Foot Conditions
At Asteri Family Foot Clinic, we take care of your feet! In addition to treating the foot conditions listed below, our Chiropodists can also advise upon a large variety of Dermatological, Orthopaedic, Neurological and Vascular conditions that affect your feet.
INGROWN TOENAILS
Ingrown toenails are common across all ages, and are often from the edge of the nail digging into the surrounding flesh. It is important to seek treatment from a Chiropodist to decrease the risks of lesions and infections
SYMPTOMS:
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Pain around the nail’s edge or surrounding skin
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Redness or swelling around the skin of the nail, may be tender to the touch
PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain. It occurs when the connective tissue that runs from your heel to your toes and supports the arch of your foot, becomes inflamed or irritated.
SYMPTOMS:
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The presence of a sharp or stabbing pain on the bottom of your heel when standing or walking
FUNGAL TOENAILS
Fungal nails (Onychomychosis) are caused from infections underneath, inside, or throughout the nail. The fungi likes to grow in areas with humidity and moisture, and can be highly contagious
SYMPTOMS:
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Discolouration of the nail
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Thickening of the nail
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Streaking and crumbling nail texture
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Odor
PLANTAR WARTS
Warts on the bottoms of the feet (plantar warts) are commonly caused by the Human Papilloma virus (HPV) when in contact with the skin. This type of wart affects the outermost layer of the skin, and is commonly contracted when walking barefoot in areas such as: pool decks, change rooms, public showers, saunas, etc.
SYMPTOMS:
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Small, bumpy, sometime clustering growths. May appear with dark spots
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Area may feel tender with standing/walking pressures
BUNIONS
A bunion, medically known as hallux valgus, is a boney protrusion that forms on the joint, at the base of your first toe
A bunion can also form at the base of the fifth toe. This type of bunion is referred to as a Tailor’s bunion or a bunionette
SYMPTOMS:
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A prominent boney bump at the base of the first toe
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Redness and inflammation at the site of enlargement
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Pain when pressure is applied to the site, or upon walking
ATHLETE'S FOOT
Athlete’s foot (Tinea Pedis) is a result from the fungi that thrives in humid and moist areas that affect areas of the skin. This condition often occurs between the toes or around the soles of the feet. Despite its name, this condition affects athletes and non-athletes alike, and can be contagious from contaminated towels, socks, or surfaces where people are often barefoot like gym locker rooms, or public showers
SYMPTOMS:
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Red, scaly, or rash on skin
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Peeling or flaking of the skin
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Itching, stinging, or burning sensation near affected area
CRACKED HEELS
Excessive dryness and pressure around the heel may cause the skin to crack, and may even result in bleeding. It’s important to apply moisturizer daily to the tops and bottoms of our feet and around the heels, but not in between the toes as excess moisture in these areas may lead to a fungal infection
SYMPTOMS:
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Skin around heel feels rough and thick, sometimes with callouses
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Visible streaks or cracks on skin
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Bleeding
ACHILLES TENDONITIS
Achilles Tendonitis is a condition that occurs when the large Achilles tendon that runs down the back of your calf, becomes irritated and inflamed. This common condition can occur due to the overuse of the Achilles tendon through walking, jumping, running, going up stairs, and more
SYMPTOMS:
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Tenderness or pain in the back of the calf or just above the heel
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Swelling along the tendon
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Limited range of motion of the ankle
FLAT FEET
Flat feet is a foot type, which occurs in roughly one-third of the population. This is when the feet have very low, or non-existent arches. Flat feet can create a misalignment throughout the body and can make you more susceptible to other foot conditions - such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and more
SYMPTOMS:
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Pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips and back
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Overpronation (feet roll excessively inward)
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Flat feet can also be asymptomatic
HIGH ARCHES
Having high arches reduces the body’s ability to absorb shock, which creates extra pressure on the joints. In addition to causing discomfort and pain, having high arches make the feet more susceptible to other foot conditions - such as callouses, hammertoes and more
SYMPTOMS:
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Pain at the heel and ball of the foot
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Ankle and lower leg pain
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Supination (feet roll excessively outward)