An ingrown toenail can be painful!  If left untreated, it can lead to significant pain which may force you to change the way you walk to protect your sore toe.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges or corner of the nail dig into the skin next to it causing pain, inflammation and sometimes infection. An ingrown toenail doesn’t always puncture the skin and can affect the big or small toes.    When a toenail pierces the skin at the side, there may be bleeding, oozing and subsequent infection.

Risk factors and causes of ingrown toenails:

• Toenails come in all shapes and sizes. Curved or involuted nails, have a curvature on one or both sides of the nail plate. This curvature may be so severe that the sides of the nail come together resulting in pinching of the nail bed tissue, also known as a pincer nail.
• Footwear that is unsupportive or doesn’t fit well, including shoes that are too tight, narrow, or shallow may place excess pressure on the toes causing an ingrown.
• Sweaty feet can be problematic as skin that is too moist becomes weaker, making the skin at the side of the nail an easy target for being punctured by a sharp nail.
• Toes that are bent or curly may cause more pressure on the sides of the nail. Hammer toes and bunions are commonly associated with ingrown toenails.
• Cutting toenails the proper way is important for your health and comfort. When toenails are cut too short or ripped off, nails can easily dig into the surrounding skin.
• A fungal infection can cause thickening of the nail and can also change the shape of the nail. This increases the risk for painful ingrown toenails.
• Many of us have experienced an inadvertent toenail injury. Stubbing the toe or dropping a heavy object on a toe can both cause injury to the nail and nail bed.  This can affect the way the nail continues to grow over time, affecting the shape and thickness.

Ingrown toenail prevention and treatment? 

1. Regular routine foot care is crucial as it will ensure your toenails are being cut properly. During a routine foot care appointment, your BioPed foot care clinician will use an antiseptic before cutting the offending nail.  After cutting the nail, a small file is used to make sure the nail is smooth and is no longer digging into the skin at the sides.
2. Well-fitting footwear is imperative!  BioPed lower limb clinicians will measure your feet in length and width and recommend the best shoe for your foot type, size and shape.
3. Toenail Bracing using a composite resin band, trains the nail to grow straighter and less curved.  It is non-invasive and described by many as a painless treatment with zero downtime. This method of nail correction has been proven safe and effective for persons of all ages, with all nail types including children and people with diabetes. Pain, pressure and discomfort dissipate almost instantly and the correction effect is long-lasting.
4. Nail Avulsions are minor surgical procedures performed in the clinic by a Registered Chiropodist.  It is a long-term treatment option that involves removing part of or the entire nail plate and using a chemical to kill the cells from which the nail itself grows.  This procedure will take some time to heal but can be an excellent option for chronically painful and infected ingrown toenails.

Come See Us!

If you have been suffering from pain or recurrent infections due to an involuted or ingrown toenail, contact your local BioPed clinic today to book an assessment with one of our Registered Chiropodists or Footcare Nurses to start feeling relief once and for all!

Toes come in all shapes and sizes. They can vary in length and width, they can even be bent, curly or crossed over another toe. A toe that crosses over another toe is not necessarily problematic, but it can be if it is ignored and left untreated. Overlapping toes are more common than you might think!

Crossover Toes & Possible Complications

Genetics play a big role in how our feet move and look. If one of your parents have a toe that crosses over another, you may be more predisposed to developing one at some point in your life. Crossover toes can also be caused by injury, trauma, flat feet, high arches, tight calf muscles or a more serious underlying medical issue such as rheumatoid arthritis. Crossover or overlapping toes are considered a toe deformity because they are not typical or “normal.”

Crossover toes that are flexible can be straightened with supports and devices.  Over time, changes in the joint may occur making the toe stiff or rigid, leading to pain and discomfort. Complications caused by crossover or overlapping toes could include:

• Callus and corns – in between toes, on the top of toes and on the bottom of the foot
• Blisters – caused by footwear
• Difficulty finding footwear that fits well
• Hammer toes
• Metatarsalgia – pain in the ball of the foot due to altered toe position
• Toe wound – with or without infection

The most common toes that may become crossed over are the second and baby toes. A bunion deformity in the big toe joint typically causes the big toe to deviate laterally or point towards the little toe. As the big toe deviates more and more, it will press up against the second toe which causes it to lift out of the way. When this happens, the second toe may override the big toe. An overlapping baby toe is commonly seen in newborns and oftentimes will spontaneously correct with development and walking. It can also be treated early with buddy taping to the adjacent toe.

