Feet have many sweat glands, and when sweat gets trapped in shoes, especially those that do not allow air flow, bacteria can and will grow. As the bacteria break down sweat, an unpleasant smell develops.

Shoe odour is common, but it can sometimes point to a larger issue, such as excessive sweating, fungal infections, or footwear that is not providing enough ventilation.

Ways to Deodorize Shoes and Reduce Odour

If your shoes smell bad, there are many ways to reduce the odour and make your footwear feel fresher. These include:

• Let shoes air out after wearing them
• Rotate between different pairs of shoes
• Remove insoles to allow them to dry fully
• Clean removable insoles when possible
• Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes overnight
• Use foot powders or sprays to reduce moisture
• Wear moisture-wicking socks instead of pure cotton socks
• Choose shoes made with breathable materials

It is also important to make sure your feet stay as dry as possible throughout the day.

Some signs that moisture may be causing the problem include:

• Damp socks at the end of the day
• Sweaty feet during exercise or work
• Shoes that stay wet for long periods
• White, peeling, or itchy skin between the toes
• Persistent odour even after cleaning shoes

If the smell continues despite cleaning your shoes, there may be an underlying foot condition contributing to the problem.

How to Remove Smell from Shoes and Feet

Sometimes treating the shoes alone is not enough. It is also important to address what is happening with the feet. Some common causes of foot odour include:

• Excessive sweating
• Athlete’s foot
• Bacteria on the skin
• Thickened skin or calluses that trap moisture
• Wearing the same shoes every day
• Poor foot hygiene

There are several treatment options that may help:

• Wash feet daily with soap and water
• Dry carefully between the toes
• Change socks during the day if needed
• Use antifungal creams or sprays if recommended
• Wear properly fitted shoes with good ventilation
• Replace old shoes that continue to hold odours

A professional assessment can help identify the cause of the smell and recommend the right treatment plan.

How the BioPed Clinical Team Can Help

Different foot care professionals can help depending on the cause of the odour. A Certified Pedorthist can:

• Assess your footwear and fit
• Recommend more breathable shoes
• Suggest moisture-wicking socks or insoles
• Identify footwear issues that may trap heat and sweat

A Registered Chiropodist can:

• Identify & treat infections, such as Athlete’s foot
• Treat skin and nail concerns
• Recommend medical treatments for excessive sweating
• Address calluses or other skin conditions

A Medical Foot Care Nurse can:

• Provide skin/nail foot care and hygiene
• Monitor skin health
• Offer support for people with mobility concerns
• Identify early signs of skin breakdown or infection

Tips to Help Prevent Shoe Odour

Once the smell improves, a few simple habits can help keep it from coming back.

Helpful prevention tips include:

• Alternate between shoes each day
• Replace socks daily
• Avoid wearing damp shoes
• Choose breathable footwear when possible
• Use foot powder if your feet sweat heavily
• Clean insoles and socks regularly
• Treat fungal infections early
• Replace shoes that no longer dry properly

Shoe odour is common, but it does not have to become an ongoing problem. Addressing moisture, improving footwear, and treating any underlying foot conditions can make a big difference. With the right care, it is possible to keep both your feet and your shoes feeling fresher.

The post Why Do My Shoes Smell So Bad? appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

What is Bursitis?

Bursitis is the painful inflammation or irritation of a bursa. A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and muscle tendons, reducing friction. You can find bursa at the hip, knee, heel and big toe. Symptoms of bursitis include:

• Aching or stiff pain.
• Tenderness when pressing on the area.
• Swelling around the joint.
• Pain that worsens with prolonged positions, like sitting at a desk for too long.

Bursitis pain often feels more localized and deeper, especially around the affected joint.

Common causes include repetitive motions, minor impacts, or overuse of the joint. Actions such as kneeling, squatting, running, cycling, or trauma to the joint (falling on the hip or knee) can irritate the bursa. However, bursitis can also be caused by problematic biomechanics, such as a leg length difference or abnormal gait.

What is Tendonitis?

Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of the tendons. Tendons are the connective tissue that connect muscle to the bones. Common areas for tendonitis to be found include the Achilles tendon (back of ankle), Patellar tendon (below the kneecap) and the Posterior tendon (runs along the inside of the ankle and foot). Some common symptoms of tendonitis are:

• Pain with movement or activity.
• Stiffness, especially after long periods of rest.
• Mild swelling.
• A pulling or tight sensation at the joint.

