Marie-Christine Bourque podiatry clinic – Lévis Podiatrists and orthotics

Corns, calluses and severe corns are formations of dead flesh under the feet. They can be embarrassing for people when they walk or exercise.

Often, people with delicate feet tend to suffer more. However, this foot problem is easily treated.

It is common for an individual to develop skin problems. However, it is important to know the difference between the 3 pathologies described below.

Corn: this is a localized area of skin that thickens a lot. When a cluster forms, it bores into the skin and causes pain similar to that of a pebble in a shoe. Callus: a corn has several names, like callosity or hyperkeratosis. It is characterized by an accumulation of excessive layers of skin and can form cracks in the heel if not treated. Severe corn: these are also corns, but in their case, they are more advanced. They are painful, with a brownish center. They develop because of excessive pressure on the skin that has thickened, with internal bleeding of...

Did you know that this type of pain is often related to unbalanced feet and legs?

Foot pain is very common, and often localized in the heel. The most common heel pain is plantar fasciitis. The forefoot is also often a source of pain. This pain is usually located on the soles of the feet just behind the toes. The term “metatarsalgia” encompasses the majority of these pains, which can then be more specifically classified according to the area affected and the source of pain or discomfort. Morton’s neuroma, hallux abducto valgus (foot bunion) and hammer toes are some of the most common disorders of the forefoot. The condition that affects the top and central portion of the foot often results from osteoarthritis. This osteoarthritis is normally the wearing down of the joints caused by a misalignment of the foot.

Ankle pain can be caused by an old injury such as an improperly healed sprain or fracture and/or a functional foot problem. The onset of...

Whether due to premature joint degeneration or a disease of the immune system, foot arthritis is a very uncomfortable condition.

Arthritis is usually characterized by musculoskeletal pain accompanied by day-to-day difficulties in mobility.

Joints like knees, hips and ankles are particularly vulnerable to this condition.

Currently, there is no single medical solution that completely cures foot arthritis. 

However, by acting from the onset of the first symptoms, it is possible to reduce the impact of the ensuing complications. 

Let’s examine what causes this degenerative disorder and how to effectively relieve it.

When arthritis affects the feet, it generally takes two forms: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition caused by an autoimmune disease where heredity can be an aggravating factor. 

This form of arthritis affects people...

When you place your foot on the ground, do you feel discomfort beneath your heel?

Seeing as calcification under the calcaneus is quite common, Lenoir's thorn might be the disease that affects you.

The heel spur, known as Lenoir's thorn, is a bony protrusion on the inside of your heel. This anatomical structure can be seen by X-ray.

People with this condition frequently experience pain in their heels while taking their first steps in the morning or after sitting for a long period. They may also notice a painful spot in their heel, such as a spur.

Imaging is usually used to detect this structure. It is very difficult to feel by touch.

Let's take a look at what makes heel spurs develop, as well as the therapies that can help you get rid of the discomfort they produce.

Heel spurs usually do not cause any symptoms.

When walking or standing for lengthy periods of time, the majority of persons with this...

Osteoarthritis of the big toe is a degenerative condition that causes joint hardening and a progressive loss of mobility, which may be quite painful.

The most prevalent type of joint deterioration is osteoarthritis. The metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe is affected by hallux rigidus.

If the big toe osteoarthritis is not treated, the front of the foot loses mobility and eventually freezes.

This disease can cause discomfort and deformity, making it difficult to wear shoes.

Osteoarthritis of the big toe, like many foot diseases, is simpler to treat if caught early.

Learn about the warning symptoms of hallux rigidus and how to avoid it by developing good habits.

The consequences of a hallux rigidus issue might be so severe that surgery is required.

This is why it's critical to recognize the signs and symptoms of big toe osteoarthritis.

The presence of hallux rigidus may be indicated by the...

Is it difficult to walk on your foot because of a deformity in the big toe area? Is your big toe extending from the base due to the same deformity? Do you have pain and inflammation in your joints?