Treatment of Crossover Toes

Taping & Splinting

A toe that is flexible can be moved and manipulated. Taping or splinting can be useful to help straighten the affected toe.

Toe Spacers

Toe spacers made of foam or silicone act as a buffer between toes. They are beneficial as they protect the toes from excess pressure from being too close together.

Footwear

Shoes that have a deep toe box will allow more room for the toes and will accommodate toes that are crossed over. This will help alleviate any discomfort due to pressure and can prevent skin irritation, such as blisters and corns.

Orthotics

If the crossover toe is caused by a biomechanical issue such as flat feet or high arches, custom foot orthotics and off the shelf insoles can be effective in correcting the position of the foot and making walking more efficient. In doing this, the progression of these toe deformities can be significantly slowed down.  Orthotics can also help to offload high pressure areas on the bottoms of the feet which can effectively reduce the amount of callus build-up.

Stretching

Tight calf muscles reduce the range of motion in our feet and ankles, which can change the way the foot moves when walking. Stretching increases flexibility, protects against injury and can also help custom foot orthotics work better.

Surgery

Surgery may be required if pain and discomfort is severe and negatively impacts activities of daily living. It is also a more permanent solution for those who have developed a chronic wound from their crossover toes.

Come See Us!

Pain and discomfort due to crossover toes may cause you to alter the way you walk, which can create other issues such as knee, hip or back pain. If you are experiencing pain and discomfort due to a crossover or overlapping toe, give your local BioPed a call today to make an appointment with one of our lower limb clinicians to learn about what can be done or what you can do at home to feel more comfortable!

Toenail bracing has been around for decades, and innovation has delivered a new nail correction system that is not only effective for the treatment of ingrown toenails, but also corrects several other toenail disorders. The Onyfix® Nail Correction System involves the application of a composite resin material onto the affected nail.  It’s non-invasive and described by many as painless!  It’s also been proven safe for people of all ages, with all nail types including children and people with diabetes. Ingrown toenails can be a nuisance, let’s learn more about this effective treatment option! 

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when one or both sides of the nail digs into the surrounding skin.  It may or may not pierce through the skin but can result in pain and discomfort and may cause redness and swelling. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can result in significant pain and infection, and could force you to change the way you walk or move to protect the affected toe.

Some of us may naturally have a more of a curved nail plate.  This curvature can be so severe that the sides of the nail come together underneath and pinch the tissue of the nail bed, also known as a pincer nail.

What causes ingrown toenails?

• Ill-fitting and unsupportive footwear – shoes that are too tight or small will press on the toes and nails.
• Genetics
• Toe deformities such as hammer toes and bunions.
• Cutting toenails too short or ripping them off may leave a spike of nail in the corner.
• A fungal infection of the toenail could change the shape, texture, and thickness.
• Toenail injury from trauma such as stubbing or kicking.

How do you know if you have an ingrown toenail?

• Pain when wearing closed toe footwear.
• Pain when walking, running, or jumping.
• Redness around the nail.
• Presence of pus or blood.
• Callus build-up at the sides and ends of the nail.

Onyfix® is measured and applied to fit each nail’s unique shape. It’s then cured in place using a safe LED light.  Curing the composite causes it to shrink slightly which gently pulls up on the sides of the nail where it digs into the skin, sometimes offering immediate relief.  The Onyfix® composite will hold its form as the nail grows naturally, ensuring retention of the improved, less curved shape.  The correction effect is long-lasting. As the nail completes its entire growth cycle and when treatment has been completed successfully, your foot care clinician will remove the nail correction system, a process that is quite quick.  This cost-effective nail bracing system can be conveniently performed in select BioPed clinics by a Chiropodist or Footcare Nurse with zero down time or healing required.

Is toenail bracing right for you?

