PiedRéseau Chicoutimi Podiatrists and orthotics

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...

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:...

A viral infection is what causes a plantar wart, which is a skin lesion. It can either stay dormant for years or develop and spread quickly. It's a contagious skin condition that affects you and those around you.

The HPV, or human papillomavirus, creates these lesions. Despite the fact that it is a harmless virus, it is recommended that you get treatment as soon as possible to get rid of it.

The plantar wart frequently appears as a tiny, rough, spherical, and flat lump. It will manifest itself in a variety of ways.

• Appearance: it consists of spongy, brownish or yellowish tissue with small black dots;
• Size: it can measure from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter;
• Pain: plantar warts can be painful, even though they are uncommon. Friction or a pressure point can produce this type of pain, which can become severe;
• Posture problem: the foot pain caused by the plantar wart can lead to a foot positioning...

Diabetic foot develops as a result of the neuropathy that comes with poorly managed diabetes. When blood sugar levels are excessively high for an extended length of time, it impairs a person's neurological system.

The injury results in a lack of sensation in the lower limbs, among other things. Peripheral neuropathy is the medical term for this condition.

Blood vessel constriction is also caused by poorly managed blood sugar levels. Wounds and ulcers form more easily and heal more slowly as a result of inadequate circulation.

If left untreated, these two factors explain the dangers of a diabetic foot. A diabetic foot sufferer may have trouble recognizing a wound or a temperature change. As a result, individuals may be unable to discern between discomfort that requires the attention of a podiatrist or other health care provider.

Diabetic foot is a severe disease that can lead to gangrene and, in the worst-case scenario, amputation. That's...

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,...

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition. A strain or break in the plantar fascia, the fibrous band that supports the arch of the foot, is at the root of this condition.

Heel discomfort is the most prominent sign of this condition. It will be felt from the first steps in the morning or after a lengthy period of sitting.

You can find plantar fasciitis symptoms, causes, and remedies are listed below.

A person with plantar fasciitis will feel discomfort when they first walk in the morning, but it will subside over the day. They will also experience discomfort after sitting for an extended period of time.

Plantar fasciitis can also cause the following symptoms:

• Pain when palpating your arch or when pressing on your heel;
• Standing or walking causes pain, which might worsen over time;
• Tension on the outside of the foot, which can cause compensating foot and leg discomfort;
• A condition...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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:

Nail culture consists of taking nail and skin fragments from under a nail that appears to be affected by a fungus.

The main purpose of this procedure is to rule out a diagnosis of various pathologies comparable to fungal toenail disease. 

Examples include eczema or psoriasis, which may have similar symptoms but do not require the same treatment as onychomycosis.

Minimally invasive, nail culture has many benefits. 

One of these is to facilitate the detection of a fungal foot infection that is difficult to treat if not treated early.

Learn how nail culture fits into the podiatrist's arsenal of diagnostic tools and how it can help in selecting the right treatment for you.

Some symptoms of nail fungus are similar to other skin infections such as psoriasis and eczema when left untreated. 

The following symptoms are similar to those of nail fungus and are sometimes observed in patients with...

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...