If this is the case, consult a podiatrist right away because you most likely have a bunion (hallux valgus).

Don't be deceived if the bunion appears to be painless at first.

Hallux valgus can produce a variety of unpleasant symptoms, ranging from minor aches and pains to ingrown toenails and mobility issues.

Here's a rundown of the signs and symptoms of a bunion:

The appearance of a hump at the base of the big toe caused by a common joint displacement Beginning of the displacement of the big toe towards the 2nd toe Appearance of joint stiffness and pain when moving straight Having trouble putting on shoes (widening of the forefoot) Second toe deforms and becomes clawed or hammered Joint pain...

Subungual hematoma is a fairly frequent toenail injury caused by an accumulation of blood following a sudden or repeated shock.

Although toenail hematomas are typically benign, they can become extremely painful and possibly indicate the existence of a more serious issue.

It's critical to understand how to detect a traumatic nail condition in order to get the help you need.

So, let's look at the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for a toenail hematoma.

Subungual hematoma is a very straightforward to recognize condition since it usually arises after a blow or a squeeze.

It can be recognized based on signs like:

Sharp pain in the affected toe A discoloration of the nail towards blue, purple or black A pulsating or throbbing sensation in the affected area A toe that is sensitive to touch Swelling of the painful toe A sore nail that lifts Painful adjacent toes

Apart from the...

Ingrown toenails are a frequent nail issue that can be extremely painful and even incapacitating. It's identified by a toenail that grows into the flesh and punctures it.

Ingrown toenails cause irritation and, in the worst-case scenario, infection, resulting in painful toes.

As a result, it is critical to address the problem as soon as possible in order to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control.

Let's look at the causes, symptoms, and remedies for ingrown toenails.

An ingrown toenail can be identified by a variety of symptoms. Inflammatory redness, pain when squeezed, and, in some circumstances, blood or pus on the side of your nail are all possible symptoms.

However, keep in mind that an ingrown toenail has three stages;

First stage: there is a small inflammation and pain when pressed. Second stage: we observe an infection and the wound becomes more visible. Third stage: we notice an...

Blisters are a watery lesion that occurs when the skin of the foot is exposed to friction or irritating pressure.

While it is common knowledge that wearing new shoes causes blisters, other factors can also influence the development of blisters.

Let's learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for persistent foot blisters.

When a blister develops on the foot, it usually affects specific parts of the skin that come into contact with the shoe.

The same is true for the heel, big toe, upper arch, and forefoot:

The heel: Blisters on the heel are common due to the impact of an ill-fitting or new shoe.

The big toe: A painful blister might form on the big toe if the shoe does not allow enough room for the toes.

The top of the arch: Athletes who run are more likely to develop this form of blister under the foot.

Forefoot: Blisters on the forefoot, whether on or near the bottom of the foot,...

Normally, the big toe has a limited range of motion. However, a joint obstruction can occasionally induce knee discomfort, heel pain, and ankle sprains.

This is known as hallux limitus.

Without therapy, functional hallux limitus can progress to hallux rigidus, a potentially crippling type of big toe osteoarthritis.

Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for functional hallux limitus before permanent harm occurs.

One of the risks of hallux limitus is that it is difficult to identify in its early stages.

Because it affects the big toe, it is likely to have symptoms comparable to other diseases.

In order to obtain treatment as soon as possible, you should identify the following symptoms: 

The buildup of corns and calluses on the inner side of the big toe Significant discomfort in the big toe and surrounding area Pain in the knees Tension in the sole of the foot Back pain...

Toenail trauma can result from a variety of causes, including a blow, a crush, or a foreign body.

Even if toenail trauma is benign in the majority of cases, there is always the danger of lifelong abnormalities.

It is advised that toenail trauma be treated as soon as possible to reduce the cosmetic hazards connected with it.

Given how similar this sort of damage can be to a tumor under the toenail, it should be given considerably more attention.

Toenail trauma is the nail's reaction to an unusual shock or force, as the term indicates.

