Bélanger Podiatry Clinic 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...

Bad blood flow from the lower limbs to the heart is the result of venous insufficiency in the legs.

Such a circulatory condition may be dangerous to one's well being if not treated properly, and it may also become chronic.

Venous insufficiency causes major functional complications even though it is not painful at first.

Knowing how to identify the warning signs of vein disease is important in order to receive timely treatment.

Here are the signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency, as well as how to prevent it from worsening.

Since circulatory disorders must be handled as soon as possible, knowing how to identify the signs is critical.

The following are symptoms of venous insufficiency in the lower limbs:

The feet, knees, and legs swell Numbness or loss of sensation in the feet The affected areas have blue skin Feet and legs have reddish dots Leg cramps at night Legs that feel heavier...

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common pathologies. It develops mostly as a result of early joint wear or degeneration.

Knees, like hips and ankles, are subjected to heavy loads. As a result, osteoarthritis is more prone to develop in these joints.

Because of the dynamic nature of the joint, osteoarthritis of the knee produces profound discomfort that might increase with time.

This limiting kind of osteoarthritis is caused by a number of variables connected to a person's age or activity.

Knee osteoarthritis must be treated as soon as feasible to minimize detrimental consequences on quality of life. Therefore, it's critical to understand how it manifests and functions.

Osteoarthritis causes a piercing or dull ache in the joints. However, the disease's influence can be considerably broader.

The following signs of osteoarthritis in the knees are good indicators:

Ordinary movements that become painful...

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...

Joint wear and tear is commonly associated with aging, although it can also be caused by other factors.

Joint degeneration is a complex process that can be impacted by a mix of reasons.

However, when it comes to joint damage, a small set of pathologies account for the vast majority of instances recorded.

Let's take a look at the most common causes of early joint wear and strain, as well as how they appear in daily life.

Osteoarthritis, the most prevalent kind of arthritis, affects the whole joint, beginning with the deterioration of the cartilage that protects the bones.

The fluidity of bone contacts gradually decreases to the point that movement flexibility is hampered.

Osteoarthritis produces symptoms that come and go at first. These symptoms do not persist till much later.

The following are some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis:

Knees, hips, ankles, and foot joint...

Foot digitization consists of capturing the imprint of the feet using various devices to establish an accurate diagnosis. This technique is particularly useful when it comes to designing custom-made plantar orthotics. 

2D impressions are taken using a podograph. A kind of pressure-sensitive cushion, a scan or a mirror, the podograph detects and shows a perfect image of the foot's plantar surface. 

On the other hand, the 3D scanning method requires the contribution of a three-dimensional sensor. It can accurately reproduce the entire morphology of the foot.

These scanning methods make it possible to conceptualize the foot and determine the source of discomfort extremely rapidly.

For the podiatrist, taking an imprint is both a diagnostic measure and a solution for creating highly sophisticated foot orthotics.

In addition to creating high-precision orthotics, foot scanning plays a key role in understanding postural...

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...

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...

It can be difficult to distinguish between a problematic and a healthy foot in a growing child.

Early detection, on the other hand, allows the podiatrist to react more quickly before the foot takes its final shape.

As a result, the prescribed treatments can be more effective.

This article will cover some of the podopediatric treatments available for children's foot pain.

Before prescribing any treatment, the podiatrist must ensure that they have a thorough understanding of the child's pathology.

They do this by using a variety of analysis techniques, including:

The biomechanical exam The postural assessment A digital X-ray of the feet  Digital impressions in 2D and 3D

The podiatrist will observe the impact of the feet on the child's whole body using the aforementioned techniques.As a result, a child's evaluation allows for the detection of postural abnormalities and imbalances that could...

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...

Digital radiography of the feet is performed at a clinic. This technique creates a medical image using X-rays to view the foot’s bone and joint structure.

With just one visit, digital imaging allows the podiatrist to make a rapid and accurate diagnosis of any issues affecting the feet.

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.

A stress fracture in the foot doesn't happen due to a single trauma, unlike a normal fracture.

Instead, it occurs in response to multiple repeated small stresses to the same bone in the foot.

While painful, this foot injury is particularly difficult to spot.

Therefore, to avoid unintentionally aggravating it, it is important to know how to recognize the symptoms and how to medically treat a stress fracture.

Read on to learn more about the stress fracture in the foot.

Predominantly found in athletes, stress fractures are usually located in the heel or midfoot.

Stress fracture in the heel: This part of the foot is instrumental in absorbing shock during stride. Therefore, it is not surprising that runners experience stress fractures in the heel.

However, the symptoms of a heel fracture can be similar to other foot problems such as:

Talalgia Plantar fasciitis Heel spur Sever's...

Common in podiatry, the biopsy is a minor foot surgery that lets the podiatrist thoroughly analyze suspicious lesions. In this way, the podiatrist can precisely identify the type of their patients’ dermatological pathology. The podiatrist can then outline a treatment based on the analyzes’ results.

In a foot biopsy, a small sample of the soft tissue affected by a suspicious lesion is removed to evaluate the whole, after local anesthesia. It is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

In particular, the biopsy of a foot lesion allows the podiatrist to assess:

The extent of the lesion over time; Changes in size, shape, and color; The severity of the foot lesion; The diagnosis of the exact foot pathology.

As mentioned above, in case of uncertainty, biopsy makes it possible to confirm certain diagnoses, thus letting the podiatrist determine the appropriate treatment.

Depending on the case, a biopsy may be...

An ingrown toenail is a very unpleasant foot condition that result from various causes. This section will help you assess the best treatment methods and discuss the advantages of surgery for an ingrown toenail.

An ingrown nail (or onychocryptosis) can occur when a section of your nail penetrates the skin of the toe. This phenomenon mainly affects the big toe.

Fortunately, surgery for an ingrown toenail can quickly put an end to redness, inflammation, sharp pain and possible infection. It allows you to avoid more serious complications.

Some people are more likely to suffer from ingrown toenails. These individuals may benefit from ingrown nail surgery to prevent their condition from deteriorating.

Those most at risk include:

Diabetics: they must consult a podiatrist as soon as the first symptoms appear in order to prevent their condition from deteriorating. In the most extreme cases, an ingrown toenail can cause bone...

Soft tissue or foreign body surgery on a fingernail, toe, or foot can be performed by a surgical podiatrist when a foreign body has become lodged in a patient's foot. It can be anything, including but not limited to: glass, metal, or wood.

It can also be used to perform a biopsy or remove a lesion that has become too large.

In podiatry, a soft tissue excision is defined by any surgical procedure designed to rid the foot of a deleterious element, whether it is a foreign body, a lesion, or a tumor.A qualified podiatrist can perform this minor foot surgery directly in the clinic under local anesthesia.

Nobody is safe from the possibility of having a foreign object stuck in their foot, because the countless steps that we take every day constantly expose our feet to all kinds of small objects.

The expertise of a podiatrist is fundamental in determining the type of foot surgery that needs to be performed to remove the foreign object...