Winter 2014

Posted on May 2, 2014 by annag

Cold Feet?

Cold feet can occur for many reasons including poor circulation in the lower legs and feet.

Conditions such as PVD (Peripheral Vascular Disease) in which blood flow is limited due to arterial blockage or narrowing, or peripheral neuropathy, a condition affecting the nervous system and particularly sensation, can give the foot a numb and cold feeling.

Peripheral neuropathy is common in diabetics and those with spinal disease.

Other conditions that may cause cold feet include certain medications, nerve or thyroid conditions.

Symptoms of cold feet include:

  • Tired or cramping feet/legs
  • Swelling
  • Aching
  • Dry and/or cracked skin
  • “Pins and needles” sensation

Treatment for cold feet includes:

  • Examination by a chiropodist/podiatrist
  • Socks to keep the feet warm and assist in blood flow
  • Limited exposure to cold air
  • Appropriate seasonal footwear
  • Daily moisturizing to prevent dry/cracked skin

In some cases, nerve-related causes of cold sensation may have to be treated with medication and/or surgery.

Winter footwear:

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Avoid slips and falls this winter by wearing durable footwear that will keep you safe and warm. Here are a few tips on what to look for in a winter boot:

Boot Height – boot must be tall enough to avoid snow from getting inside and melting, making you wet, uncomfortable and cold.

Liner- A thick and soft liner to help keep feet warm and dry. A fleece collar or drawstring at the top of the boot may be helpful.

Upper – Material such as suede, treated leather or synthetic fur uppers are warm options, but must be waterproof.

Sole – Rubber provides protection and insulation and keeps the boot protected from water and cold temperatures. It is also easy to clean.

Heel– Select a boot with wide heels and adequate tread. Look for cross-hatching that will grip in icy conditions.

Winter Footwear

What’s New?

· · ·

Lisa Henry, an associate chiropodist at our clinic for the past five years has now moved to Milton. We thank Lisa for all her hard work in providing treatment to our patients and wish her well in her future endeavours, both personally and professionally.

Darren Gobin B.Sc., D.Ch.

Joining our team this past August is Darren Gobin. Darren is a registered chiropodist and recent graduate from the Michener Institute. His past experience consists of time spent at chiropody and wound clinics around the GTA including Toronto Rehab, Women’s College Hospital and St. Michael’s Hospital. Darren is dedicated to providing optimal care for all of his patients by alleviating conditions related to the foot, improving foot function and enhancing his patients’ quality of life.
Posted in 2014 | Comments Off on Winter 2014

Spring 2012

Posted on May 14, 2012 by annag

Danforth Foot Clinic Newsletter
May is National Foot Health Month

416-461-3273 “Put Your Feet in the Right Hands” Spring 2012

 

Heel pain
Heel pain in a common musculoskeletal symptom that affects most of us at some point in our life.  The heel bone, known as the calcaneus is the largest bone in the foot and must endure a great amount of stress throughout the day. There are a number of conditions that can cause heel pain, however the three most common conditions include (but are not limited to) plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis and bursitis.

 

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the thick fibrous plantar fascia.  This condition is characterized by pain on the bottom of the foot. Pain is often worst when weight bearing after prolonged periods of rest or sleep.

 

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is an inflammatory injury of the achilles tendon due to traumatic injury or overuse.  This tough cord like tendon attaches the muscles in the calf to the heel bone.  Symptoms include pain when walking, running or jumping and often present in conjunction with swelling, heat and local tenderness.

 

Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation of a fluid filled sac located between a tendon and a bone.  Retrocalcaneal bursitis is the result of inflammation of a bursa that lies between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone.  Bursitis can also be caused by a shoe rubbing over a bony prominence of the foot.

 Treatment for Heel Pain
The most common conservative treatments for heel pain include:

  • Cryotherapy
  • Heat therapy
  • Anti-inflammatories
  • Stretching
  • Custom-made Orthotics
  • Supportive/Orthopaedic Footwear
  • Laser Therapy

 

The Danforth Foot Clinic is proud to offer the MedX Laser and Phototherapy rehabilitation system.

Phototherapy is a proven and highly effective treatment which increases local microcirculation, accelerates tissue repair, reduces pain, decreases inflammation and edema, and enhances immune response and angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth).

 

Phototherapy has been used successfully to treat athletic injuries, acute and chronic conditions, repetitive strain disorders, tissue healing and many other conditions. By providing the extra energy required for healing, the tissue is able to heal itself naturally. This innovative therapeutic alternative may also eliminate the need for painful, debilitating surgeries and drug therapies so often accompanied by harmful side effects (MedXhealth.com).

 

To learn more about the many benefits of Laser and Phototherapy please call us at 416-461-3273, or ask at your next visit.
Posted in 2012 | Leave a comment

May is National Foot Health Month

Posted on May 24, 2011 by annag

Danforth Foot Clinic Newsletter
May is National Foot Health Month

416-461-3273      “Put Your Feet in the Right Hands”          MAY 2011

 

Orthotics: Sorting Out the Confusion

During some point in our lives, over 80% of the population will suffer from foot related ailments.

For some it will remain a minor annoyance but for others it will mean pain, discomfort and even disability. In many cases, these problems are related to the inefficient functioning of the foot.

The most common dysfunction is when the leg turns inward and the foot flattens excessively, this is known as over pronation. A certain amount of pronation is normal and necessary. When this motion is excessive, it is the primary cause for the gradual development of bunions, hammer/ claw toes, heel pain and foot fatigue. Due to the foot’s critical role in how the body functions, problems of the feet can also lead to many common ankle, knee, hip, and low back ailments.

An orthotic is a custom-made, corrective, removable device that is placed within the shoe to hold the foot in a specific position and/or to control excessive motion, thus allowing the joints to function closer to their normal limits.

As a result of the foot control, muscles are able to gain mechanical advantage and move the foot and leg more efficiently. Futhermore, when the muscles work better they will not tire out as easily and many symptoms can be alleviated.

Dry, Callused or Cracked Skin?

In the summer, our heels can become very dry and problematic.  The use of cream can help.   Selecting creams that contain urea help the skin maintain moisture content and keep the skin supple. 

It is important to maintain the skin’s optimal condition, as it is the body’s natural defence to bacteria and other types of infections.  Regular application of cream and the use of a pumice stone or file during or immediately after showering will help the skin remain in good health. 

The things you should know before getting a pair of orthotics…

  • Orthotics should only be prescribed by a regulated foot care specialist.  Chiropodists and Podiatrists are the only health care professionals, in Ontario, trained specifically in analysing foot function and prescribing orthotic devices.
  • Orthotics are notthe only solution to a foot problem.  They must always be part of a full treatment plan.
  • Not everyone requires an orthotic. If a person’s feet are functioning correctly and they are not experiencing any symptoms, there is no need for orthotics.
  • An orthotic will not change the way that an adult foot is structured.  For example, a person with “flat feet” will not miraculously develop an arch.
  • Prescription orthotics are much like prescription glasses in that they only correct the problem when they are worn.
  • An orthotic device must be made from a modified plaster cast of the foot, or from the use of a 3-D computer image.  These are currently the only methods that will capture the foot accurately.

 
Posted in 2011, Orthotics | Leave a comment