Foot Care
Foot Facts
Foot health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being, often overlooked until problems arise. Each foot has 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments working together to bear our body weight and facilitate movement. It is no wonder maintaining our feet is essential to enjoying a healthy, active lifestyle!
Nearly 75% of Canadians will experience some form of foot health issue in their lifetime. Regular foot care and early intervention are crucial in preventing complications.
We recommend routine foot examinations, especially for individuals with underlying conditions such as diabetes or arthritis. Early detection of foot problems means more effective treatment. Early intervention can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major problem. Conditions such as ingrown toenails, painful corns and calluses, and fungal nails are treatable or even preventable with routine foot care from a chiropodist.
Preventative Foot Care Tips
Performing some preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of foot problems.
Washing your feet daily with soap and water and ensuring they are thoroughly dried, particularly between the toes, helps prevent fungal infections and other skin conditions.
Shoes that fit well and provide adequate support can help prevent a host of problems, including bunions, calluses, and plantar fasciitis. It’s advisable to choose shoes with a wide toe box, low heels, and ample cushioning. Additionally, regularly rotating your footwear can help maintain the shoes’ support and reduce wear and tear. We are happy to help you find appropriate footwear at St. Catharines Foot Clinic!
It is also important to exercise to maintain foot strength and flexibility. Simple activities such as toe curls, heel raises, and stretching exercises can improve foot muscle strength and enhance flexibility, reducing the likelihood of injuries. These exercises can be easily incorporated into a daily routine and can be performed without any specialized equipment. Staying active by walking, running or other forms of exercise not only benefits overall health but also strengthens the feet. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important, as excess weight puts additional strain on the feet, leading to various complications.
Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short to avoid ingrown nails, which can lead to infections. Using clean, sharp nail clippers and filing the edges can help maintain healthy nails. We are fully equipped at St. Catharines Foot Clinic to help with nail cutting.
Regular home foot examinations help identify potential issues early. Checking for changes in skin color, texture, or temperature, and monitoring for cuts, blisters, or swelling, can help detect problems before they become severe. Call St. Catharines Foot Clinic if you detect any foot problems.
By incorporating these preventative foot care tips into your daily routine, you can ensure healthier, stronger feet and reduce the risk of foot-related issues. We recommend making these practices a part of your lifestyle for long-term foot health and overall well-being.
When to Consult Us
Recognizing the signs that necessitate professional foot care from a chiropodist is crucial for maintaining optimal foot health. Pain is one of the primary indicators that you should consult a chiropodist.
Swelling and inflammation are other symptoms that should not be ignored. These could be signs of underlying conditions such as arthritis, infections, blood clots, or injuries.
Numbness or tingling sensations in your feet might suggest nerve issues, including peripheral neuropathy, which should also be assessed.
Changes in the appearance of your feet or toenails warrants a visit to a chiropodist. This includes discoloration, thickening, or unusual growth of toenails, which could indicate fungal infections or other skin and nail conditions. Additionally, structural changes in your feet, such as bunions, hammertoes, or abnormal arch shapes, should be evaluated by a chiropodist.
During your visit at St. Catharines Foot Clinic, you can expect a thorough examination by our chiropodist Jake Cahoon, and a discussion about your symptoms. Treatment options vary based on the diagnosis and can range from conservative methods like exercises, stretching and orthotics to surgical interventions if necessary. Early consultation can prevent minor issues from escalating into more serious conditions, so call for an appointment if you suspect a foot problem.