The following symptoms appear after an accident that causes a subungual hematoma:

A buildup of blood in the shock-affected nail tissue A change in the color of the nail to dark purple or blackish blue Pain that lasts for a long time or throbs Partial or total nail detachment in the weeks following the traumatic incident

Other indications of a toe injury might take...

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the body's essential organs, epidermis, and musculoskeletal components.

As a result, poorly regulated blood glucose levels frequently result in the development of a plantar lesion that is diagnosed as a diabetic foot ulcer.

Although ulcers are a common consequence of diabetes, they can be avoided.

Here are the symptoms, causes, and treatments for a diabetic foot ulcer to assist you in avoiding this condition.

The feet of a diabetic should always be monitored because of their fragility.

The ulcer usually appears in the following plantar regions:

Between the toes or on the outside of the toes; On the top of the foot or in the center of the plantar surface; Near the malleolus; On the large toe's side;

It is also vital to pay attention to the warning signs of the problem while considering the locations that are prone to develop ulcers.

These can...

The bunionette, also known as quintus varus or tailor's bunion, is a toe deformity caused by a deformation of the 5th metatarsal bone.

Mirroring the bunion of the foot (hallux valgus), the bunionette causes a deviation of the last toe that makes it difficult to put on the shoe.

This foot condition, if not treated properly, can cause extreme discomfort and consequences, which can be life-threatening in some cases.

It's important to understand the conditions surrounding a quintus varus in order to see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

You can find the symptoms, causes, and remedies for a bunionette here.

Even though the bunionette is easy to identify from other toe abnormalities like hallux valgus or hammertoes, knowing how to recognize it is vital for preventing further complications.

This type of metatarsalgia provides esthetic discomfort as well as a variety of symptoms, including:

Noticeable pain in...

Heel bursitis (also known as calcaneal bursitis) is a painful disease that can make daily activities difficult. This foot condition arises when a bursa, a sac that secretes synovial fluid and serves to lubricate the joint between the bone and the tendon, becomes inflamed.

Although heel bursitis is usually harmless, it is nonetheless painful and uncomfortable. If you believe you have it, you should get assistance as soon as possible. You'll be back on your feet in no time with the correct intervention at the right moment!

However, some people, particularly athletes, continue to participate in sports despite chronic bursitis. This might aggravate the bursitis, producing extra foot discomfort and worsening the inflammation.

PiedReseau explains the many methods for detecting, treating, and avoiding this condition.

To determine when to see a podiatrist, you must first understand the most common symptoms of bursitis. Keep a close eye on the...

Foot capsulitis is a type of metatarsalgia in which the joint capsule of the metatarsal bones is inflamed.

Although it is more prevalent in the shoulder, knee, or elbow, it is probable that it might also happen in the foot.

Let's look at what causes foot capsulitis, how to cure it, and what symptoms it triggers.

While we are all too familiar with the problems that capsulitis in the shoulder may cause, its plantar equivalent can be just as bad.

The following symptoms are commonly associated with capsulitis in the foot:

A burning sensation under the toes in the front area of the foot; Numbness in the forefoot; A feeling of a lump under the forefoot; Putting weight on the front half of the foot becomes difficult; Pain in the phalanges (toes);

The symptoms indicated above should be closely monitored since if not addressed promptly, they can lead to serious problems.

These problems can...

Postural evaluation is a valuable tool for a complete and accurate evaluation. This computer-assisted system analyzes the light reflected by the body in order to detect any anatomical variations indicative of various pathologies of the feet and the body, without the use of radiation, waves or any other processes that may be harmful to your health. CryoVizion allows the podiatrist to conduct a preliminary objective evaluation of the patient and follow their progress while being treated with plantar orthotics.

