PiedRéseau Saint-Laurent 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...

Do you ever get a pain in the foot that makes you feel like you have needles or pebbles in your shoes? If so, you may have metatarsalgia.

This is what we call the pain in the area of ​​the foot sole, between the arch of the foot and the toes. If you have metatarsalgia, you may experience pain in a very localized area or on your entire forefoot.

Metatarsalgia is basically caused by inflammation. Often, the patient who suffers will feel that their socks are always bunched up at the base of the toes. Sometimes they will even feel like they are walking with a pebble or needles in their shoe.

• Burning sensation at the front of the foot
• Swelling of the front part of the foot
• Swelling on the front and top of feet
• Calluses on the front part of the feet
• Difficulty crouching down on bent toes
• Twinge in the foot...

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...

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...

Is there little or no curve in your foot arch? Do you get foot or joint discomfort when you stand? Flatfoot might be to blame for these problems.

Flatfoot is the collapse of the arch of the foot, as the term implies. Flatfoot is most visible when standing or walking, and it can cause serious postural issues. Fortunately, there are treatment options for treating this condition.

Flat-footed people may feel localized pain in the plantar area. However, this disease can have postural, musculoskeletal, or articular consequences.

The following are some of the most frequent symptoms of flat feet:

• Pain in the arch of the foot
• Joint pain in the ankles
• Change in the shape of the foot
• Feeling of imbalance on uneven ground
• Inward tilting of the heel and knees
• Ducking" gait
• Knee pain
• Lower back pain in the lumbar region

If flatfoot is not...

Unlike the flat foot, which is intended to be supple and flattened, cavus foot is excessively arched and rigid. This foot problem is characterized by a pronounced curvature from the top of the secondary foot to the plantar arch that is very high. 

It is also possible to observe a tightening between the heel and forefoot. This results in a curled appearance of the affected feet.

Cavus foot is not always a major source of pain as soon as it appears. However, if the deformity increases and the foot becomes more rigid, the arched foot can cause serious discomfort. 

Initially not very burdensome, advanced stage cavus foot can compromise the quality of life of individuals suffering from it. 

In addition to causing pain in the plantar arch, hollow foot usually leads to the following symptoms: 

• Plantar arch curvature more pronounced than normal
• Hump on the top of the foot corresponding to the...

Overuse of the tendon that links the calf muscle to the heel can lead to Achilles tendinitis. As a result, Achilles tendinopathy is a frequent issue among runners. This disease causes discomfort that rises at the start of activity and diminishes afterwards.

Are you an athlete who regularly gets discomfort in the rear of the ankle when training? Do you have muscular stiffness that lasts throughout the day when you get up? Have you seen a suspicious lump on the rear of your Achilles tendon recently?

You almost certainly have Achilles tendinitis if you experience the aforementioned.

The Achilles tendon, also known as the calcaneal tendon, is one of the largest and most active tendons in the human body. When it gets inflamed, it affects the entire body. Achilles tendinitis can take two forms: the acute form and the chronic form.

The following are the most common symptoms seen in people with acute Achilles tendinitis:

• A...

Do you suffer from foot pain that resembles electric shocks in the forefoot, followed by numbness in your toes? If you experience this, it can be symptoms caused by neuroma, also known as Morton’s neuroma.

This problem is due to a thickening of the nerves located between the toes, as a result of compression or friction. This leads to inflammation, numbness, burning or a sensation of small electrical discharges felt in the toes.

Although there is no outward sign of this condition, neuroma triggers several uncomfortable sensations in different areas of the foot.

• Numbness and tingling in your toes
• Sensation of burning in the forefoot
• Sensation of having a bunched up sock under your toes
• Sensation of small electrical shocks in your toes
• Toe cramps

These symptoms are aggravated if you remain standing for long periods of time or if you wear narrow shoes that are not...

Trichophyton fungi are what causes an athlete's foot - a dermatological infection. This foot fungus thrives in the spaces between the toes, where moisture tends to build up.

The fungus that causes athlete's foot is very infectious and may be found in locations like locker rooms and public swimming pools.

Athlete's foot is a difficult condition to treat, and it frequently recurs. If left untreated, it can extend to the sole of the foot, resulting in bacterial infection and problems.

It can spread to the nails in advanced stages, causing them to stiffen and discolor. Athlete's foot can also produce discomfort in other parts of the body, such as the groin or hands.

Let's look at how to spot this problem and what you can do to avoid it.

Athlete's foot is a skin infection that mostly affects the toes. Tinea pedis symptoms are generally more unpleasant than painful, but they should never be overlooked.

