Items filtered by date: November 2022

Neuropathy is a common problem for many diabetics. Its major cause is damage to the peripheral nerves that send signals to the feet. Because these signals can become weak or not received, the feet can become numb and problems may ensue. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include paresthesia, which is a tingling or buzzing sensation in the feet. It can become worse at night while sleeping. Pins and needles in the feet and toes, called dysesthesia, cause intense pain and a burning sensation. The severity depends on the amount of nerve damage that has occurred. Another common symptom is a loss of the perception of temperatures. This causes the feet to be less sensitive to heat and more sensitive to cold. Meanwhile, hyperesthesia is an exaggerated sensitivity to the skin. Socks and tights can feel too tight, causing the skin to feel irritated even though nothing is physically wrong. One way to relieve some of these symptoms is by choosing footwear that is comfortable and fits properly. For information on how to best deal with diabetic neuropathy, please consult a podiatrist.  

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Sarah Urton, DPM from Kitsilano Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

The foot condition referred to as plantar fasciitis can cause severe heel pain. It affects the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, and is located on the sole of the foot. Repetitive running and overuse may cause the plantar fascia to become inflamed or torn, and this often requires medical attention. Many patients notice the pain is worse in the morning after arising, and may become milder as the foot warms up while walking. This condition may occur from standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day, or possibly from wearing shoes that have little or no support. Mild relief may be found when custom-made orthotics are worn, and this may help to take pressure off of the plantar fascia. If you have heel pain, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and properly treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Sarah Urton, DPM from Kitsilano Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

A baby’s foot is typically flexible and padded with fat. Most children start to walk between the ages of 8 and 18 months. At this time, they are usually still flat-footed, or their feet turn inward because their bones, muscles, and ligaments have not fully developed. Toddlers should be encouraged to walk barefoot as much as possible as this encourages balance, posture, muscle strength, and coordination. They get important sensory information from the soles of their feet touching the ground. When the child walks confidently, firm-soled shoes can be worn. Footwear can help protect their feet from injury in heat and cold. Have your child’s feet professionally measured to ensure the shoes that are worn are the correct size. Their feet grow quickly so this may need to be done every few months. Shoes that do not fit properly can hamper your child’s walking and cause foot problems like ingrown toenails. Shoes should have plenty of room for their toes, have a flexible, flat sole, and fasteners that do not allow too much movement or slipping of the foot in the shoe. If you have any concerns about your child’s feet or want to learn more about selecting proper shoes, please consult a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Sarah Urton, DPM of Kitsilano Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Many beachgoers like to spend their time in the ocean, catching waves in an activity that is known as bodyboarding. When an individual goes bodyboarding, they sometimes use bodyboarding fins (or flippers) on their feet to help with swimming. However, wearing these flippers can sometimes negatively impact the feet. For example, if the flippers are particularly low quality, they can easily rub up against the feet, causing friction that might lead to the development of blisters. This chaffing can be quite uncomfortable for your feet. If you are a bodyboarder and you want to wear flippers, contact your podiatrist to ensure that you are doing everything that you can to properly protect your feet.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Sarah Urton, DPM of Kitsilano Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

The feet are incredibly complex, intricate parts of the human body, made up of a number of different and important bones. Each bone serves a critical function, including the cuboid bone. One ought to know about this bone because it serves an important role in supporting the arch of the foot and providing stability. As the name of the bone suggests, it is shaped in a kind of cubical structure. This bone is located in the midfoot area and is situated essentially on the outer side of the foot. Being diligent in taking good care of the cuboid bone is essential to maintaining good foot health because if it moves out of alignment, a condition known as cuboid syndrome might develop. This foot affliction can cause a variety of symptoms, most notably a kind of pain on the outer side of the foot. This area of the foot is commonly referred to as the lateral area. For more information about this important bone in the foot, contact your podiatrist. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Sarah Urton, DPM from Kitsilano Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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