Postural imaging makes it possible to:

Help establish an accurate diagnosis Customize treatment for maximum benefit Show the benefits of a treatment Show how a plantar orthosis is helping your posture Measure the feet in a qualitative and quantitative manner

Cortisone injections, sometimes referred to as “cortisone infiltration,” are often a beneficial podiatry treatment used to relieve acute or chronic pain related to various musculoskeletal issues. Actually, cortisone is a hormone frequently used as an anti-inflammatory to relieve certain joint pains, rashes, inflammation or swelling.

Learn more about cortisone injections, an effective treatment with numerous benefits, but which must generally be used in the short term, with care and discernment, by a healthcare professional.

A musculo-skeletal ultrasound of the foot is a medical imaging technique used to examine pathologies that affect soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons, nerves and muscles. Complementary to the clinical examination, a foot ultrasound provides an accurate diagnosis and is used to design a more structured treatment plan for patients.

A foot ultrasound is an imaging technique that does not use radiation, and is completely safe. Children, adults and seniors can all benefit from this service, regardless of their physical condition.

Easily administered, a foot ultrasound provides results almost equivalent to those of an MRI, ensuring rapid diagnosis and management of the condition.

Having your children’s feet evaluated by a competent foot care professional will ensure proper management of any foot pathology that may worsen over the years.

Thus, when taken care of early enough, it is possible to improve your child’s postural development by evaluating and correct any foot issues for the rest of their lives!

Comprehensive biomechanical examinations are carried out in a podiatric clinic in order to make an accurate diagnosis of your condition. It is thus possible to establish the best possible treatment plan. During your visit, podiatric doctors who provide advanced expertise will evaluate you.

A complete examination done in a podiatric clinic includes:

Ultrasound-guided injection can be used to deliver treatment directly to the affected area.

It may contain an anti-inflammatory solution, similar to the cortisone injection in the foot.

Ultrasound-guided injections, however, are more typically utilized to guide a medical practitioner during surgery on minor foot structures.

This type of infiltration not only relieves pain in pathologies including osteoarthritis of the big toe, plantar fasciitis, Morton's neuroma, and other plantar ailments, but it also allows for viscosupplementation and hyaluronic acid injection into particular joints.

This treatment offers pain alleviation that is both effective and safe.

Discover what makes this modern process unique, as well as how it can be beneficial for you.

Podiatrists can work safely and efficiently with ultrasound injection.

Although such a guiding device is occasionally required for cortisone injection in the...

Therapeutic taping consists of adhesive bandage that is strategically applied to specific areas in order to increase muscle tone or reduce pain associated with certain movements. Contrary to popular belief, therapeutic taping helps more than just for athletes.

While its use is widespread among runners and tennis players, therapeutic taping is also suitable for the general population. It is efficient for relieving very specific joint and muscle pain, however therapeutic taping cannot be applied just anywhere at random.

That's why it's important to trust a qualified professional such as a podiatrist to perform the taping. If you have been struggling with muscle pain or tension for some time, therapeutic taping may be right for you.

Taping is often used in addition to physiotherapy and plays a therapeutic role for many people.

This comes in 3 types: athletic taping, neuro-proprioceptive taping and finally therapeutic or compressive...

The primary goal of plantar orthotics is to improve the function of your foot in order to correct various biomechanical flaws or posture issues. They are used to compensate for certain deficiencies in your foot. Because they are custom designed specifically for your condition, the orthosis is perfectly adapted to the shape of your foot to optimize its function.

In addition to relieving any pain you may experience, a custom-made foot orthosis is adapted to the morphology of your feet, and redistributes the pressure exerted on them. It can therefore be used to treat many pathologies and deformities. Remember that the health of your feet is important to be able to perform your daily activities.  

To ensure your orthotics treatment provides effective results, the podiatrist will have to evaluate you and design a custom casting of your feet. You will be cared for during all stages of the process, to ensure you receive the correct orthosis, which you can...

ShockWave therapy was first used to break up kidney stones.