Nail correction with this innovative bracing system will provide relief of symptoms while encouraging gradual correction of the nail plate shape. This results in long-term relief of pain, a decrease in the risk of further injury to the surrounding skin and allows for more effective conservative nail care to be performed.

Come See Us!

If you have been suffering from pain or recurrent infections in your toe due to an involuted or ingrown toenail, contact your local BioPed clinic today to book a consultation with a Chiropodist or Footcare Nurse to find out if toenail bracing is the solution for you!

Ingrown toenails can be painful! If left untreated, they can lead to considerable pain and discomfort which could force you to change the way you walk or move around to protect your sore toe.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges, sides or corners of the nail dig into the skin surrounding it causing pain, inflammation and sometimes infection. An ingrown toenail doesn’t always puncture or break the skin, but when it does, there may be bleeding, oozing and an infection could result.

What are the risk factors and causes of ingrown toenails?

• Toenail shape and size varies from person to person. They can be flat or straight, or they can be curved.  When toenails are overly curved, the curvature can be so exaggerated that the sides of the nail come together, pinching the nail bed tissue.  This is also known as a pincer nail.
• Footwear that is too tight, narrow, or shallow may place excess pressure on the toes causing an ingrown toenail.
• Sweaty feet can weaken the skin making it more susceptible to puncture when a sharp nail digs into the side of the nail.
• Toes that are bent or curly may lead to excess pressure on the toenails. Hammer toes and bunions are commonly associated with ingrown toenails.
• Cutting toenails too short or ripping them off may lead to nails digging into the surrounding skin.
• A fungal infection of the toenail can cause it to become thick and may even change the shape which oftentimes increases the risk for a sore ingrown toenail.
• Stubbing or dropping a heavy object on a toe can cause injury to the nail and surrounding tissue. If the nail root, also called the nail matrix, is damaged, it will affect the way the nail continues to grow over time. Banging your toe can also cause the nail to pierce the skin surrounding it, leading to an ingrown toenail.

Is it possible to prevent ingrown toenails and how are they treated?

1. Make sure you’re cutting your nails properly at home. It’s best to cut them straight across and not too short. An emery board file can be used to smooth the sides of the nail. If you’re having difficulty cutting your own nails, a Registered Chiropodist or a Footcare Nurse can perform routine toenail trimming. A routine medical footcare appointment involves the use of an antiseptic such as rubbing alcohol before cutting the offending nail. After cutting the nail, a small file is used to make sure the nail is smooth and is no longer digging into the skin at the sides. When this is done regularly on a consistent basis, medical footcare treatments can make a world of difference!
2. Supportive footwear in the proper size and shape for your feet will accommodate your toes and allow them to move freely when you move, without pressing into the shoe. At BioPed Footcare, our lower limb clinicians will measure your feet in length and width and recommend the best shoe for you.
3. Toenail bracing has come a long way! Applying a composite resin to the nail plate can effectively train the nail to grow straighter and less curved.  It’s non-invasive and described by many as a painless treatment with zero downtime. This method of nail correction has been proven safe for persons of all ages, with all nail types including children and people with diabetes. The correction effect is long-lasting and will significantly ease pain and discomfort from issues such as ingrown, detached, split, and misshaped toenails.
4. Nail avulsions are minor surgical procedures performed in the clinic by a Registered Chiropodist. It’s a long-term treatment option that involves removing part of the nail or the entire nail plate and application of a topical medication to kill the nail matrix. This procedure does involve some down time for healing but can be an excellent option for chronically painful and infected ingrown toenails.

If you have been suffering from pain and discomfort due to an ingrown toenail, contact your local BioPed clinic today to book an assessment with a Registered Chiropodist or Footcare Nurse  to start feeling more comfortable once and for all!*

*Medical footcare at BioPed is available at select locations

Plantar fasciitis is a common and painful foot condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed or strained. While there are various treatment options available, two of the most accessible methods are cold and heat therapies. To get started on the first steps of your treatment plan, keep reading to learn about the benefits and optimal timing of using cold and heat therapies for plantar fasciitis.

