Callus is a localized area of thicker skin. It can be yellow in color and be hard to the touch. Callus is usually caused by pressure and repetitive friction. Poorly fitting shoes may increase the presentation of callus. The body responds to this pressure and friction by producing more skin in the affected area to prevent skin breakdown. If pressure and/or friction continue, there is a risk that the skin beneath the callus may breakdown, resulting in an ulcer. Callus may also occur due to injuries, scar formation, medical conditions, and eczema or psoriasis.


Corns are localized areas of callus over a bony prominence of the foot and can be painful. Hard corns feel like a callus, while soft corns are located in areas with moisture, such as between the toes. The causes of this foot problem are similar to callus.

Blisters occur when the top layer of skin has a collection of fluid in it. The fluid may be clear or contain blood. The cause of a blister can vary and must be determined in order to organize treatment. Blisters may occur due to friction, skin shearing, infections, burns, or frostbite. 


Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis) is a fungal infection. The foot may have a rash or blisters and can feel itchy. Depending on the fungus involved, skin, hair, or nails may be affected. As Athlete’s Foot presents a risk for skin breakdown, treatment to resolve the issue is encouraged. Treatment for this infection is also important as it can be transferred to other people. Skin scraping is used to verify that the infection is Tinea Pedis and to determine the type of fungus or yeast involved. Bacterial infections look similar, so further investigation into this foot problem may be required. Ask your Chiropodist for more information on this subject.

Plantar Warts are raised areas, combined with callus, that can have a circular or irregular shape. Some also have a cauliflower-like appearance. More than one may be present. Depending on the size or location of a wart, walking may be painful, as they cause pressure in a small area.

Foot Ulcers are open wounds or cuts on the feet that are not healing. They may be small or large due to the area of pressure. For example, an ulcer on the tip of a clawed toe deformity would likely be small in size, while a heel ulcer would be large. An open area on the foot, like an ulcer, is at risk for a bacterial infection. If an infection develops, it can travel into the skin and into the bloodstream. Once affecting the blood, the infection can move up the leg, causing feelings of illness that require medical attention. It is very important to contact your Family Physician and Chiropodist if a foot ulcer occurs, as this is a significant change in your health.

Foot Strain is a common term used to describe pain felt when standing and/or walking. A strain can occur in any part of the foot and tends to be caused by overuse or injury. Other reasons for a foot strain include: incorrect footwear size, causing pressure or lacking support; drastic changes in activity, like jumping from a walking program into jogging; ten pound weight fluctuation; work routine change; or a fall or hard landing. Stretching exercises prior to activities, as a warm-up, aid in preventing foot strains. After the cause and location of this injury is determined, it can further defined as Plantar Fasciitis, a Heel Spur, Tendonitis, or Metatarsalgia.
 

We also treat the following medical conditions:

Diabetes is a condition that affects the whole body. The greatest risk to the feet, with diabetes, is Diabetic Neuropathy. Diabetic Neuropathy causes loss of feeling in the feet, resulting in an inability to recognize if an injury has occurred. Without the feeling of pain, an individual may not know that they need to seek medical attention for an open sore on the bottom of their feet. Unfortunately, this could lead to an amputation if not addressed timely.
At Think Feet Family Foot Clinic, our Chiropodists routinely check your feet for any changes that could cause skin breakdown. For diabetic patients, the “In Low’s 60 Second Diabetic Foot Screening” test is used to determine their potential risk for skin breakdown. Talk to your Chiropodist for further information regarding this test and its benefits.

Charcot Joint Deformities are caused by changes in the bone structure of the feet. In many cases, those with diabetes do not feel these changes happen. The arch of the foot can collapse producing a rocker-bottom shape to the foot or an ankle deformity. Foot casting, braces, or surgery may be necessary to slow these changes or stabilize the foot to prevent further deformity. During these changes, the foot can become warm and swollen, acting as if an infection is present. This causes misdiagnoses.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects both children and adults. It can cause changes to bones, and the positioning of joints, ligaments, and tendons.  The feet may swell, resulting in severe pain during an acute episode. Depending on the specific type of Rheumatoid arthritis, treatments vary. The main concern of treatment is to prevent skin breakdown and decrease pain while walking. Assistance with the feet’s structural changes may also be involved. 

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is a disease the affects the blood vessels to the extremities. As the feet are the furthest from the heart, they show the most dramatic signs of PVD. Circulation in both the arteries and veins can be compromised. Without adequate blood flow, the toe nails cannot grow and skin cannot heal when there is an injury. There is also the potential for an ulcer to result due to the lack of circulation in the feet.