Turf Toe!

Big toe injuries, known as turf toe, result from hyperextension of the big toe joint as the heel is raised off the ground. An external force is placed on the big toe, and the soft tissue structures that support the big toe on the top are torn or ruptured.

Turf toe often arises from participation in team sports. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, and swelling of the toe joint. There is often a sudden acute onset of pain during a push-off phase of running. Usually, the pain is not enough to keep the athlete from physical activities or finishing a game. This causes further injury to the big toe and can dramatically increase the healing time required.


Full treatment for Turf Toe can be read on our website. 


Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
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Arthritis Foot Care Tips

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Regardless if you have arthritis or not, the best thing you can do for your feet is find shoes that fit and feel comfortable. Here are some tips for finding the perfect pair for your feet.

• Buy a pair shaped like your feet. To find out if your current shoes are causing problem, outline them on a piece of tracing paper. Then outline your bare feet on top of those tracings. If your feet are outside of the shoe tracing, you have problems. Look at buying shoes that are square or rounded at the toe. These shoes will give your feet more room to move.
• Get the support you need. Find shoes with good arch support and an additional layer of support on top of the shoe. These qualities are most common in athletic shoes.
• Rubber soles are key! The rubber material will provide more cushioning for your foot. When trying on, be sure to check the flexibility of the shoe near the ball of your foot. 
• Say no to heels! Heels increase the amount of stress on your feet and restrict your toes ability to move. 

Stretch Your Self, Before You Wreck Yourself

Well-exercised and fit feet, may not be as noticeable as biceps, but they are just as important when comes to keeping your body healthy and pain-free. Be sure to consult us before starting a routine foot exercise regime. 

• Achilles stretch. Lean against a wall, palms flat on the wall, one foot forward, one foot back. Leave the heel on the floor and lean forward, feeling the pull in your Achilles tendon and calf. Do three times, holding for 10 seconds each time.
• Big-toe stretch. Loop one thick rubber band around your big toes and pull the big toes away from each other and toward your other toes. Hold for five seconds. Repeat 10 times.
• Toe pull. Put a rubber band around the toes of each foot and spread your toes. Hold for five seconds. Repeat 10 times.

Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
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Loosen up my Bunions Babe (Podiatry Humour)

Got bunions? Well you're not the only one. This group has an interesting way of combating the common foot problem.

The Do's and Don'ts of Diabetic Footcare.

If you have diabetes:

DO:

• Wash and check your feet every day - look for sores, blisters, signs of infection or changes in your feet
• Wear shoes and socks at all times, preferably thick, soft socks
• Protect your feet from hot and cold
• Keep the blood flowing to your feet
• Cut toenails straight across
• Exercise.
• Lose weight
• Give up smoking
• Be properly measured and fitted every time you buy new shoes
• Always wear properly fitting shoes to prevent injury and protect your feet
• Visit your podiatrist on a regular basis

DON'T:

• Go barefoot
• Wear high heels, sandals or shoes with pointed toes
• Drink in excess
• Wear anything that is too tight around the legs
• Remove calluses, corns or warts by yourself

People with diabetes should receive a thorough foot examination at least once a year to identify high-risk foot conditions. If you or someone you know has diabetes, please contact us about proper foot care and treatment.


Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
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Re-blogged from: Alberta Podiatry

Use ice (cold) to treat an injury.

Use ice (cold) to treat an injury. This treatment produces a numbing effect and prevents swelling and pain.

3 Types of Shoes That Should NOT Be Worn During Pregnancy.

There are numerous changes women must make to their lifestyles once they have become pregnant, such as what to eat, specific exercises, what to wear, etc. Did you know that this includes changing the types of shoes worn? Here are three types of shoes to avoid during pregnancy.

1. Slippers.

Slippers with the non-slip sole function can lead to numerous injuries such as: twisted feet/ankles, fall down, and so on, seriously endangering the health of pregnant women, and can even lead to premature delivery, miscarriage, and other problems. Another health risk associated with slippers is dermatitis. During pregnancy women become, on average, 15 kg heavier, this quick increase of pressure on the feet can lead to increased activity by the woman's sweat glands. Once the plastic of rubber slippers have become sweaty feet may be become red and itchy, these are symptoms of Dermatitis.