Benefits of Cold Therapy

1. Reduces Inflammation: Cold therapy is well-known for its ability to reduce inflammation. When applied to the affected area, ice helps constrict blood vessels and minimize blood flow, which can help alleviate the pain and swelling associated with plantar fasciitis.
2. Numbs Pain: Ice can act as a natural analgesic by numbing the area it’s applied to. This can be particularly useful for individuals experiencing severe plantar fasciitis pain, as it can provide temporary relief.
3. Easy Application: Ice therapy is straightforward; you can use a frozen water bottle or a cold pack to apply cold therapy to the affected foot. It’s a cost-effective and accessible option for most people.
4. Reduces Muscle Spasms: Ice therapy can also help relax and soothe the muscles surrounding the plantar fascia, providing additional relief from pain and discomfort.

Benefits of Heat Therapy

1. Improves Blood Circulation: Unlike ice, heat therapy increases blood circulation in the affected area. This can promote the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the plantar fascia, potentially speeding up the healing process.
2. Relaxes Muscles: Heat can help relax the muscles in the foot and calf, reducing tension and easing pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
3. Promotes Healing: Heat may encourage the healing of micro-tears in the plantar fascia, making it a potentially helpful treatment option for certain cases of plantar fasciitis.
4. Eases Stiffness: Heat can be particularly beneficial in the morning when many plantar fasciitis sufferers experience stiffness. It can help loosen the foot and make it easier to walk comfortably.

Choosing between ice and heat for plantar fasciitis largely depends on both your individual preferences and the stage of your condition. At BioPed, we recommend a combination of both methods for the best results:

Early-Stage Plantar Fasciitis:

• Cold therapy is generally more effective for reducing inflammation during the initial stages.
• Apply ice for 10 minutes, remove for 10 minutes, and repeat as necessary.
• Avoid using heat during the initial stages, as it can worsen inflammation.

Chronic Plantar Fasciitis or Muscle Tension:

• Heat therapy can provide greater benefits by relaxing muscles and improving circulation.
• Applying heat for 10-15 minutes before stretching or other treatments can be beneficial.

A convenient tool for these therapies is a reusable Hot and Cold Compress pack from RapidAid. This product is an essential item for addressing a wide range of issues, including sports injuries, headaches, and common aches and discomforts. With its Contour-Gel, it conforms to your foot and maintains flexibility even while frozen, providing rapid relief from inflammation.

When it comes to treating plantar fasciitis, we’re here to help. Visit us at a BioPed location near you to get started on your personalized treatment plan to help you manage your pain and get back to doing more of what you love.

Whether competing against others or doing it for personal growth and fitness, runners committed to their sport are disciplined and driven as they strive for greatness! Competitive runners earn medals and trophies, but they can also develop injuries to their toenails. A toenail injury is viewed by some as a badge of honour. To others, it is a painful reminder of intense training and time on the road, trail or track.

Black, loose, or detached toenails can be an indication of kilometres of training by long distance runners. Toenails that are injured while running are coined “Runner’s toenails”. Caused by pressure and friction when toenails repeatedly and forcefully contact the side or tops of your shoes, this repetitive injury results in bleeding under the toenail plate, or a subungual hematoma in the medical world. The big toenail is the most common nail to be affected and once it’s injured, it will need time to heal. Let’s investigate Runner’s toenails and how you can treat and possibly prevent them!

What does Runner’s Toenail feel like?

• Pressure – if blood builds up underneath a toenail, pressure builds in the small space and causes pain, discomfort and throbbing.
• Blood blister – a blood blister can form under a nail when injury has occurred causing pain and discomfort.
• Ingrown toenail – an injury to a toenail can cause the side of the nail to press into or even puncture the skin at the sides; ill-fitting shoes are another cause of trauma leading to an ingrown toenail.
• Pain – depending on the extent of a toe injury, pain can vary; pain can be caused by increased pressure under the nail from blood that has accumulated or from a detached toenail.
• Loose toenail – if toenail injury is significant, a nail can become dislodged and start to fall off; it’s best to not pull on it or rip it off though as this can damage the tissue of the nail bed.
• Toenail damage – if damage is severe, the nail plate may end up growing in thicker or misshapen; if this happens, it may forever grow this way.