This therapeutic technology, however, has been adapted to other medicinal purposes as well. Nowadays, podiatrists use it in the clinic to treat difficult-to-repair musculoskeletal injuries.Acoustic waves are at the core of the ShockWave therapy. Through a sequence of high-speed shocks, it strengthens the body and aids in the recovery of painful foot disorders. Most notably, it is used to treat plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and heel spur.

In the case of ShockWave therapy, the podiatrist treats plantar conditions with a special device that includes an applicator.

When the applicator emits a high-intensity pulse, it is transmitted through the skin to the tissue that requires treatment.

By inducing microtrauma around the affected region, this technique aims to cause an inflammatory response in the body.

While it may appear counterproductive, it is a powerful...

Performed by a podiatrist, foot care includes many treatments and assessments aimed at preventing pain, reducing restrictions and promoting comfort. They can even be performed at home by a specialized caregiver.

A versatile professional, the podiatrist uses a variety of treatments to the benefit of your feet:

Physical treatments; Pharmacological treatments; Orthopedic treatments; Surgical treatments.

A number of cases require foot care to be performed in a professional clinic. Therefore, the podiatrist and their team can provide you with a complete service to prevent and treat your foot pathologies. Naturally, all of this is done with clean, sterilized equipment.

Read on to learn more about the different treatment options.

Among the common foot treatments performed in podiatry you can find:

The application of special creams; The prescription of medicines; Foot baths or the use of...

Podiatrists are trained to perform foot mobilizations. They are able to perform an articular evaluation of your feet as well as any symptoms felt. Following this evaluation, the podiatrist designs a personalized treatment plan to improve the articular architecture of your feet.

The podiatrist performs gentle and precise foot manipulations to help improve your feet’s functioning and alleviate your pain. You will thus benefit from optimal biomechanics. Your feet will be better adapted to your daily activities: walking, running, golf, etc.

An ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) is an inflammation caused by a portion of a nail (usually on the big toe) penetrating the surrounding skin.

While usually minor, it is nonetheless a common nail problem that can result in pain and inconvenience in your daily life. If the ingrown toenail is not treated, it may lead to inflammation and exacerbate the pain in the foot.

Do not worry, however, as there are a variety of useful therapies available to help you get rid of ingrown toenails and get your feet back on track. Learn more in this article. 

Medical nail clipping is one of the most traditional nail care procedures. Nail clipping is a common solution for ingrown toenail problems that is performed by a podiatrist or a specialized nurse (assistant). Professionals in the field of foot care can customize a cut to your nail's condition.

Nail care, on the other hand, is more than simple nail trimming, as antibiotic creams or baths can...

Plantar warts are common skin lesions that can be quite unsightly. They are often harmless, although they can be infectious and unpleasant.

In reality, these growths on the foot might cause bleeding or create other issues such as irritation, pain, or infectious cellulitis in the long run.

Furthermore, if you are diabetic, elderly, or immunosuppressed, your plantar warts are more likely to cause problems.

Fortunately, plantar warts may be treated in a variety of ways to reduce the risk of infection and consequences. Let's have a look at those.

Your podiatrist can write you a prescription for painless wart treatment at home. The majority of these medicines are used topically.

Prescription medication care can:

Treat plantar warts at home; Treat plantar warts completely painlessly.

However, this type of treatment...

Is usually longer lasting; Must be flawlessly followed; Has a lower...

Minimally invasive and highly effective, the therapeutic laser is a modern treatment for foot pain.

The laser treatment performed in the clinic relies on technology that thoroughly heals the damaged tissue through photobiomodulation.

This method accelerates the body's natural healing process, similarly to ShockWave therapy.

The therapeutic laser treatment provides relief from chronic pain, acute pain as well as post-surgery complaints.

This treatment uses safe beams of light, also known as high-power laser therapy.

When these light beams hit the skin, they penetrate the structures at the surface. Adding slight pressure may also allow the laser to reach deeper into the affected tissues.

Once they have penetrated the epidermis, the beams of radiation that reach the tissue are absorbed by melanin and hemoglobin.

As a result, the patient feels almost immediate relief when this energetic phenomenon is then...