Foot and ankle issues fall into the following categories:
Arthritic – involving one or more joints.
Congenital – occur at birth, largely inherited.
Infectious – caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal problems.
Traumatic – linked to foot and ankle injuries, e.g. fractures.
Improper footwear, small mechanical changes in foot or physical stress.
Basic Foot Care Tips
Don’t ignore persistent foot or ankle pain as it is not normal. If you experience any type of persistent pain in the foot or ankle, please contact us.
Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in colour and temperature. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.
Wash your feet often, especially between the toes and dry them completely. Trim toenails straight across but not too short.
Try not to cut nails in corners or on sides; it can cause ingrown toenails.
Pick the right shoe and ensure they fit well for each sport or activity that you are engaged in.
People with diabetes or heart problems should not treat their own feet as they are more prone to infection.
Avoid being barefooted as you will be prone to injury and infection. Buy new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest – replace worn out shoes as soon as possible.
Alternate shoes – don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day.
Always use sunblock on feet when wearing sandals in the sun.
Be cautious when using home remedies for foot ailments.
Self-treatment may turn a minor problem into a major one.
If in doubt, contact us to schedule a yearly check-up.
