June 2023

Midfoot arthritis is a condition that affects the middle of the foot and can make it difficult to walk or even stand without pain. This type of arthritis usually gets worse as the day goes on and after standing or walking for prolonged times. It generally develops slowly and worsens over the years. However, it can sometimes develop after a severe foot injury. Sometimes a bony bump appears on the top of the foot with this condition. This ailment is from erosion of cartilage between the bones in the feet. Without the cartilage as cushioning, the bones begin to rub together and pain ensues. Treatment for midfoot arthritis involves wearing shoes that can take pressure off the midfoot and refraining from participating in high-impact activities. It is helpful to partake in alternative forms of exercise and perform strengthening exercises. If you suffer from pain in your midfoot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact William Urton, DPM from British Columbia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Langley, BC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel spurs, which are often associated with plantar fasciitis, can become painful. They occur when calcium builds up on the bottom of the heel bone. These outgrowths, or spurs, may be caused by foot muscle strains, stretching of the plantar fascia, and a tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. Heel spurs are common in athletes who perform sports that require a great deal of running and jumping. Other causes can include gait issues that put extra pressure on the heels, running on hard surfaces, and poorly fitting shoes with inadequate arch support. Excess weight and obesity may also contribute to the formation of heel spurs. In some cases, a person may not experience any symptoms from heel spurs. But others may feel intermittent or chronic pain, especially after running or long periods of exercise. Stretching exercises, pain medication, and shoe inserts are helpful treatment options. For more information on methods to deal with heel spurs, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact William Urton, DPM from British Columbia. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Langley, BC . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

A stiff and painful ankle is common after an ankle injury, such as an ankle sprain, fracture, or Achilles tendon tear. Stretching, mobilizing, and re-training can increase the mobility and functionality of the ankle. Patients are often put in a cast after an ankle injury, and while the immobilization helps with healing, it also creates swelling and inflammation. Dorsiflexion is important while walking and running, and occurs when the foot comes up towards the shin. This is one of the most frequent and limiting ranges of motion lost after an ankle problem. A quick, short-term option to relieve some of the stiffness is to wear shoes that have a heel or heel wedge. Longer term, it is suggested that you be under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with proper exercises and other relief options for stiff ankles.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with William Urton, DPM from British Columbia. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Langley, BC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that results in inflammation, redness, itchiness, and scaling between the toes. It can also cause blistering on the bottom of the feet. This is a highly contagious infection and can be brought on by wearing wet or sweaty shoes or by walking barefoot on contaminated wet floors. Common areas to pick up athlete’s foot are pools, locker rooms, and public showers. Athlete’s foot can be difficult to cure and may come back again or turn into a bacterial infection if left untreated. There is more than one type of athlete’s foot. The three types of this fungal infection are interdigital, moccasin, and vestibular infections. An interdigital infection affects the skin between the toes. A moccasin infection covers the sole of the foot and can spread to the heel and edges of the feet. A vestibular infection can appear between the toes or the soles of the feet and can cause blisters or vesicles filled with pus that can burst open and cause open sores. Because athlete’s foot can sometimes be misdiagnosed, it is suggested that if you have these types of symptoms, an appointment is made with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer treatment options for athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with William Urton, DPM from British Columbia. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Langley, BC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.