Tendonitis pain is often more noticeable during movement and lessens when at rest.

Common causes are sudden increases in movement, running, especially on uneven surfaces, tight calf muscles, improper biomechanics and abnormal gait. Other factors can contribute, such as pregnancy weight and weight gain, because it puts extra strain on the lower extremities, age, and even certain medications can weaken tendons.

Treatment Options

While both conditions benefit from early intervention, timelines for healing may vary. Both conditions can be treated with the following:

1. Rest and activity modification: Avoid repetitive movement whenever possible.
2. Ice application: No more than 20 minutes of ice at one time (never put ice or frozen compress directly against the skin; always wrap the ice or compress in a towel).
3. Gentle stretching and strengthening, a physiotherapist can help with specific exercises and stretching for the injured area.
4. Supportive footwear: properly fit supportive shoes can help to align the foot and take pressure off the ankle, knee and hip.
5. Orthotics: help to properly align the foot and support the arch, taking pressure of the ankle, knee and hips.
6. Compression: Compression sleeves and socks help to reduce the swelling, support circulation and tissue recovery and can provide stability and comfort to the injured area.

Bursitis and tendonitis may feel similar, but they involve different parts of the body. Paying attention to your symptoms and quickly seeking treatment can help you recover faster. A BioPed clinician can assess your gait and help guide you into the right footwear, orthotics or compression option. Incorporating such tools can help support your recovery and help you do more of what you love.

The post Is it Bursitis or Tendinitis? Spot the Difference & Get Relief Today. appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

Overuse and Repetitive Strain

Doing too much too quickly, for instance increasing your walking or running distance, or starting a new workout can irritate the ligaments and tendons around your knee.

What Helps:

• Ice after the activity to reduce swelling
• Temporary activity modification, with gradual return to movement
• Supportive footwear or orthotics to help with alignment of the foot, ankle and leg
• Knee sleeve with mild compression to reduce swelling and support the ligaments around the knee

Muscle Weakness or Imbalance

Weak hips, thighs or calf muscles can place extra stress on the knee joints. This increases the strain put on the knee and can cause swelling and pain. This is often associated with people that have a sedentary lifestyle or sit for prolonged periods. Many of the thigh muscles extend across the knee joint, and when they are weak or tight it can cause knee pain.

What Helps:

• Strength training and stretching exercises, especially for the quadriceps and gluteal muscles. (e.g. squats or lunges)
• Balance and Stability exercises, and physical therapy to help strengthen the core, gluteal muscles and upper extremities

Patellofemoral Pain (Runner’s Knee)

Pain around the upper kneecap due to improper tracking of the joint or muscle imbalance. This injury is often seen in individuals who are over training (Marathon or long-distance runners). Other causes are poor foot alignment in gait, weak hamstrings, or tight Achilles tendons.

What Helps:

• Strength training exercises, focused on the hamstrings
• Cold packs/ ice to reduce swelling
• Compression knee braces to support the knee cap
• Orthotics to help align the foot
• Kinesiology tape to secure the knee cap, and offload the soft tissue

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (or OA) is very common in middle and beyond. It is a progressive degenerative joint disease, meaning that the cartilage in the knee slowly breaks down with age. This leads to stiffness, swelling, pain, locking joints and reduced mobility. Age plays a key role in the prevalence of OA, but other factors that can affect OA are obesity, injuries or overuse of the knee joint, or genetics.

What Helps:

• Low -impact exercises like walking or biking
• Weight management, maintaining a healthy weight takes stress of the knees
• Knee braces to offload pressure and reduce pain
• Supportive footwear and orthotics to improve the alignment of the lower extremities

Ligament Strain or Injury

Muscle strains or sprains of the collateral ligaments (“ACL” or “MCL”) from sudden movements or due to sport injuries. This injury can affect any age, especially for those that do sports that have a lot of twisting or pivoting movements.

What Helps:

• Physiotherapy targeted at strengthening the knee
• Knee braces that offload either the ACL or MCL
• Limited activity in acute stages, gradual return to activity
• Possibly surgery to address a tear

Meniscus Irritation or Tear

Common knee injury involving small tears or damage to the meniscus of the knee. Often caused by twisting, or pivoting during sports, however it can be age related. It feels like the knee is locking in place and stiff.

