The feet are complex structures, and it may be easy for several bones, muscles, and tendons to move out of alignment. The feet are responsible for balancing the body, and certain foot conditions may cause foot pain, possibly affecting the entire body. Many patients look for relief and comfort, and may find it beneficial to wear custom-made orthotics. These are insoles that are specifically designed for an individual's feet and may provide stability, correct misalignments, and reduce existing foot pain. Additionally, the benefits of wearing orthotics can include preventing injuries, improving general well-being, and enhancing athletic performance. There are different types of orthotics that can be considered. If you have foot pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine if orthotics are right for you.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact podiatrist Hartley Miltchin from Accent On Feet. Our clinician can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibility of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps toward being pain-free.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Toronto, ON. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Research has shown there may be a connection between walking barefoot and increased cognitive abilities. When children walk barefoot, they may become more aware of different textures that are walked on, which may contribute to understanding spatial awareness. There are numerous nerves in the feet, and when shoes are frequently eliminated, the opportunity to grow new neural connections may increase. The skin on the bottom of the feet will become tougher, and walking in environments with grass or sand may help to increase a sense of freedom. Toxic stress may be decreased, and walking in these types of environments may help to regulate the nervous system. Studies have shown that babies' feet are preferred receptors, and emotions may possibly be regulated when children can walk barefoot while outside. If you would like more information about the benefits of having your child walk barefoot, please speak with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact podiatrist Hartley Miltchin from Accent On Feet. Our clinician can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (a condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Toronto, ON. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Toe pain can make every single step excruciating. Toe pain can have many different sources, including injuries, arthritis, and hammertoe. Some of these things can be treated with home care, and some need additional medical intervention. Gout is a form of arthritis that commonly affects the big toe. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, and crystals form, which settle in certain joints. It causes severe pain at the base of the big toe, redness, and swelling. Hammertoe is a deformity where toes bend abnormally in the middle joint. The downward flex of the joint looks like a hammer, thus its name. It is most common in the second, third, and fourth toes. A hammertoe can make it difficult to walk and stretching and moving the toes can be impossible. If you have toe pain, see a podiatrist for medical treatment.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact podiatrist Hartley Miltchin from Accent On Feet. Our clinician can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Causes Toe Pain?
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Trauma
- Sports Injury
- Wearing shoes that are too tight
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Corns and calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Blisters
- Ingrown toenails
- Sprains
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Dislocations
When to See a Podiatrist
- Severe pain
- Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
- Signs of infection
- Continued swelling
- Pain that prevents walking
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Toronto, ON. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
There is no mistaking when an ingrown toenail develops. It is often noticed when the nail grows into the skin instead of over it. If prompt medical attention is not received, it may ooze a discharge, and become infected. An ingrown toenail can happen for various reasons. Trimming the toenails incorrectly is a common reason, in addition to wearing shoes that are too tight. Older people may frequently get ingrown toenails, possibly as a result of having poor eyesight, or not being able to reach their toes. Some people find mild relief when they soak their feet in warm water, followed by gently pulling the skin away from the nail. This is a temporary solution, and the skin will often return to the way it was before the feet were soaked. A bandage may have to be worn over the tender skin for protection until professional medical attention is sought. If you have developed this condition, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist sooner rather than later who can effectively treat an ingrown toenail.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact podiatrist Hartley Miltchin from Accent On Feet. Our clinician can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
- Bacterial infections
- Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
- Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
- Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
- Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing properly fitted shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Toronto, ON. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
