This is an autoimmune disease that affects about 1 in 100 Canadians; women over thirty are more prone to the disease. It causes inflamation in a joint or joints and may also affect internal organs such as the heart, the lungs, or the eyes. The most common joints affected are in the hands and feet. […]
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The elevated blood sugars in diabetes can damage the blood vessels, nerves, and muscles in the body. Because of reduced blood flow to legs and feet, diabetics have reduced sensation. Diabetics also more prone to infections and have longer healing times. A minor foot problem, such as a corn, can become a non-healing sore in […]
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Plantar Fascitis: (heel pain) This is often mistakenly called a heel spur. The most common cause of heel pain is inflammation of the insertion of the plantar fascia into the heel bone. (calcaneus) This inflammation may be a result of bio-mechanical problems (foot function), or traumatic in origin. The insertion site develops a small tear […]
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Warts (verruca): These are viral infections of the skin and are contagious. They may or may not be painful and vary in severity from small and singular to large multiple areas. Treatment: Debriding and chemical cautery, cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen, application of chemical immuno stimulants or LASER removal
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A corn is a focal area of callus generally over a bony prominence and is usually quite painful. This may occur on top of a toe, the tip of a toe, in between toes, (soft corn) or on the bottom of a foot. Treatment: Unvolves careful debridement or paring down the callus or corn and […]
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A callus is a thickening of the skin which may become inflamed and painful. They often occur over areas of increased pressure and are associated with sheering stress. In more severe cases it may lead breakdown and skin ulceration especially in diabetics or those with poor circulation.
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These nails are discoloured yellow/brown or white and may be thickened. They are often crumbly, and may have a mild yeasty odour. They are seldom a problem other than the esthetic factor, and can be very difficult to treat. Simple thickened toe nails are often misdiagnosed as being fungal. Proper diagnosis is essential. Treatments: They […]
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‘Bunions’ or Hallux Valgus is a condition that affects the joint of the great toe. This is one of the most common deformities of the forefoot and occurs when the First metatarsal head deviates toward the midline of body and the toe subluxes from the Metatarsal head. This occurs gradually over time and has a […]
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Ingrown nails are caused by the toenail embedding into the flesh along the margins of the nail border. Possible causes are improper cutting of the nails, trauma, tight footwear, or congenital predisposition. Often the condition is worsened by infection. Treatment: Usually consists of removal of the offending piece of nail. This may be done under […]
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