What Helps:

• Knee bracing to stabilize the knee
• Physiotherapy
• Rest to avoid further damage
• Surgery if needed to repair the tear

Poor Foot Mechanics

When a person has flat feet or high arches, it changes the way they walk, and how the forces travel up the lower extremity. Flat feet can cause the rolling inward of the foot or overpronation. This causes excess stress on the knee joint, especially the inside of the knee. While high arches can cause a person to turn outward or over supinate, causing stress on the outside of the knee.

What Helps:

• Proper footwear, like a motion control shoe, that helps prevent the foot turning inward or outward.
• Orthotics help to align the foot properly.

Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome

This is a condition that many people face. The IT Band is a long piece of connective tissue spanning from the upper thigh to knee. When this band is inflamed it causes a sharp pain on the outside of the knee. It is commonly caused by overuse or repetitive motions, such as running or biking.

What Helps:

• Foam rolling the outer thigh and stretching the thighs daily
• Physiotherapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles
• Reduced activity and ice to reduce the swelling
• Knee sleeve to help reduce the swelling

Improper Footwear

Worn out or unsupportive shoes can affect the alignment and shock absorption of the foot and therefore lower extremity. Many people wear the outside of the shoes down first. By not replacing the shoe often can cause you to over supinate and stress the knees.

What Helps:

• Replacing shoes regularly; We suggest every 6 months if worn daily
• Choose footwear suited to the activity

If your knee pain is worsening or persistent and it is limiting your ability to do more of what you love, it is time to connect with a BioPed clinician. They can assess your lower extremities and help guide you towards a solution, whether it is a knee brace, new shoe or an orthotic. BioPed is there to help you get back to doing more of the activities you love.

The post Is bracing the only solution for my knee pain? Causes, treatment options, and prevention appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

Let’s break down what Morton’s neuroma really is, why footwear plays such a big role, and how to treat Morton’s neuroma effectively.

What Is Morton’s Neuroma?

A neuroma is a nerve that has become thickened and or irritation caused by pressure, compression, or repeated stress. A Morton’s neuroma is when it develops between the third and fourth toes.

Common Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

People experience Morton’s neuroma differently, but common symptoms include:

• Burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot
• Tingling or numbness in the toes
• A sensation of walking on a marble or bunched-up sock
• Pain that worsens with tight or narrow shoes
• Relief when shoes are removed or the foot is massaged

If these symptoms sound familiar, footwear may be contributing more than you realize.

Why Your Shoes Might Be Making It Worse

Shoes are one of the biggest contributors to neuroma pain.

Footwear Features That Can Trigger a Neuroma:

• Narrow toe boxes that squeeze the toes together
• High heels, which shift body weight onto the ball of the foot
• Minimal cushioning under the forefoot
• Shoes that lack proper support or stability

Over time, this pressure compresses the nerve between the metatarsal bones, leading to inflammation and pain.

How to Treat Morton’s Neuroma

The good news? Most cases of Morton’s neuroma can be treated conservatively, especially when caught early.

Shoe Modifications (Often the First Step)

Switching to shoes with:

• A wide toe box
• Low or no heel elevation
• Adequate cushioning under the forefoot

This alone can significantly reduce nerve pressure.

Custom Orthotics

Custom foot orthotics can:

• Redistribute pressure away from the nerve
• Improve foot biomechanics
• Reduce ongoing irritation

A common feature is a metatarsal pad or a neuroma pad, which gently spreads the bones and relieves nerve compression.

Activity Modification

High-impact activities or prolonged standing can aggravate symptoms. Temporary changes—like reducing impact or alternating footwear—can help calm the nerve.

Targeted Therapies

Depending on severity, additional treatments may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Manual therapy
• Shockwave therapy
• Corticosteroid or sclerosing alcohol injections

Your BioPed practitioner will guide you based on your specific symptoms and lifestyle.

Surgery (A Last Resort)

Surgery is not usually the first option and is only considered when all other treatments fail. Most patients improve significantly with non-surgical care.

When Should You See a BioPed practitioner?

