Tips and advice from podiatrists

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…

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…

Obesity is a growing problem in the world population, currently affecting 34% of Canadian adults. While it is common knowledge that this condition often leads to high blood pressure and circulatory problems, the mechanical difficulties experienced by overweight people sometimes go unnoticed. Still, the joints of the legs and feet must support the extra weight.…

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…

Just like the podiatrist, the orthotist is also responsible for treating a variety of foot problems. However, the podiatrist’s role focuses more on diagnosing and carrying out the treatment while the orthotist’s duties are reserved to one particular step of the process. Their roles may be different, but the podiatrist and orthotist regularly collaborate 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…

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…

The bunion, or hallux valgus, is a problem that is more common in women, manifesting as a deviation and deformation of the big toe. This deformation of the foot can cause pain and difficulty in comfortably wearing shoes over time. While the bunion can begin as nothing more than a cosmetic problem, it may eventually…

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…

While they are both popular tools for making custom foot orthoses, 2D and 3D scanning techniques are nonetheless quite different. 2D imaging offers a very detailed representation of the sole of your foot. In turn, 3D scanning allows you to know your whole plantar morphology and effectively detect any anomalies. Only this impression technique lets…

Taking care of your feet is primarily a matter of habit. However, when it comes to foot care, many of us have developed bad habits over the years. These damaging habits can often result in several limitations that hinder our daily lives, such as: Foot pain (Achilles tendonitis, heel spur, plantar fasciitis, bunions, Morton's neuroma,…

Custom orthotics are adaptable to a variety of situations. Technological advances, in particular, have made it possible for podiatrists to offer foot orthoses that are specifically designed for sports. Learn more about sports orthotics to get the best out of them in your everyday life. Can you play sports with foot orthoses? Foot orthoses for athletes:…

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…

The heel spur, also called the calcaneal spur, usually manifests by affecting your plantar fascia. This bony outgrowth from the heel bone is normally painless. However, if you play a sport that is heavy on your feet, such as running, your fascia will experience increased tension and can thus result in pain. Learn the 4…

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…

Most medical professionals will tell you that good musculoskeletal health directly depends on your feet. But who should you trust with the delicate task of treating foot pain? After all, there are various medical professionals who have the skills to identify what is wrong with your physical condition. Let's take a look at who offers…