How do you treat Runner’s Toenail?

1. Ease up on your training, especially if you’re experiencing pain; this will give your toenail a chance to heal.
2. Always wear the correct shoe size; being properly fit for running shoes is crucial to reducing your risk of injury and trauma to your feet.
3. Allow your nail to breathe by keeping the nail clear of nail polish; a bare toenail will heal better.
4. If you have pooled blood underneath your nail causing pressure and discomfort, it may need to be drained by a Registered Chiropodist or Primary Care Professional; if minor, a build-up of blood will reabsorb into the body over time and not require drainage after all.
5. If the injury is severe, the toenail may need to be safely removed by a Chiropodist, depending on the extent of damage and detachment.
6. Keep your toenails trimmed to a healthy length.

Runner’s toenails are not just for runners!

Any activity or sport that involves kicking, quick movements or pivoting, gripping with the feet and toes or direct pressure on the tips of toes can result in a toenail injury. Soccer, tennis, pickle ball, squash, rock climbing and dancing are all activities that can put extra pressure on toenails.

Be aware of other causes of black toenails…

Not all black toenails are caused by running. A fungal infection of a toenail can cause discolouration and darkening of the nail plate. Additionally, melanoma, a form of skin cancer, can develop underneath the nail plate on a toe. This is a serious condition and should not be ignored. If you notice darkening on or under the toenail, it is best to seek medical advice as quickly as possible.

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.

Once arthritis develops in the toes, it cannot be reversed. If treated appropriately, the symptoms of toe arthritis can be managed well and can slow down the progression of the arthritic process. There’s no reason for it to stop you from doing the activities you want to do and love!

Common symptoms of arthritis may include:

• Joint stiffness
• Joint inflammation
• Pain and discomfort
• Decreased range of motion or movement of the joint

When treating arthritis, the general rule of thumb applies to all types of arthritis. Treatment is geared to the affected joint and the symptoms experienced. This can be achieved in several ways. Let’s explore how BioPed Footcare can help ease your toe arthritis pain and discomfort!

Bracing

Toe bracing can be a fantastic solution to helping with arthritis in the toes! Depending on the toe affected, bracing works to offload the joint compartment by straightening the toe and relieving pressure in the arthritic area. Alternatively, it could be as simple as wearing in a toe spacer or wedge in between the toes to reduce friction and rubbing.

Shoes

Toe arthritis often causes deformities such as bunions, hammer toes and claw toes. A properly fitted shoe can be the difference between the reduction of pain and the worsening of pain. When shopping for shoes, look for something that supports the foot well and has a deep toe box to accommodate toes. A shallow toe box will put pressure on the toes which can cause arthritis to worsen. A shoe made of leather can be stretched to make more room for bent or curly toes. This will provide relief for painful toes.

Orthotics

Orthotics can be another great solution for toe pain. Foot orthotics are devices worn inside your shoes to help realign the lower limb and make walking more efficient. They can effectively reduce the pressure placed on your toes when you’re on your feet. BioPed’s lower limb clinicians can help in managing the pain and discomfort you may be experiencing. Our Canadian Certified Pedorthists and Registered Chiropodists can modify your orthotics to make walking more comfortable and they can fit them into most footwear giving you long-lasting comfort in the shoes you love.

Come See Us!

If you’re suffering from arthritis or any other lower limb issue, there is always a solution at BioPed Footcare. Whether it’s bracing, orthotics or footwear, we are here to help. We have on-site labs where we fabricate and modify custom foot orthotics. Book an appointment today with one of BioPed’s lower limb clinicians to see how you can keep your toes and lower body healthy!

It is definitely something worth considering! Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are damaged, visible blood vessels just beneath your skin’s surface. They typically look red, blue or purple. They may appear in clusters that resemble spider webs or tree branches. Spider veins can form anywhere, but they usually develop in your legs. They can be an early sign of a vein disease, known as chronic venous insufficiency. If your healthcare provider has recommended compression stockings for spider veins, this is likely because they have concern for vein disease.

Compressions socks can be a fantastic tool to help you manage vein disease, along with any swelling and fatigue in your legs. Today we’ll talk about everything compression sock related and how they can keep your legs moving all day long.