You should seek professional assessment if:

• Pain persists despite changing shoes
• Symptoms worsen or become constant
• You experience numbness or tingling that doesn’t resolve

Early treatment leads to better outcomes and often avoids invasive procedures.

The post What Morton’s Neuroma Really Is—and How to Treat It appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

Why diabetes leads to foot problems

For people with diabetes, these three outcomes lead to foot problems:

• Higher blood sugar: Long-term high glucose damages nerves and small blood vessels.
• Poor circulation: When blood flow to your feet is reduced, even small scrapes take longer to heal.
• Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy): Nerve injury reduces feeling — or can cause odd sensations like burning, pins and needles, or sharp pain.

Together, these concerns can mean that a tiny problem (blister or scrape) can turn into something much worse if it’s not noticed and treated.

Why is neuropathy in the feet serious?

Loss of feeling in the feet is dangerous because you may not notice injuries. A small cut can become infected and develop into a wound that’s hard to heal. Neuropathy can also be painful — not everyone feels numbness; some people feel burning, stabbing, or overwhelming sensitivity. That pain can disrupt sleep, work, and mood.

Ways to reduce nerve pain and protect your feet

There’s no guaranteed cure for diabetic neuropathy yet, but many approaches help manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Medical treatments

Some medications can reduce nerve pain:

• Gabapentin or pregabalin (anti-seizure drugs)
• Duloxetine or amitriptyline (certain antidepressants used for nerve pain)
  Not every medicine works for every person, and side effects differ — talk with your healthcare provider to find the safest option for you.

Daily habits that help

Small, steady steps make a big difference:

• Keep blood sugar in your target range. Good control slows nerve damage.
• Manage blood pressure and cholesterol. These protect circulation.
• Eat balanced meals and aim for a healthy weight.
• Stay active. Walking, swimming, or seated exercise improves circulation.
• Quit smoking, because it worsens blood flow to the feet.

Foot care at home

Check your feet every day for cuts, redness, blisters, or swelling. Use a mirror or ask someone to help if you can’t see the bottoms. Keep skin moisturized (but not between toes as this creates a wet, fungus prone environment), trim nails straight across, and don’t self-treat corns or calluses if you have poor circulation or neuropathy — see a professional.

When to see a BioPed Clinician

Your local BioPed Footcare team offers specialized care to prevent and treat diabetic foot problems:

• Regular foot assessments, including a Diabetes Risk Assessment to check sensation and blood flow.
• Professional nail and skin care from Registered Chiropodists and Advanced Footcare Nurses at select locations.
• Proper footwear fitting to avoid pressure and friction that causes sores.
• Custom orthotics to prevent and address wounds.
• Education — we’ll teach you even more on what to watch for and what to do at home.

When to get help right away

Contact your clinician or book an appointment if you notice:

• Any foot wound that isn’t healing
• Redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage
• New or worsening numbness, burning, or pain
• A change in skin colour or temperature

Take the next step:

If you have diabetes, neuropathy, or are noticing numbness or tingling in your feet, don’t wait. Find the nearest BioPed Footcare location and make an appointment with one of our lower-extremity clinicians at bioped.com/locations. We’re here to help keep you walking comfortably and safely.

The post Diabetic Nerve Pain: How to Treat It appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

How does it occur?

Neuropathy in the feet is caused by damage to the nerves. This can be from many different causes – infections, alcoholism, predisposing genetic factors, but the most common cause is diabetes. The rise of uncontrolled sugars in the blood can have harmful effects on nerves as it circulates throughout the body. Neuropathy can occur anywhere, but neuropathy in the feet is most common due to being supplied by the longest nerves in the body and yet having some of the smallest most susceptible nerves within the toes.

What can I do?

When neuropathy strikes, it does not destroy sensation immediately. In fact, you may feel strange sensations instead, like tingling, burning, or numbness, similar to other nerve conditions or what you would find with electricity. It is important to catch neuropathy as early as possible, as mild damage can be repaired by your body. It will be paramount to address the root cause such as controlling the blood sugars to prevent circulatory damage, remove causative agents like infectious pathogens and decrease alcohol consumption.

