Footcare Treatment brampton

Maintaining healthy feet is our top priority. Our footcare nurse provides assessment, treatment, and education of disorders and problems associated with foot care. Some of the presenting foot problems that are treated include; ingrown toenails, bunions, corns and callus, fungal toenail infection, and nail trimming.

Ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of the toe nail grows into the skin.  This results in painful inflammation, swelling and sometimes infection.  The big toe is often where it occurs. Proper grooming of the toes can prevent most ingrown nail problems as well as wearing good fitting shoes. Often ingrown nails can be treated at home through selfcare. However, if medical treatment is sought, an examination will take place that may involve lifting or cutting away part or all of the nail. Care and caution is always exercised to prevent pain and infection.

Bunions also known as hallux valgus is a bony protrusion on the joint at the base of the big toe. It develops slowly with the toe turning inwards over a period of time.  Bunions usually occur when there is extra pressure on the big toe that pushes it out of its natural alignment and toward the other toes. Tight fitting shoes is the most common cause of the pressure that leads to bunions. A family history and certain activities such as prolong standing and walking can also contribute to the growth of bunions.  They can cause pain and stiffness as well as swelling and discoloration.  

Bunions do not go way on their own and sometimes have to be removed by surgery. However, there are other effective non invasive treatments such as, orthotics, bunions pads, footwear change, corticosteroids and icing. Our footcare specialist can provide guidance in the most effective course of treatment for each situation.

Corns and calluses are hardened skin that develop in response to repeated exposure to friction or pressure over a period of time.  They often form on feet, toes, hands and fingers. Corns and callus are not the same things.  Corns tend to be smaller and deeper and is painful when pressed.  Callus tends to be larger but not painful and develop on pressure areas such as the heel, ball of the foot or knee.

Corns and callus can go away over time without treatment by simply wearing better fitting shoes that does not cause friction or pressure.  However, if inflammation occurs and the corn or callus becomes painful,  a foot care specialist should be seen. Diabetes and poor blood circulation are also reason to seek medical care if you have corns and callus. 

Nail fungus is a common infection that begins as discolored spot under the tip of the fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, the discoloration worsen and the nail may become, thicken and crumble at the edge.

If the infections progress to the point where the toe gets misshapen or the nails get separated from the toe bed, and is painful and smelly, then medical care should be sought. The foot care specialist will provide the best course of treatment which may include medication and or samples being sent to a lab to determine cause.

People with  diabetes are more likely to have foot problems due to damaged nerves and less blood flow. Having a foot care specialist regularly checking your feet is highly recommended.  Poor foot care can lead to amputation.