As stated in the name (also known as pes planus) flat feet are described as your feet being flat on the floor when standing or walking. This can be due to genetics or changes in the strength and structure of your feet as you age. The incorrect biomechanics of the foot can lead to problems such as pain in the feet, knees and back, corns and calluses forming and swelling of the feet.

Chiropodists can provide different options:

Custom Made Orthotics

• Can correct structural foot problems and alleviate pain

Ice

• Plantar fasciitis can be a result of flat feet. You may choose to use ice and take anti-inflammatories to decrease the swelling in the foot

Routine Foot Care

• Due to improper biomechanics, corns and calluses can develop on the feet. These can be treated by debriding the area of interest

Stretching

• Proper stretching can alleviate pain and strengthen the foot

Are your shoes the right fit?

              Shoe sizes in Canada are not standardized across the nation, so the best way to determine if your shoe fits properly is to remove the insole and step on it. Ensure that there is one thumb width from your longest toe to the edge of the insole. If the shoes are uncomfortable from the first time you try them on, chances are they will remain uncomfortable, even if you try to “break them in”.

• When trying on shoes:
• End of the day is best representative of your shoe size
• Bring the type of sock you will wear with them
• Bring your custom orthotics with you
• Walk around the store for a few minutes
• Try on both shoes at the same time

Some key feature to look for in a running shoe:

• Rubber sole for traction
• Moderately firm midsole for support and cushion
• Heel should be firm with an “Achilles Notch” in the back
• Removable insole if you need to allow space for custom orthotics
• Shoe should withstand a twisting motion, like wringing out a towel

Some key features to avoid:

• Slip on shoes
• Shoes that do not have a proper heel such as clogs
• Flimsy shoes that easily twist
• Inserts made of gel or air as they can displace over time, altering the support
• Irremovable insoles

Shoes differ depending on the activity intended for use and the type of foot sitting in them. If you are unsure of the fit or proper lacing of a shoe for sport or to alleviate any foot pain, please check in with a Chiropodist.

With Kerfoot busy grinding on the ice, we wanted to make sure he was scoring some points by taking care of his KerFEET as well.

Post-sports foot care is very important, and goes beyond having a shower.
Walking in shared change rooms poses a risk of getting warts where people are walking around in bare feet as well. This is because warts are a contagious viral skin condition that can be passed on when your foot comes into contact with a surface that has been infected. Wearing shoes such as sandals and flip flops is highly recommended in these facilities.

Blisters may happen from the friction of your shoes (or skates) against the skin, forming a fluid-filled bubble. Do not pop these as this may introduce bacteria to the area, causing an infection. Instead, wear shoes that decrease the pressure in that area.

Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that naturally lives on our bodies. If they live in a warm, moist environment they can multiply, causing an itchy, scaling rash. Thoroughly drying the feet and changing socks often may help with this.

So Mr. Kerfoot, if you are experiencing any of the above, please give our office a call. We need you in tip top shape so you can keep scoring those goals.

What is a Fungal Nail Infection?

Onychomycosis if a fungal infection of the nail which is often accompanied by an infection of the skin commonly known as Athlete’s foot. This is typically found between the toes.

Nail fungus is a common foot ailment which can range from a mild infection with little to no symptoms to a more sever infection which can cause discolouration, thickening and crumbling of the nail. Although it is not a serious infection, some people may experience some level of pain and be bothered by the appearance of the nail.

How does one get a fungal nail infection?

Fungus that lives in the environment can find its way into cracks of the nail or surrounding skin, causing the infection.

What can I do to prevent this?

• Keep feet clean and dry
• Do not share nail clippers
• Wear shoes when visiting public pools and change rooms
• When visiting a nail salon, ensure they sterilize their instruments properly between each use or bring your own.

What is the treatment for fungal nail?

Fungal nail infections are difficult to cure. Your best course of action is to seek treatment as early as possible. These types of infections do not typically go away on their own and talking to your healthcare professional will allow you to choose your best option. Antifungal pills are the most effective but each person’s situation and history is taken into consideration.

Plantar fasciitis is also known as a foot strain which can cause pain in the medial longitudinal arch. Inflammation within the medial band of the plantar fascia may be caused by the biomechanical function of the foot, prolong standing or increase in weight.

Pain due to plantar fasciitis is typically worse first thing in the morning upon bearing weight and may eventually become constant. A tight band may be palpable which may be tender to touch.

This type of condition may take some time to treat seeing as the pain may come and go and the level of severity may increase rather slowly over time. In turn this may be considered a chronic soft tissue injury.

Some things that can be done at home may include, but are not limited to:

• Foot baths in which you submerse your feet in warm water for 5 minutes followed by cold water for 5 minutes continuously for 30 minutes total.
• Foot exercise where you can lay a tea towel on the floor and try to scrunch your toes to bring the towel in towards the centre of your foot.
• Freezing a water bottle and rolling it for 5 minutes along the arch of the foot back and forth.

Things that can be done in office may include, but are not limited to:

• Orthotics to address biomechanical issues which are causing the pain.
• Different types of padding depending on the biomechanical issues that are causing the pain.
• A prescription to help manage the pain and inflammation.