If neuropathy in the feet has taken root and is at the point of complete loss in sensation, then we need to be cautious. A lack of foot pain might seem blissful – but it is actually a gateway to a plethora of problems. The most common issue people face is that when we cannot feel pain, we don’t know when to give our feet a break. Overuse and trauma to the skin, including things like hot sand or broken glass, lead to open wounds, which account for the majority of all diabetic-related amputations. This caution can be taken by daily foot inspections, medications to ease any tingling or burning sensations, and even checking the shower/bath water with your hand before accidentally burning the feet.

When to see a BioPed Clinician

Ideally as soon as possible, if you are experiencing burning, tingling, numbness, pain or the feeling of bugs crawling on your feet. And if you have diabetes, you should visit a footcare clinician as soon as you are diagnosed to determine your risk of developing complications.

Book an appointment at your nearest BioPed location today!

The post Is Foot Neuropathy Dangerous? Recognizing Symptoms and Exploring Treatment Options appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

Thankfully, a variety of arthritis treatment options—ranging from footwear and orthotics to exercises and toe bracing—can help you manage pain and improve mobility. Here’s your complete guide to toe joint pain relief.

Why are my toes painful?

The pain you’re feeling likely stems from joint inflammation or degeneration. The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint—located at the base of your big toe—often bears the brunt of arthritis, leading to stiffness, swelling, and reduced movement.  The smaller toes can also experience arthritis over time due to toe deformities (such as clawed toes)

Common types of arthritis causing painful toes:

• Osteoarthritis: Age-related joint wear and tear
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation
• Gout: Crystal buildup, often beginning in the big toe

Regardless of type, untreated arthritis can cause chronic painful toes, toe deformities, and significant limitations in mobility.

What are the Top Arthritis Treatment Options for Painful Toes?

1. Supportive Footwear

Proper footwear is essential. Look for:

• Wide toe boxes to prevent cramping
• Stiff soles or rocker-bottom shoes to reduce joint flexion
• Shock-absorbing insoles for cushioning impact

Avoid high heels and narrow shoes, which exacerbate pressure on toe joints.

Pro Tip:  BioPed Canadian Certified Pedorthists are professional shoe fitters and can help you find the right shoe.

2. Custom Orthotics: Personalized Support for Painful Toes

One of the most effective arthritis treatment options is the use of orthotics—custom shoe inserts designed to support and align the feet.

Benefits of orthotics:

• Redistribute pressure away from painful toe joints
• Improve biomechanics to reduce stress on the MTP joint
• Stabilize foot structure to prevent further joint deterioration
• Cushion sensitive areas and reduce impact

Orthotics may also include metatarsal pads, arch supports, or rigid forefoot inserts to further protect arthritic joints.

Pro Tip: Orthotics can be custom-made by Canadian Certified Pedorthists.

3. Toe Bracing: Stabilize and Realign

Toe braces or splints are non-invasive tools that help manage painful toes and correct misalignment caused by arthritis.

How toe bracing helps:

• Stabilizes the joint to prevent painful movement
• Reduces inflammation by limiting irritation
• Supports proper alignment, especially in cases of hallux valgus (bunions), hammer toes, or stiff big toe (hallux rigidus)
• Improves comfort during walking or standing for long periods

Toe braces are available in soft or semi-rigid materials and may be worn during the day in shoes or overnight to hold the toe in a corrected position.   BioPed carries a wide range of toe bracing options.

Important: Talk to a BioPed Clinician before using a brace to ensure it’s suited for your condition. Ill-fitting braces can worsen symptoms.

4. Removing corns and calluses

Professional corn and callus removal by a trained professional can relieve pain that is caused by toe deformities.  Our Medical Footcare team is highly trained to treat your calluses and corns.

5. Pain Relief with medication

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can decrease inflammation. You can also apply topical treatments like diclofenac gel or capsaicin cream directly to the affected joint for localized relief.

6. Exercises and Stretching

Gentle toe and foot exercises can:

• Improve flexibility
• Strengthen surrounding muscles
• Support proper joint function

Examples:

• Toe towel curls to strengthen intrinsic foot muscles
• Big toe stretches to increase range of motion
• Foot rolling with a ball to massage tight fascia

7. Corticosteroid Injections

For moderate to severe pain, your clinician might recommend corticosteroid injections directly into the affected toe joint. These can offer temporary but powerful relief from inflammation.

