes, a weakened immune system, and untreated athletes foot, to name just a few. Due to the fact that it is highly contagious, care must be taken to keep from spreading it to other toes and to other people.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT? The earlier it's caught, the greater the chance of a cure. There are medications the chiropodist can prescribe but to be most effective, the affected nail(s) and skin must be thinned and trimmed in order for the medication to penetrate to the source. This the patient can do at home with a nail file if it's a mild case, or the Chiropodist can use special tools in the office once every few months. It may take 12 to 18 months for the nail to grow in fungus free. |
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| 4. Neuroma:
Inflammation of a nerve which is located under the ball of the foot and serves the toes. It is often caused by wearing tight shoes and high heels and may also be caused by biomechanical problems, underlying causes such as bunions, or abnormal foot positioning. Neuroma may cause numbness, tingling, sharp electric pains, and general foot discomfort.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT? Early diagnosis and treatment may reduce the need for possible surgery. Properly fitted footwear and custom made ORTHOTICS are used to treat both the symptoms of neuronals as well as to alleviate the underlying problems causing it, such as bunions. |
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5. Plantar Fasciitis: Arch pain and heel pain can be caused by plantar fasciitis which is inflammation of the tendon like tissue (fascia) which attaches from the heel to the toes along the arch. This fascia can actually tear away from the heel bone from such things as overexertion, structural deformity, excess weight, flat feet, high arches, in toeing, etc. The pain is usually worse in the morning with the first few steps. A heel spur can develop where the fascia is tearing away from the heel bone. This condition is frequently seen in runners, active professionals, predisposed by high or flat arches. In such cases, biomechanical examination of the foot and custom-made ORTHOTICS may be a big help.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT? Short term treatment may include anti inflammatory medication, taping and cortisone. Long term treatment is custom made ORTHOTICS which correct the structural deformity responsible for the plantar fasciitis. |
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| 6. Flat or Fallen Arches: A foot that has a low arch or none at all, which may cause pain in the feet, legs and back; may be hereditary or result from trauma or long term lack of support. These and other structural variations can adversely effect the foot’s ability to perform and may lead to back and joint pain.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT? The only effective treatment for fallen arches, arising from any of the above mentioned reasons, is custom made ORTHOTICS. |
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| 7. Callus: A large thickened area of dead skin, often on the ball of the foot or bottom of the heel. It is caused by pressure on an underlying bone.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT? The treatment for a callus is similar to that of corns and involves professionally fitted footwear and custom made ORTHOTICS. |
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| 8. Hammertoe: An often congenital abnormality that causes a toe to bend at the first joint in a claw-like position; also caused by flat or high arches; may cause pain; often leads to corns.
WHAT IS THE TREAMENT? Hammertoes may be treated by custom fitted toe props, orthopedic shoes, and custom made ORTHOTICS. In severe cases surgery may be recommended. |
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| 9. Bunion:
A bony protrusion on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe; often leads to calluses. Generally though to be inherited, though improperly fitting shoes will accelerate formation. It can be prevented by treating children with flat feet and other foot abnormalities with ORTHOTICS early, especially if they participate in sports activities. Also you should remember that each pair of feet has its own requirements and handing down shoes from one child to another is not recommended
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT? The treatment for bunions is usually considered on a case-by-case basis according to an individual assessment. |
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| 10. Wart: A wart is a growth on the skin caused by a virus. It can be found anywhere on the foot. Plantar warts are covered with callus tissue and found growing inward on the bottom of the foot. A wart can be confused with a corn as it can look identical, but a chiropodist can distinguish the difference. A wart can be quite painful and is highly contagious. If left untreated, warts can multiply and also spread to other people.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT? Treatment will depend on the size and number of warts. It may consist of a blistering agent applied in the office. A blister will begin to form under the wart usually within 24 hours. This kills the wart by cutting off it's blood supply. Several treatments may be necessary to completely kill the virus.
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| 11. Metatarsalgia: Ball of foot pain is a painful disorder that affects the metatarsal joints. They become inflamed, usually due to excessive pressure over a long period of time. It can feel like "walking on pebbles" or can be a diffuse pain or burning. High heeled, pointy toe shoes, and being overweight are prime culprits. Metatarsalgia can also be caused by arthritis, trauma, hard floors and ill fitting foot wear.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT? For mild cases, a simple change of footwear may be all that is needed. If left untreated, moderate to severe cases can benefit from full length custom made orthotics, which provide cushioning for the painful damaged area and proper alignment. |
12. DIABETIC FOOT CARE:
Diabetes may affect the nerves, circulation and skin of the foot. A small cut, blister, or corn can lead to serious complications resulting in an ulcer which, if left untreated, may lead to possible foot amputation.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT? Routine foot care and regular visits to a Chiropodist can not only maintain good foot health but also eliminate the need for invasive treatments such as foot amputations.
13. ROUTINE FOOT CARE: Because of the normal aging of the body, the circulation within the feet may become lessened, leading to potentially serious complications. This can also lead to more basic foot problems such as corns, calluses, ingrown toenail fungus, and ulcers. This may also effect the nerves and the arches of the foot, leading to potentially debilitating foot, knee, hip, and back pain.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT? Routine foot care and consultation with a Chiropodist is the most effective treatment. Routine foot care also serves as a form of preventative foot treatment, which ensures that no severe problems arise from treatable ailments.
14. ARTHRITIS:An effective solution to help would be soft or accommodative custom made ORTHOTICS, which has proved to be very successful, by maintaining proper foot position, relieving mechanical stress and alleviating pressure on sensitive areas.
To back your appointment calls (905) 648 -9176 now
Please check out the web site at www.ancasterfootclinic.ca
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