Tips and advice from podiatrists

The big toe, also called the hallux, is responsible for essential functions such as lifting and balance. This toe is also particularly susceptible to trauma and external stress. In this regard, sharp pain in the big toe can prove to be burdensome and even debilitating. Read on to learn 5 ways to avoid big toe…

While they are relatively rare, foot abnormalities can prove to be quite distressing to a newborn’s parents. Fortunately, the majority of those abnormalities are not due to disease. Despite its unusual and perhaps alarming appearance, an abnormal infant foot is actually very treatable if the issue is quickly addressed. Here are the most common foot…

If you’re an athlete that likes to be active in the wintertime, you may know that it can be challenging to implement foot orthotics into your routine. However, they can be quite beneficial, both in providing relief and increasing performance. Winter sports that make use of skates can be hard on the joints. Therefore, it…

Gout is a form of arthritis that is particularly sensitive to metabolic changes. It can prove difficult to predict when gout will strike, seeing as this inflammation of the joints comes and goes of its own accord. But do not despair! There are some easy remedies that you can use at home to mitigate the…

Orthotics and prosthetics are both designed to support you on a daily basis. However, they do not provide support in the same way.  An orthotic compensates, supports and corrects a biomechanical deficiency or a postural problem. A prosthetic, on the other hand, replaces a missing limb of your body.  In podiatry, plantar or podiatric orthotics…

For many people, running and cycling are essential activities for health and well being. However, they can also cause pain and discomfort. Achilles tendonitis is an example of such discomfort.  Do you experience tendon pain after playing sports? And does this feeling of discomfort seem to get worse after each cycling or running activity? You…

If you think that athlete's foot (or tinea pedis) only affects athletes, think again! Of course, this pathology does affect many athletes. However, no one is fully immune to this infection, which causes fungus between the toes.  Did you know that more than 10% of the North American population will suffer from athlete's foot in…

Gout (also called "hyperuricemia") is a form of arthritis (an inflammatory disease), often very painful, that primarily affects men aged 50 and over. According to the Arthritis Society, gout affects approximately 5.2% of men and 2.4% of women in Canada. Western countries are the most affected.  The most common form of gout occurs in the…

Sever's disease is a type of pain felt in the heel (calcaneus) that should be monitored in growing children, especially if they are active! Rest assured, this pathology is frequent and benign. However, it can interfere with daily activities for several months or even years.  Of course, as a parent, you will never be able…

Reducing heart problems, preventing obesity, improving productivity—standing has many benefits. However, in some instances, working upright can cause stiffness or pain in the feet and legs. So, how can you reap the benefits of working on your feet without experiencing musculoskeletal pain? What follows are some helpful podiatrist tips to avoid discomfort and hurting your…

Diabetic foot is a problematic condition that can cause sores and ulcers. This makes the feet more vulnerable, especially among the elderly. If this condition is not treated promptly and effectively, it can lead to serious infections and, in some cases, amputation.  If you are one of the 880,000 Quebecers who are diabetic, you need…

Foot surgery becomes necessary in podiatry when treating foot pathologies that cause significant pain or deformities. The primary goal of surgery is to restore your quality of life and allow you to resume your activities without foot pain. There are several conditions that can lead to podiatric surgery. Let's take a look at the main…

We all know the harmful effects that smoking has on the heart or lungs. And smokers have long been aware of the many dangers of smoking to their health. However, it is too often forgotten that the harmful products contained in cigarette smoke can also affect the health of the feet. This is a little-known…

You may not know it, but many postural problems stem from poor plantar alignment. This statement makes a lot of sense when you consider the whole body. After all, it is the feet that must support our body's weight and maintain its balance. Of course, other musculoskeletal components are important in maintaining good posture, but…

Relieving plantar fasciitis often requires discipline. Indeed, this painful inflammation, caused by a stretching or a rupture of the plantar fascia, can be cured by podiatry, but also by exercises. These exercises strengthen the plantar fascia, the membrane that supports the arch of your foot. By progressively performing exercises, you can regain your mobility and…

It's always difficult to decide on surgery, especially when it concerns your feet. Pain that persists or experiencing difficulty walking are symptoms that can lead you to consider foot surgery.   However, we mustn't forget that foot care often includes more than one type of intervention.  There is also a real possibility that corrective treatment may…

Do you feel that your feet get sore too easily? Do you notice an imbalance in your movement when walking? Don't think that your shoes provide enough support for your plantar arches? A deformity or inflammation may be contributing to your discomfort. However, many foot pathologies may be the source of pain and disruption of…

Maintaining your foot orthotics allows you to keep it for a long time. Regardless of the type of foot orthotics you wear, regular maintenance is required to avoid undermining your treatment or premature wear and tear of your orthotics. Not to mention the bad smells that can occur due to inadequate maintenance!  As with your…

The assistance of a podiatrist is required to help you adapt to wearing foot orthotics. This foot care professional is trained to help you. Your podiatrist will design a progressive plan to help you through the process, including follow-up visits to ensure that you are adapting and using your orthotics correctly.  During the first few…

Preventing blisters on your feet is the best way to run, walk, jump or dance painlessly (no matter what activities you enjoy). These blisters appear as small pockets under the skin and are caused by repeated friction of the foot. Blisters on the foot are a way for the skin to protect itself against this…