What are compression socks?

Graduated compression socks work to target swelling; reducing it by means of pressure. These socks are tightest around the ankle and become looser as they go up the leg. This causes the blood that often pools in the feet and calves to be pushed out and back up to the heart. Targeting this swelling is essential in keeping the legs feeling fresh throughout the day. But there are a number of other things compression can help with such as; managing pain, promoting mobility, support during activity and even aid in muscle recovery after intense activity.

Can I Get Fun Colours?

Yes you can! Gone are the days of plain black and white compression socks. With knee high compression socks, the colour options are endless! From bright pink to polka dot, we are bound to be able to find something to fit your wardrobe. Depending on how much swelling you are experiencing and how high up your leg it affects,  your doctor will recommend a length and compression pressure that makes sense for you. These can range from knee, thigh high, to even pantyhose length.

How Do I Go About Getting a Pair?

Book in with your nearest BioPed clinic today! At the appointment, we will talk to you about what compression socks do, how they will work for you, and get you measured up. From there you will go over type and style, in addition to being taught how to properly put the socks on.

Come See Us!

If you’re suffering from spider veins, swelling or anything else lower limb related, please book an appointment today! At BioPed Footcare, whether it is compression socks, orthotics or footwear, we are here for you. With our on-site lab there is nothing we can’t do!

Stiff, creaky knees and hips or swollen, sore fingers are often attributed to arthritis. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including our toes! The four main types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout and all can cause pain and discomfort in the toes.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis. It occurs with age and wear and tear as the cartilage inside a joint start to break down. When this happens, the two bones forming a joint rub together causing pain. If the toes become bent or misaligned or if an injury is sustained, arthritis is more likely to occur. Hammer toes and bunions are often genetic and run in the family. Treatment is typically focused on pain reduction through stretching/strengthening muscles around the joint, orthotic supports, proper footwear, bracing and medication. Orthotics can provide support, cushioning, and address pain by minimizing excessive motion and stabilizing the affected joint(s).

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis that is auto immune in nature, meaning the body is attacking itself. This type of arthritis can quickly cause joint deformity, such as hammer toes and bunions. It is managed with medication and footwear/orthotics that accommodate toe deformities and offload high pressure areas.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) will occur in one third of individuals who have psoriasis. It is an auto immune condition affecting the skin (www.arthritis.org). It can affect large and small joints in the foot, including toes. A prompt diagnosis is crucial as undiagnosed PsA can lead to joint destruction and weak bones.

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It’s suspected when there is a sudden onset of pain, swelling and redness in a joint. It most commonly affects the big toe and is caused when sharp crystals of uric acid build-up in the joint. Gout is controlled with medication and a proper diet. Rocker bottom footwear can be helpful to decrease big toe joint pain.

What does arthritis in the toes feel like?

• Pain
• Swelling +/- redness
• Joint enlargement
• Decreased movement or range of motion
• Bent or curled toes
• Numbness, burning or tingling
• Issues with toenails

What can help ease the discomfort of these different types of arthritis?

1. Custom foot orthotics are an effective treatment for all types of arthritis as they support and protect joints in the feet by distributing pressure and bodyweight more evenly. Your orthotics deserve personal attention every step of the way! BioPed clinics are equipped with on-site labs where our clinicians fabricate orthotics to the highest standards in the shortest time possible.
2. The importance of proper footwear shouldn’t be underestimated! Our lower limb clinicians can recommend footwear for added support, shock absorption and cushioning. Wearing inappropriate or ill-fitting shoes can exacerbate symptoms of arthritis, but supportive shoes provide stability and increased comfort for arthritic joints.   Footwear can also be modified if necessary to accommodate your joints and feet if or when they change with the arthritic process.
3. Toe wedges, separators and sleeves made of silicone can also help protect uncomfortable toe joints by acting as a buffer between the skin and shoes. BioPed Footcare has a wide selection to choose from!

Arthritis can be painful and debilitating. To learn more on how to alleviate arthritis in your toes, contact your local BioPed today to book an assessment with one of our lower limb clinicians who will help you feel more supported and comfortable so you can do more in life!