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Still Have Questions?

At The Podiatry Associates, we aim to provide excellent podiatric care to clients in St. John’s and the surrounding areas. We understand that you may have many questions pertaining to foot care and podiatric health. Here are the answers to the most common foot-related conditions and some treatments involved. Talk to our experienced podiatrists for additional information.

  • Hammertoes and Bunions?
    Hammertoes and Bunions are caused by excessive force under the forefoot. There is also a genetic relationship to the formation of these toe deformities in women. Shoes that are too tight put excessive pressure on the big toe joints and change the alignment of the bone structures in your foot. A shoe that is too small in length will put added pressure on the joints of the toes, causing the toes to retract and maintain a curved shape. At Footwear Solutions, we ensure the proper fit by measuring every client and fitting them with the most appropriate shoe.
  • Flat and High Arch Feet
    Flat feet or pes planus may result in foot pain, ankle pain or lower leg pain and should be evaluated by a health care provider. If you have pain due to flat feet an orthotic (arch-supporting insert in the shoe) can bring relief. Also, shoes designed for flat feet make walking and running easier and less tiring because they correct the abnormality. High arches or pes cavus tend to be painful because more stress is placed on the heel and forefoot area of the foot. This foot condition generally makes it difficult to fit shoes as the instep is high. In addition, high arch feet lack the ability to absorb shock and therefore require good shock-absorbing footwear. Arch supports are often beneficial to distribute the stress more evenly in the heel and forefoot area. Download more helpful information below. Click Here
  • Corn and Calluses
    A callus is a thickening of the skin over a longer area (ie. ball of the foot) whereas a corn is a more focused callus and is usually deeper and more painful. Corns and calluses occur because of pressure or friction, either between skin and footwear or skin on skin (between toes). They can be very painful but can be prevented with properly fitted footwear and custom arch supports. A podiatrist is trained to painlessly remove calluses and corns. Such techniques combined with pressure relief can offer great relief to these painful lesions. Download more helpful information below. Click Here
  • Heel Pain and Spurs
    Heel pain is often characterized by weight-bearing pain in the center of the heel pad. It is usually classified either as “heel spurs” or “plantar fasciitis”. Heel spurs are when a person has excessive stress on the arches of the feet and the body responds by “building calcium” on the ligament that holds the arch high (called the plantar fascia). Plantar fasciitis is when there is inflammation or tearing of this ligament causing pain. The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are usually present in the morning and late day and are characterized by intense pain in the heel. Treatment for fasciitis and spurs include arch support, ultrasound, shockwave therapy, footwear and medication. Download more helpful information below. Click Here
  • Plantar Warts
    Plantar warts are lesions that usually appear on the soles of the feet. They are viral infections caused primarily by exposure to moist surface areas. Plantar warts can be extremely contagious; however preventative measures can be taken to avoid infection. It is recommended that individuals refrain from walking barefoot in public areas and sharing footwear and socks. If an individual suffers from plantar warts podiatrists can treat or remove the lesions.
  • Diabetic Nail Care
    People with diabetes often suffer from altered sensation and decreased circulation of their feet. This puts him at risk of injury and infection as they are unable to detect an injury due to the lack of sensation. Once a year, diabetics should visit a podiatrist to get their feet checked. Diabetics who have difficulty cutting their nails or who have calluses should see a podiatrist regularly for care. Download more helpful information below. Click Here
  • Diabetic Wound Care
    Diabetic wounds or ulcers are quite serious and require professional care. Most ulcers are caused by pressure and often start as a callus. Other ulcers can be a result of poor circulation or swelling (edema) of the foot and ankle. Diabetic ulcers can lead to serious infection, gangrene or even amputation. Download more helpful information below. Click Here
  • Arch Pain and Fasciitis
    The most common cause of pain is plantar fasciitis. The “plantar” is a long “rope-like” ligament that extends from the heel bone to the ball of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is the name that describes inflammation of the fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain early in the morning and pain with long walks or prolonged standing. Plantar fasciitis can be characterized as pain in the heel, arch, outside the foot or even under the toes. Left untreated fasciitis can last for years. Proper footwear and arch support are crucial to treating this ailment. Download more helpful information below. Click Here
  • Knee and Ankle Pain
    Knee and ankle pain can often be attributed to improper biomechanics. During walking your foot and ankle go through a swing and stance phase. During the stance phase, the foot is in contact with the ground. During the heel strike, mid-stance and heel lift of the stance phase, the foot and ankle may turn inwards (pronation) or outwards (supination) in an attempt to adapt to changes in terrain or to absorb shock. Overpronation or supination, beyond normal limits, can result in knee and ankle pain. Supportive footwear and orthotics can help to compensate for abnormal biomechanics and may help to alleviate the pain.
  • Arthritic Foot
    Arthritis in the feet comes in many forms depending on the particular type of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gouty arthritis and osteoarthritis are the most common diseases affecting the foot and ankle. Tough bands of tissue called ligaments keep the bones and joints in place. If arthritis develops in one or more of these joints, balance and walking may be affected. Signs and symptoms of arthritis of the foot vary, depending on which joint is affected. Common symptoms include pain or tenderness, stiffness or reduced motion, swelling difficulty walking due to any of the above. Also, deformities, such as bunions and hammertoes may develop in the foot.
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