Ingrown Toenails - Chiropodist in Sudbury, Elliot Lake and North Bay, ON

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DeSimone Foot and Ankle Centre, Inc.

http://www.desimonefootcentre.com

Ingrown toenails, also known as onychocryptosis, is usually caused by trimming toenails too short, particularly on the sides of the big toes. They may also be caused by shoe pressure (from shoes that are too tight or short), injury, fungus infection, heredity, or poor foot structure. Ingrown toenails occur when the corners or sides of the toenail dig into the skin, often causing infection. A common ailment, ingrown toenails can be painful. Ingrown toenails start out hard, swollen, and tender. Left untreated, they may become sore, red, and infected and the skin may start to grow over the ingrown toenail.

In most cases, treating ingrown toenails is simple: soak the foot in warm, soapy water several times each day. Avoid wearing tight shoes or socks. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if an infection is present. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In severe cases, if an acute infection occurs, surgical removal of part of the ingrown toenail may be needed. Known as partial nail plate avulsion, the procedure involves injecting the toe with an anesthetic and cutting out the ingrown part of the toenail.

Ingrown toenails can be prevented by:

•Trimming toenails straight across with no rounded corners.
•Ensuring that shoes and socks are not too tight.
•Keeping feet clean at all times.

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Heel Pain Treatment - Chiropodist in Sudbury, Elliot Lake and North Bay, ON

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DeSimone Foot and Ankle Centre, Inc.

http://www.desimonefootcentre.com

Plantar fasciitis is the term commonly used to refer to heel and arch pain traced to an

inflammation on the bottom of the foot. More specifically, plantar fasciitis is an

inflammation of the connective tissue, called plantar fascia, that stretches from the base

of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel

bone. Overpronation is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis. As the foot rolls inward

excessively when walking, it flattens the foot, lengthens the arch, and puts added tension

on the plantar fascia. Over time, this causes inflammation.

Also known as heel spur syndrome, the condition is often successfully treated with

conservative measures, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs,

stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Note: Please consult your

physician before taking any medications. In persistent cases, Extracorporeal Shock Wave

Treatment (ESWT) may be used to treat the heel pain.

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Sudbury, Elliot Lake and North Bay, ON Chiropodist - Julie DeSimone, D. Ch., B. Sc. Podiatric Medicine

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DeSimone Foot and Ankle Centre, Inc.

http://www.desimonefootcentre.com

Julie DeSimone has been practicing since 1987. She was the Director of the Chiropody Department at Laurentian Hospital for 9 years and has since been in private practice. Julie is a volunteer Board Director for United Way Sudbury, a Governor General appointed member of the Laurentian University Board of Directors for her third term, and sits on the Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine Board of Directors. Her past volunteerism includes, Chair of Meals on Wheels Sudbury, Director of Council with the College of Chiropodists and the Ontario Society of Chiropodists, and many other local charities.

Julie is a graduate of the Michener Institute Chiropody program and the Sunderland University where she graduated with a B.Sc. Podiatric Medicine. Julie's dedication to her patients and to her profession is evident upon entering the DeSimone Foot & Ankle Centre Inc.

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Diabetic Foot Care - Chiropodist in Sudbury, Elliot Lake and North Bay, ON

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DeSimone Foot and Ankle Centre, Inc.

http://www.desimonefootcentre.com

According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9 percent of the United States population) have diabetes. Nervous system damage (also called neuropathy) affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands.

Foot problems are a big risk in diabetics. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including amputation.

With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that's too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, it's at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror.

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Custom Orthotics - Chiropodist in Sudbury, Elliot Lake and North Bay, ON

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DeSimone Foot and Ankle Centre, Inc.

http://www.desimonefootcentre.com

Orthotics, also known as orthoses, refers to any device inserted into a shoe, ranging from felt pads to custom-made shoe inserts that correct an abnormal or irregular, walking pattern. Sometimes called arch supports, orthotics allow people to stand, walk, and run more efficiently and comfortably. While over-the-counter orthotic are available and may help people with mild symptoms, they normally cannot correct the wide range of symptoms that prescription foot orthoses can since they are not custom made to fit an individual's unique foot structure.

Orthotic devices come in many shapes, sizes, and materials and fall into three main categories: those designed to change foot function, those that are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and protection.

Rigid Orthotics
Rigid orthotic devices are designed to control function and are used primarily for walking or dress shoes. They are often composed of a firm material, such as plastic or carbon fiber. Rigid orthotics are made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot. Rigid orthotics control motion in the two major foot joints that lie directly below the ankle joint and may improve or eliminate strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back.

 

Soft Orthotics
Soft orthotics are generally used to absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. They are usually effective for diabetic, arthritic, and deformed feet. Soft orthotics are typically made up of soft, cushioned materials so that they can be worn against the sole of the foot, extending from the heel past the ball of the foot, including the toes. Like rigid orthotics, soft orthotics are also made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot.

Semi-Rigid Orthotics
Semi-rigid orthotics provide foot balance for walking or participating in sports. The typical semi-rigid orthotic is made up of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials. Semi-rigid orthotics are often prescribed for children to treat flatfoot and in-toeing or out-toeing disorders. These orthotics are also used to help athletes mitigate pain while they train and compete.

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Ankle Sprains - Chiropodist in Sudbury, Elliot Lake and North Bay, ON

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DeSimone Foot and Ankle Centre, Inc.

http://www.desimonefootcentre.com

Ankle sprains are caused by an unnatural twisting or force on the ankle bones of the foot, which may result in excessive stretching or tearing of one or more ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The severity of the sprain can impact the degree of damage as well as the type and duration of treatment. If not properly treated, ankle sprains may develop into long-term problems.

Primary symptoms of ankle sprains are pain following a twist or injury, swelling, and bruising.

Treatment includes resting and elevating the ankle and applying ice to reduce swelling. Compressive bandages also may be used to immobilize and support the injury during healing. Serious ankle sprains, particularly among competitive athletes, may require surgery to repair and tighten the damaged ligaments.

To prevent ankle sprains, try to maintain strength, balance, and flexibility in the foot and ankle through exercise and stretching, and wearing well-fitted shoes.

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