8. Surgical Options for Severe Arthritis

If conservative arthritis treatment methods fail, surgery may be necessary.  Surgery is typically reserved for advanced cases that interfere significantly with quality of life.

When Should You See a BioPed Canadian Certified Pedorthist or BioPed Clinician?

It’s time to consult a specialist if:

• You have persistent or worsening toe pain
• You experience limited joint movement or visible toe deformities
• Home treatments are no longer effective

Early diagnosis can help you avoid complications and preserve joint function.

Book an Appointment

Painful toes don’t have to become your new normal. With the right combination of arthritis treatment—including orthotics, toe bracing, proper footwear, and supportive therapy—you can reduce discomfort, regain mobility, and get back to living your life.

Remember: Everyone’s journey with arthritis is different. The best results come from a personalized treatment plan developed with guidance.  At BioPed Footcare & Orthotics our clinicians are highly trained in Arthritis treatments that will be able to aid in your painful toes.

Take that first pain-free step today—your toes will thank you and Book an appointment with your local BioPed clinic.

The post Managing Foot Arthritis: Top Treatment for Toe Joint Pain Relief appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

Toenail changes are common for runners and hence where the term came from. Due to the friction of running and the constant rubbing of the toenail against the shoe, the toenails can become damaged over long periods of time. Let’s break down what causes toenail pain, how it connects to things like yellow or black toenails, and what you can do to treat and prevent them.

Blood Blisters (Black toenails)

Often, we will see the friction and pressure that footwear rubbing on toes causes, resulting in bleeding underneath the toenail. This bleeding has nowhere to escape to and becomes trapped as a blister of blood under the nail. This is otherwise known as a subungual hematoma. It is one of the most common presentations that we see in a runner’s toenail.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenail pain is perhaps the most common cause for pain, and it is no stranger to runner’s toenails. With enough pressure from shoes or abutting toes, the nail can begin piercing the skin and create a source of infection. Combined with the warm and moist environment of a running shoe after 10 km, this is not ideal!

Yellow Toenails (Loose)

Toenails can even lift and loosen entirely from the skin, and cause an uncomfortable sensation with it barely hanging on. While it may not be fully loose, it may appear yellow or white – an indication it could fall off very soon. It is important to have this assessed as the newly created space below the nail and above the underlying skin encourages fungal/bacterial growth, and a deep yellow colour can be a sign of fungal infection.

Pressure and Pain

Pain and pressure related to a toenail is no walk in the park and can be cumbersome to daily activities, even outside of running. When the pain starts interfering with daily activities, we need to start addressing it.

How can we treat Runner’s Toenails?

• Wearing the appropriate footwear – the friction, pain or pressure can be caused by a poor shoe fit or the wrong shoe size, so by wearing properly fitting running shoes that are supportive, we can reduce this trauma.
• Wearing supportive Custom Foot Orthoses – Similarly to supportive footwear, orthotics can help to address the biomechanical functions of the feet and lower extremity often preventing all sorts of pain, even improving overall function.
• Drain blisters and infections – Blisters and infections must be managed by a medical professional to prevent recurrent infection and further complications.
• Ease up on training – It may not be what many runners want to hear, but after all other measures fail, it may be time to reduce the level of activity. Rest is some of the best medicine, and we can all use a break sometimes.

Toenail pain might seem like a small issue, but it can be your body’s way of telling you something needs attention—whether it’s your shoes, your training routine, or your overall foot health.

And while yellow toenails might just be from too much nail polish or a minor fungal infection, it’s worth looking into if the discoloration sticks around or is paired with pain or a loose toenail. We need to be especially cautious of more sinister black lesions on the feet, and ensure they are not at the risk of being a cancer, such as melanoma.

If you think you have a Runner’s toenail or you’re not sure, give your local BioPed a call today to find out how we can help! To find a BioPed Registered Chiropodist or Advanced Footcare Nurse, visit www.bioped.com/locations.

The post As a runner you may have ‘runner’s toenails’ – What is it, and how can you treat it. appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

What Causes a Morton’s Neuroma?

A neuroma is a swelling of nerve tissue that is typically brought on by pressure or inflammation. The nerve in the ball of your foot becomes irritated when you have Morton’s neuroma. Swelling, inflammation, and persistent discomfort may result from this compression over time. This pain may worsen the longer it is not addressed.

