Caring Podiatric Services in Scarborough, North York and the GTA with 2 Convenient Locations
Are you or a loved one being held back from enjoying life due to foot or ankle pain? With our podiatric services in Scarborough, North York and the GTA with 2 convenient locations, that won’t be the case anymore. Established in 1979, Robert Warner is an accredited podiatrist with the required knowledge, skills and qualifications. We diagnose and treat regular as well as sports-related foot and ankle conditions. Our clinic in Scarborough and North York welcomes individuals of all ages and provides personal assistance and quality foot care.
We Also Treat
Corns and Calluses
Fungal Toenails
Athlete’s Foot
Other Skin Conditions
Warts
Warts are small growths or patches of raised, bumpy skin and can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and painful. Plantar warts are the most common kind of wart found on feet, often on the sole of the foot or under the toes.
If left untreated, warts can grow and spread, can be very resistant to treatment and can re-appear over time. It is inadvisable to try to remove a wart at home using an over-the-counter product. Instead, contact our office if you suspect that you may have a wart.
Warts are often contracted by walking barefoot on surfaces such as change rooms and public showers and are commonly found in public swimming pools and hot tubs. Warts are a common condition in children and teenagers, and although some people seem to be more susceptible to warts, generally warts become less common as we age.
Remember that warts are contagious, and touching a wart directly can spread the virus, as can sharing a towel or bathmat with someone who has warts. Warts can also spread from one part of your body to another, so make sure to wash your hands after touching a wart.
Ankle Instability
Ankle instability occurs when the outer part of the ankle gives way when putting weight on it. The condition is most noticeable while walking on uneven surfaces and during activities such as running and basketball. Ankle instability is generally noticed during movement of the ankle joint, but can also occur while standing.
Treatment
There are numerous treatments for ankle instability, and the proper course of action depends on the findings of your physical examination and activity level.
Conservative Treatment
Conservative treatment includes physical therapy to improve the strength, balance and range of motion of the joint, bracing to support the affected ankle and prevent further sprains, and the use of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) to reduce the pain and inflammation.
Causes
Usually caused by repeated ankle sprains, the inadequate or improper healing and rehabilitation of sprained ankles can result in ankle instability. Recurring ankle injuries further weakens ligaments, aggravating instability and potentially causing additional ankle problems.
Symptoms
Pain and continued discomfort are the most common symptoms and are caused by the swelling and tenderness of the ankle. You may find that your ankle is unstable and may turn repeatedly while walking on uneven surfaces or during athletic activity.
Diagnosis
A complete medical history, including a history of any previous ankle injuries, and a physical examination is essential for an accurate diagnosis. This diagnosis is often confirmed with an X-ray.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon facilitates walking, running and jumping by helping you raise the heel off the ground. The Achilles tendon connects two muscles in your calf to the heel. Overstressing the Achilles tendon can cause the tendon to become irritated or inflamed often resulting in severe pain, referred to as Achilles tendonitis. Timely treatment is essential as it may turn into a long-term issue if left untreated. The risk of Achilles tendonitis increases with:
Achilles tendonitis usually responds well to conservative therapy. However, without proper treatment the condition may become chronic or even rupture and require surgical intervention.
Ankle Sprain
The ankle joint serves the function of connecting your foot with your lower leg, and ligaments keep your ankle bones from shifting. When one of these ligaments is excessively stretched or torn, it leads to a sprained ankle. Any activity that causes your ankle to stretch more than it is used to can hurt a ligament. This can occur if your foot is twisted or turned inward; some examples include:
You might also be at higher risk of getting a sprained ankle if you play sports, have balance problems or wear high heels or improper footwear. If you notice any swelling, bruising, pain, redness, instability, or have trouble walking, contact us to get your feet examined.
Arthritic Foot
Arthritis is a common term used for a large group of diseases. It predominantly affects the joints and involves inflammation resulting in pain and stiffness. It can be an acute or chronic inflammation of a joint and the soft tissues surrounding it. Arthritis can lead to chronic pain and eventually result in limited motion, deformities, and loss of joint function. Symptoms of an arthritic foot often include:
An arthritic foot can be treated in many ways depending on your condition, including surgical and non-surgical methods.
Flat Feet
A person with little or no visible arch in the foot when they stand has flat feet. A baby’s feet are often flat as arches may not be fully formed at a young age. Sometimes arches don’t develop at all, or they even collapse in later stages of life (called fallen arches). Flat feet are not always a problem, but for many people they can cause pain and affect their walking. Here are some common symptoms associated with flat feet:
People with flat feet who don’t experience any symptoms do not require any treatment. But if your feet appear flat and you experience foot pain, stiffness, or have difficulty walking moderate distances, we recommend a complete evaluation of your feet and walking pattern
Gait (Walking) Abnormalities
Gait is referred to as the pattern of walking. Normal walking requires balance and coordination of muscles. There are numerous other possibilities that may lead to the development of an abnormal gait. Some common causes include:
The chances of developing a gait disorder often increase with age. Older people tend to have weaker muscles, delayed reactions and lower muscle coordination which causes them to develop abnormal gait. Contact Robert Warner if you are experiencing problems due to gait abnormalities.
Geriatric Foot Care
Geriatric foot care services differ from regular foot care services and are especially beneficial for elderly people. As you get old, your feet have more wear and tear, meaning they become more susceptible to injury and disorders. These foot problems related to age can cause pain and also result in a certain loss of mobility. Some of the most important foot care treatments for older adults include:
For reliable geriatric foot care services, you need to reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Robert Warner has experience in diagnosing and treating all types of geriatric foot conditions.
Neuromas
A neuroma, also known as a nerve tumour, is a painful condition. Often found between the third and fourth toes, a neuroma is a benign growth of nerve tissue. Some of the common symptoms are:
It is essential to seek professional help at the first sign of pain or discomfort, as neuromas tend to get worse with time if left untreated. Treatment options depend on the severity of a neuroma, so early identification is important to avoid surgical measures.
Treating Patients of All Ages
Podiatry is a specialized branch of medicine concerning conditions affecting the function of the feet and ankles. A podiatrist needs to be qualified to practice by completing a 4-year program at a college of podiatric medicine after graduation. The areas of study include surgery, sports medicine, biomechanics, geriatrics and podopediatrics.
Robert Warner is accredited, knowledgeable, experienced and skilled to provide you with the right podiatric care and assistance. We offer treatment for patients of all ages, from children to teens to adults and seniors in Scarborough, North York and the GTA with 2 convenient locations. Whether you are suffering from a minor condition such as an ankle sprain or a chronic problem such as diabetes or arthritis, we can help you remain active and pain free.
