Ingrown Toenails - Chiropodist Waterloo and Kitchener, Ontario

http://www.footworkschiropodyclinic.ca

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.

Visit our website: http://www.footworkschiropodyclinic.ca

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Waterloo and Kitchener Chiropodist - Stephen Hartman, D. Ch, B. Sc

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http://www.footworkschiropodyclinic.ca

Welcome to Foot Works, Waterloo Regions most comprehensive Chiropody clinic, the office of Stephen Hartman, D.Ch.B.Sc Podiatric Medicine. We would like to say welcome and thank you for taking the time to visit our website! We designed this site to educate visitors about foot health, answer any questions or concerns, and introduce our team. We are dedicated to providing our patients with unprecedented care in order to achieve optimal foot health. Within these pages you will find information on various foot conditions, general foot care and other related areas of podiatry.

Please explore and become familiar with our office. Included are a list of services we provide, a virtual office tour, staff biographies, and our office location and hours to better assist you. Please do not hesitate to contact us via telephone or email for any further information - or to schedule a time to visit our office. We look forward to serving you in the near future!

Scope of Practice

Chiropodists & podiatrists are the only regulated foot professionals educated exclusively in the assessment and treatment of over 300 different types of foot disorders. Chiropodists & podiatrists undergo extensive training of up to seven or eight years of post secondary school training.

The scope of practice for these practitioners include the treatment of bony foot deformities, subcutaneous lesions, corns/callous/warts, nail conditions & biomechanical dysfunctions.

Chiropodists & podiatrists are the only foot care providers whose scope of practice includes the provision of orthotics: "The practice of Chiropody is the assessment of the foot by therapeutic, orthotic or palliative means".

Visit our website: http://www.footworkschiropodyclinic.ca

Fungal Toenails - Chiropodist Waterloo and Kitchener, Ontario

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http://www.footworkschiropodyclinic.ca

Since fungal nails are usually more resistant and more difficult to treat than Athlete's foot, topical or oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. Permanent nail removal is another possible form of treatment for fungal nails.

After a fungal nail infection has cleared up, you can take steps to prevent the infection from coming back.

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.
Prevention

Follow basic foot care guidelines and you more than likely can head off most common foot fungus problems.

Visit our website: http://www.firopodyclinic.ca

Heel Pain Treatment - Chiropodist Waterloo and Kitchener

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http://www.footworkschiropodyclinic.ca

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.

Visit our website: http://www.footworkschiropodyclinic.ca