An athlete's foot...

If you suffer from a nail infection like nail fungus (onychomycosis), don’t let this problem go untreated. Most often affecting the big toe, it is a fungal infection that causes pain and that is very difficult to treat.

However, if you take the time, it is possible to get rid of it. Read on for further information on nail fungus.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection, that is, caused by fungi. It causes different symptoms in the affected individual. The main symptoms associated with this podiatric problem include:

• Nail discoloration (it becomes white, yellow or brown)
• Nail that grows thicker, curls up or changes shape
• Nail that breaks more easily
• Painful, infected nail
• Residue under the nail

As mentioned below, it is very difficult to rid oneself of an infection like onychomycosis. So, as recommended by podiatrists, if you suffer from any of these symptoms, do not hesitate...

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...

The inflammation of the sesamoid bones under the metatarsal head near the big toe is known as sesamoiditis.

This plantar condition, which is more frequent among dancers and runners, produces discomfort and limits movement flexibility.

Although sesamoiditis is relatively simple to cure on its own, it is critical to detect the warning symptoms before it worsens.

Here are the symptoms, causes and medical treatments for sesamoiditis in the foot.

The sesamoids are interesting little bones that aren't formally part of the human skeleton. They aren't related to anything else in the musculoskeletal system save a tendon and a joint.

Despite their small size, they can cause physical and mechanical pain.

In sesamoiditis, they are the cause of symptoms like:

• Swelling of the affected area
• Pain under the base of the big toe that gets worse when walking
• Redness or bruising of the...

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...

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...

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...

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...

The heel is crucial for maintaining bodily equilibrium and it is exposed to extremely high pressure in order to complete this process.

The skin of the heel is normally not subjected to excessive pressure when the body is correctly balanced. However, in certain situations, the skin on this region of the foot isn't properly stressed, or your skin is extremely sensitive to external factors.

This imbalance, when combined with friction and dryness of the heel, results in cracks.

The cracks, which are initially superficial, might later develop into very severe wounds and infection.

This skin condition can cause pain and discomfort, making walking difficult.

Heel cracks should be treated carefully, even if they are typically straightforward to cure.

Cracked heels can go through several phases before they become a concern, even if they appear to be innocuous. Knowing how to detect the signs might help you intervene before...

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...

Foot pain can appear in many ways and cause many accompanying symptoms every day.

Thanks to the high level of the podiatrist's expertise, however, you can count on treatment that is completely customized to your needs and condition. These professionals possess the latest technology to treat your pain quickly and accurately.

It is the podiatrist's duty to keep up with the latest intervention techniques to get rid of your foot pain. Thanks to their continuous training, you can be sure that your feet are in good hands.

Discover the most important treatments that podiatrists use every day to remedy foot pain.

Thanks to technological advances in the world of podiatry, patients can rely on a completely safe and effective method of treating joint, tendon or ligament problems: ultrasound-guided injection.

Unlike in the past, when injections were performed rather crudely, this type of ultrasound procedure helps the podiatrist to act...

Toenails that become thick, hardened, misshapen, or even yellowed as a result of moisture or traumatic injury can affect anyone.

To help with this type of inconvenience, several treatment options are available to the patient.

If you're dealing with deformed nails, dystrophy, or onycholysis, podiatrists will help you get to the root of the issue.

Let's look into some of the treatment choices for thick, misshapen nails.

The term "toenail deformity" refers to a change in the shape of the toenails as a result of trauma or infection.

Toenail dystrophy, on the other hand, has to do with texture changes.

The deformations of the toenails are caused by a variety of factors.

We may consider, for example:

• Fungal infections, like nail fungus
• Trauma of the nail plate, by crushing or cutting
• Shock trauma to the nail matrix
• Poor healing after...

Much like the ingrown nail, paronychia involves inflammation or infection of the cuticle of a toenail.

The inflammation of the skin around the affected nail is often caused by the bacterium Candida albicans (candidiasis thrush).

This results in a throbbing pain, redness and swelling of the affected toe.

If left untreated, this condition can eventually lead to pus accumulation and infection that spreads further to the toe or even the foot.

Learn more about the medical treatments for paronychia available at podiatry clinics.

As mentioned earlier, when the foot contacts a candidiasis-like bacteria, it can develop an infection of the cuticle.

As a result, this infection can lead to the accumulation of pus under the top layer of skin.

In this case, the podiatrist may suggest treating the purulent area with drainage.

Usually drainage of the subungual abscess happens as follows:

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...