Items filtered by date: September 2025

Nerve entrapment syndromes in the foot and ankle occur when surrounding tissues compress or irritate a nerve. This pressure can create pain, tingling, numbness, or even burning sensations that often mimic other conditions, making diagnosis more complex. Common areas where this happens include the tarsal tunnel along the inner ankle and the top of the foot where nerves can become trapped by wearing tight footwear or repetitive strain. Athletes and individuals who spend long hours on their feet are especially prone to these syndromes. Early detection is important because untreated nerve compression can lead to long term discomfort and muscle weakness. Identifying the underlying cause, whether it is footwear, injury, or repetitive stress, is the first step to relief. If you are experiencing persistent foot or ankle nerve symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Excess body weight places added stress on the feet, which can lead to discomfort and reduced mobility. Research shows that carrying higher fat mass is strongly linked to foot pain, while overall body weight can negatively affect how the foot functions during walking and standing. With obesity rates rising across the globe, problems such as plantar heel pain, tendon strain, and joint stress in the feet are becoming more common. This makes awareness and early intervention especially important. Podiatrists play a key role not only in treating foot pain but also in addressing its contributing factors. By working with patients and collaborating with other health professionals, podiatrists can help manage both the mechanical strain on the feet and the broader health issues connected to weight. If you are experiencing foot pain related to weight, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for evaluation and care.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

Basketball is fast-paced and demanding, making the feet and ankles especially vulnerable to injury. The constant running, jumping, and quick direction changes place significant stress on these areas, often leading to sprains, fractures, or tendon injuries. Ankle sprains are particularly common when a player lands awkwardly after a jump or rolls the foot on another player’s shoe. Stress fractures in the foot bones may also develop from repetitive impact on hard courts. Overuse injuries, such as Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, are frequent in athletes who train heavily without adequate rest. Even minor issues like blisters or bruised toenails can sideline a player, if not properly managed. Early evaluation and treatment are key to preventing long-term complications. Wearing protective footwear, strength training, and proper warm-ups can reduce the risk. If a basketball injury is causing pain in your feet or ankles or limiting performance, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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
• 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 contact our office located in Vancouver, BC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Neuropathy is a condition that results from damage to the nerves, often affecting the feet. It can involve sensory nerves, which transmit sensations such as pain, temperature, and touch. Motor nerves control muscle movement, and autonomic nerves regulate involuntary functions like sweating and blood flow. Damage to these nerves can lead to symptoms including numbness, tingling, burning sensations, weakness, balance difficulties, and changes in skin or toenail health. Early recognition and management are vital to prevent complications. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve function, provide treatments to relieve discomfort, recommend protective footwear, and develop a comprehensive care plan. If you have unusual sensations or pain in your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and guidance.

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.

Posterior tibial tendinopathy is a condition that affects the tendon running along the inside of the ankle and foot. This tendon supports the arch, so when it becomes weakened or inflamed, pain and swelling often appear on the inner ankle. Over time, the arch may begin to flatten, leading to instability and difficulty walking long distances. Many people notice aching after standing for long periods of time, or pain that worsens with physical activity. The condition often develops from overuse, poor foot mechanics, or injuries that strain the tendon. Without treatment, it can progress to adult-acquired flatfoot, making daily movement more challenging. Treatment includes rest, supportive footwear, and custom orthotics to reduce strain. Targeted stretching and strengthening exercises are also helpful. If symptoms persist or the tendon becomes severely damaged, surgical options may be considered to restore proper foot function. If you have painful arches, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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