Items filtered by date: August 2023

Hammertoe, a common foot condition, occurs when one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This condition can be caused by various factors, including wearing tight footwear that crowds the toes, having imbalanced muscles or foot abnormalities, and arthritis. Fortunately, there are exercises that can help alleviate discomfort and prevent further progression. Toe stretches, where you gently pull each toe to stretch and relax the tendons, can be beneficial. Rolling a tennis ball or cylindrical object under the arches of your feet can also help strengthen the muscles. Additionally, picking up small objects using your toes encourages flexibility and dexterity. Regularly practicing these exercises, coupled with wearing roomier shoes and using orthotic supports, can aid in managing hammertoes and maintaining foot health. If you have developed a hammertoe, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with additional relief and treatment tips.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Sarah Urton, DPM of Kitsilano Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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.

Foot neuropathy involves the nerves in the feet that are not working correctly. This can lead to various issues, such as numbness or tingling sensations in the feet, pain or sensitivity when the feet are touched, and muscle weakness, which can affect stability and balance. Additionally, changes in the appearance of the toenails and skin might occur. Without treatment, neuropathy can even lead to sores or cuts on the feet that do not heal properly and infections may develop. The causes of foot neuropathy are diverse. One of the major factors is diabetes, which can damage the nerves over time. If diabetes is involved, it is especially important to keep blood sugar under control, as this can help reduce symptoms. Foot strengthening exercises can help enhance muscle function and stability. To ensure the safety of the feet, it is essential to inspect them regularly. If you experience unusual sensations or notice changes in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Sarah Urton, DPM from Kitsilano Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Diabetes has a profound impact on foot health, making it crucial for individuals with this condition to manage their blood sugar levels effectively. Elevated blood sugar can lead to reduced blood flow in the feet, resulting in serious complications. Diabetic neuropathy is a common condition, causing tingling sensations and pain in the feet. Nerve damage can lead to unnoticed injuries, which may worsen due to lack of sensation, which may eventually result in gangrene. Peripheral vascular disease, caused by restricted blood flow, is also a concern. Charcot foot, a rare condition, can deform the foot and raise the risk of sores. Monitoring foot health, managing blood sugar, and seeking early treatment are essential to prevent severe complications and ensure better overall well-being for individuals with diabetes. If you have diabetes and are experiencing foot problems, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for regular examinations and needed treatment.

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.

Foot dyshidrotic eczema, also known as pompholyx, is a skin condition characterized by small, intensely itchy blisters that appear on the soles of the feet and edges of the toes. This condition tends to flare up for a few weeks and in some cases, can be chronic. It is most common in adults aged 20-40, with a higher prevalence among females. Symptoms of foot dyshidrotic eczema include a burning or prickling sensation on the skin, followed by the sudden eruption of tiny blisters that may weep and become infected. This condition can cause pain, itching, fluid-filled blisters, sweaty skin, dry and flaky skin after blisters clear, and possible dark spots for individuals with darker skin tones. The exact cause of foot dyshidrotic eczema is unknown, but it is thought to be genetic and can be linked to hypersensitivity to certain allergens, such as exposure to metals or fungal infections like athlete's foot, and excessively sweaty feet. Stress and warm weather may also lead to flare-ups. If you have anything resembling this condition, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. It is defined as irritation or tearing of the plantar fascia and can cause difficulty in walking. The plantar fascia is found on the sole and connects the heel to the toes. It is instrumental in pointing and flexing the foot and can become torn for various reasons. These can include standing on hard or uneven surfaces most of the day or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, people who are overweight may develop plantar fasciitis due to the added weight the heels must endure. The heel pain felt with plantar fasciitis may be worse in the morning upon arising and may improve when walking is done, as the plantar fascia is stretched. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. 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 the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.