Wearing narrow or tight shoes, particularly high heels, which put more pressure on the forefoot and crush the toes, is one common cause. High-impact exercises that put constant strain on the ball of the foot include dancing, court sports, and sprinting do the same.

Additionally, foot abnormalities that might change pressure distribution and exacerbate nerve compression include bunions, high arches, and flat feet. A common finding is a long second toe, also known as Morton’s Toe.

Signs and Symptoms of a Neuroma

• A sharp or burning ache in the ball of your foot
• Numbness or tingling that spreads to your toes
• Sensing that you’re walking on a stone or tiny pebble
• Pain that becomes worse when wearing high-heeled or tight shoes
• Pain that goes away when you remove your shoes

Is a Morton’s Neuroma treatable?

Every day at BioPed Footcare, we assist patients in managing and treating neuromas. There are several non-surgical options that can reduce pressure and enhance your quality of life, so you don’t have to put up with persistent foot pain. These options for treatment Include:

• Footwear Changes: You can lessen the strain on your nerves by wearing supportive shoes with low heels and a larger toe box.
• Custom foot orthoses: These supportive insoles can significantly increase your comfort and movement by relieving pressure in the problematic area.
• Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter medications can help lower discomfort and swelling.
• Injections of corticosteroids: Advanced levels of treatment and drug therapy to alleviate the inflammation and extreme pain.

At BioPed, our medical footcare team provide one-on-one assessments and create personalized care plans designed just for you. Whether you’re feeling occasional discomfort or dealing with daily pain, we’re here to help you take the next step.

Contact your local BioPed to see how we can help you today!

The post Morton’s Neuroma – Struggling with Foot Pain? appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

What is Plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia of the foot becomes inflamed or irritated with micro-tears. Plantar fascia is the connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. The causes of plantar fasciitis micro-tears are often repetitive strain, improper footwear, or even the natural structure of your foot can contribute to the likelihood of you getting plantar fasciitis. Clients describe the pain as a shooting pain first thing in the morning or after periods of rest, easing up as they move around.

What Can You Do to Help Ease the Pain?

Managing plantar fasciitis requires a combination of the right arch support, stretching and minor daily life changes.

• Wear Supportive Footwear: One of the simplest changes you can make is switching to footwear that offers proper arch support and cushioning. Avoid flat, unsupportive shoes like flip-flops or worn-out sneakers, as they can worsen the strain on your plantar fascia. Look for a shoe that you cannot fold or twist and replace shoes if you are seeing visible wear (about every 6-9 months).
• Stretch and Strengthen Your Feet: Gentle stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and relieve tension in the calves and plantar fascia. When the calves are tight, they can also pull on the plantar fascia, causing heel pain.

1. Calf Stretch: Stand facing a wall, place one foot behind the other, and gently lean forward while keeping your heel on the ground (lounging motion). Hold each side for 30-45 seconds at a time to really feel the stretch.
2. Toe Stretch: Sit down and pull your toes back toward you to stretch the arch of your foot.
3. Toe Curl: Sitting down, lay a blanket or towel on the ground, place your foot on the fabric, and curl your toes inward, pulling the fabric with your toes.
4. Rolling Massage: Use a frozen water bottle or massage ball under your foot to soothe away tension in the muscles and fascia.

• Custom Orthotics: A BioPed Clinician can assess your foot mechanics and fabric a custom orthotic that can help to distribute pressure more evenly and reduce strain on your heel.
• Compression: A plantar fasciitis compression sock can reduce swelling and in turn address pain. Additionally, a night splint helps to stretch the tight fascia band while you sleep, reducing morning pain.
• Modify Your Activities: If you are dealing with heel pain, high-impact activities like running may aggravate your symptoms. Consider low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling to stay active without putting extra stress on your feet. If you can take frequent breaks at work, try to take a few minutes to get off your feet and do some light stretches.

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Plantar Fasciitis can be frustrating, but taking small, consistent steps can help manage the discomfort and keep you moving. Whether it’s choosing better footwear, incorporating stretching into your routine, or getting expert advice from a BioPed clinician, there are ways to support your feet and help you Do More in life!

The post Plantar Fasciitis: Why Your Heels Hurt and What You Can Do About It. appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.