2. Sports Shoes.

Sports and leisure shoes that are constructed from "non-airtight" materials, such as nylon and synthetic leather, will only increase the swelling of the feet. Pregnant women should also avoid wearing flat-shoes. These shoes are not able to able maintain the arch of the foot to absorb the shock and they can also lead to fatigue and muscle and ligament damage.

3. Leather Shoes.

Leather shoes have very poor ventilation, and with the increased activity of the sweat glands caused by pregnancy, the feet will become even more sweaty. These shoes are a good environment for reproduction and growth of anaerobic bacteria and mold.

Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
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Read More On Our Website3 Types of Shoes That Should NOT Be Worn During Pregnancy.

Your Toe Nails Shouldn't Be Green...Even If It's St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day podiatrists, patients, and other online readers. Everyone who has forgotten to wear green today is making an effort to avoid getting pinched by our little leprechaun friends, but green toe nails just don't count!

Here are some tips to avoiding fungal nails:

Keeping the fungus under control will help prevent a fungal infection of the skin from reinfecting the nail. Before bed, thoroughly wash and dry your feet, and apply a non-prescription anti-fungal cream to the entire foot from the ankle down. Use the cream every night, then gradually apply it less often. Keep your feet dry. Dry feet are less likely to become infected. Apply powder to your dry feet after you take a shower or bath.

Other tips:

• Don't share nail clippers or nail files with others.
• Don't share shoes or socks with others.
• Try not to injure your nail, such as by cutting it too short (trauma to the nail may lead to infections).
• Wear dry cotton socks, and change them two or three times a day if necessary.
• Wear dry shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet (tight, enclosed, moist shoes contribute to fungal toenail infections).
• Wear shower sandals or shower shoes when you are at a public pool or shower.

Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
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Keeping Your Feet Dry During Winter/Spring Sports

Everyone knows that having numb feet isn't much fun, so here are some steps to keeping your feet dry during the wet, cold conditions of outdoor winter/spring sports.

Supplies: 3 pairs of socks (two pairs over the calf), 2 plastic bags, and a roll of duct tape.

Step #1: Wear two pairs of socks. The second pair going on top, should be longer (to the calf or knee).

Step #2: Grab two plastic bags (grocery bags are perfect) and a roll of duct tape. Place each foot in a bag and secure the bags to your legs using the duct tape. IMPORTANT: Do not tape on your skin, tape it to the sock. Also, be sure not to tape the bags too tight. If you legs feel tingly, it's TOO TIGHT.

Step #3: Put your final pair of socks over the bags on each foot and make sure they are pulled up to your calf (or knee if longer).

Things to keep in mind: This will keep your socks dry, but only if combined with the proper winter/spring footwear. (eg. Snow boots, rubber boots, soccer shoes, etc)

Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844
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How To Tell If You Have Raynaud's Disease.

Raynaud's Disease is a disorder that affects the hands and feet. It is caused by contraction of the smooth muscles controlling the small arteries supplying circulation into the hands and feet. This contraction, called a vasospasm, makes the arteries so small that they restrict blood flow. Exposure to cold temperature can often bring on a vasospasm.

Raynaud's Disease has no known cause and is most common in young women. Staying warm and regular exercise to maintain healthy blood circulation throughout the body can help offset the disease.

You may have Raynaud's Disease:

1. If you notice that your hands or feet turn white or blue when you are either cold or under stress.

2. If you experience pain or tingling in your fingers or toes.

If you suspect you have Raynud's Disease, contact your doctor immediately. (The Foot and Ankle Wellness Center) 

To reduce the severity of Raynaulds - try to avoid the events that trigger the attacks. Wear loose fitting gloves and socks to reduce exposure to cold and to prevent restriction of the blood vessels. Wear gloves when retrieving food from the refrigerator. Try to reduce your stress levels, do not smoke, and try to reduce or eliminate your caffeine intake.

During the illness's active periods:

• Try to reduce the amount of physical stress on your extremities.
• Soak feet in warm salt water.
• Sit with your feet elevated.
• Put gloves on to warm your hands.
• Place your hands under your arms or in a bowl of warm water to warm them quickly.

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Don't take life lying down!

Regardless of your physical condition, walking is beneficial.