Pain

Metatarsalgia (Plantar Plate Dysfunction, Synovitis – Capsulitis)

Metatarsalgia refers to localized pain in the forefoot, often in the heads of the metatarsals. This problem, also known as plantar plate dysfunction, can lead to considerable discomfort when walking, exercising, or even resting.

Causes and symptoms

Metatarsalgia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Inappropriate shoes, including high heels or soles that are too thin.
• Intensive sports activities, such as running or jumping.
• Deformities of the foot, such as flat feet, bunions (hallux valgus) or hammertoes.
• Overweight or obese, increasing pressure on the forefoot.

Common symptoms include:

• Sharp or burning pain under the soles of the feet.
• Inability to walk barefoot.
• Thickening of the skin (corn or callus) under the painful joint.
• Feeling of “stabbing” or numbness.
• Swelling and inflammation in the forefoot.
• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time.

Diagnosis

At Médecine podiatrique du Plateau, we carry out a complete evaluation to diagnose metatarsalgia. This includes a detailed physical examination, mobility tests, and possibly X-rays to rule out other problems, such as fractures or osteoarthritis.

Treatment

Treatment for metatarsalgia depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Custom foot orthotics to redistribute pressure and improve alignment.
• Shoe changes to promote comfort and support.
• Physical therapy to strengthen the foot muscles and improve flexibility.
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling.
• In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct deformities.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing pain in the front of your foot, it is essential to consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. At Médecine podiatrique du Plateau, our team is dedicated to helping you regain comfort and mobility.

Osteoarthritis of the big toe, also known as hallux rigidus, is a form of osteoarthritis that affects the joint at the base of the big toe. This problem is characterized by stiffness and pain, making foot movements difficult and affecting quality of life.

Causes and symptoms

Hallux rigidus often results from the progressive wear and tear of the articular cartilage, which leads to pain when walking, sports activities, or even at rest. Symptoms may include:

• Pain and inflammation at the base of the big toe.
• Stiffness, especially after a period of rest.
• Decreased mobility of the big toe.
• Formation of a bony outgrowth (exostosis) at the joint.

Diagnosis

At Médecine podiatrique du Plateau, we perform a thorough clinical examination to assess the pain and mobility of the big toe. Additional tests, such as x-rays, may be done to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of osteoarthritis.

Treatment

Treatment for hallux rigidus can vary depending on the severity of the condition. We offer several options, such as:

• Custom-made foot orthotics to improve alignment and reduce pressure on the joint.
• Suitable footwear to reduce stress in the affected joint.
• Anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and inflammation.
• Corticosteroid injections for pain relief.
• Infiltrations of viscossubstitute products (hyaluronic acid)
• If persistent pain is present, surgical options may be considered to remove bone growths that restrict movement (a procedure called a cheilectomy), a joint implant to restore joint function, or a fusion of the joint (a procedure called arthrodesis).

Conclusion

If you suffer from big toe pain, it is crucial to consult a podiatrist for an early diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. At Médecine podiatrique du Plateau, our team is here to help you manage your symptoms and regain your mobility. Our success is to know that you are on your own two feet, capable of doing all the activities you want with as little pain as possible.

Take this problem seriously. An assessment will allow you to see clearly and evaluate treatment options. Call now at 819-800-1212 to schedule your first appointment.

Did you know that your back pain could be linked to foot or posture problems? Podiatry plays a key role in the assessment and treatment of such pain, especially when caused by asymmetry in the feet, legs or joints. Walking is a naturally symmetrical process. As soon as this symmetry is compromised, pain can appear not only in the feet and ankles, but also in the knees, hips and back. Here are a few examples of disorders that can upset this balance and lead to back pain:

• Difference in leg length (one leg shorter than the other), often undiagnosed, affecting weight distribution.
• Asymmetrical crushing of the foot, which unbalances posture and gait and creates a functional difference in leg length, i.e. we function as if one leg were shorter than the other, even though both legs are of comparable length.
• Osteoarthritis of the ankle or big toe, especially in cases of asymmetry, limiting mobility and causing postural compensations. For example, if the big toe joint of only one of the two feet has a lot of osteoarthritis, normal stepping will be compromised, and the symmetrical gait necessary for efficient and comfortable walking will be impaired.

At Médecine podiatrique du Plateau in Hull, Aylmer, Gatineau, we offer a thorough gait analysis to identify these postural disorders and asymmetries. Complementing this, our radiological foot analysis (X-rays) allows us to better understand the skeletal condition of your feet, bones and joints, and to identify any issues that may be contributing to your current or future problems. Once a podiatric diagnosis has been made, we propose tailor-made solutions, such as foot orthoses, infiltrations, surgery, adapted footwear, exercise, physiotherapy or chiropractic treatments to restore balance and relieve your pain. If you’re suffering from back pain but don’t know what’s causing it, consulting a podiatrist in Gatineau can offer you a fresh perspective and concrete solutions. In conjunction with other professionals, such as a chiropractor whose expertise includes evaluating spinal alignment, your podiatrist may be able to help relieve your pain.

Take the first step toward relief. Call 819-800-1212 to schedule your first assessment.

  You have a bump on your toe. Do this bump make your feet sore when you wear shoes? It could be a hallux valgus, commonly known as a foot bunion.

Why do we develop foot bunions?

This condition may be genetic in origin. It can also develop due to our activities, our occupation or the shoes we wear. Thus, you can avoid further aggravation if you undertake changes in your habits and start preventative treatments.

How to treat or relieve a bunion without surgery?

A variety of non-surgical treatments are available at Médecine podiatrique du Plateau. For example, our podiatrists can help you find the shoes best suited to the condition of your feet and the prevention of this problem. Custom-made foot orthotics, which are molded insoles prescribed to alleviate mechanical problems in your feet, are devices often used for bunions of the foot. In addition, your podiatrist may recommend a cortisone infiltration, a digital orthosis or a toe brace.

When to undergo surgery and who to consult?

When non-surgical treatments have been attempted, you have two options for surgery:

1. Referral to a podiatrist with a postgraduate surgical residency. He or she has the skills to operate on a bunion that hurts and grows. Podiatrist fees are not covered by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec or the Ontario Health Insurance Plan.
2. Referral to an orthopedic surgeon. The specialist can then suggest surgery to remove the bump and properly realign the deviated bones.

Does the back of your heel hurt when you climb stairs? Do you feel a stiffness, burning or throbbing behind your heel or in your calves? It could be Achilles tendonitis. Achilles tendonitis is a common condition affecting the Achilles tendon, which attaches to the back of the heel. This tendon is an important component of the calf musculature, which plays a crucial role in walking, running and sporting activities. Achilles tendonitis occurs when this tendon is subjected to repeated and excessive loads, which can lead to tendon degradation and inflammation. In addition, this problem can be observed in people who lift heavy loads, such as construction workers, letter carriers and delivery people. Repetitive motion while driving, as in the case of bus or truck drivers, can be a trigger for Achilles tendonitis. Sometimes, poor posture or misalignment of the feet can be the cause.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy include pain and stiffness along the tendon, as well as soreness that may occur during exercise and subside afterwards. In severe cases, pain can make walking and sporting activities difficult or impossible.

Assessment

Your podiatrist will perform a complete clinical examination. A questionnaire will be asked about your physical activities. In addition, your podiatrist will be interested in the type of footwear you are wearing or have worn in the weeks leading up to the development of the problem. The most commonly used medical imaging for Achilles tendon evaluation is ultrasound, which is offered directly at the clinic by your podiatrist. What’s more, at Médecine podiatrique du Plateau, we’re equipped with a computer-assisted gait analysis pressure mat and cameras to obtain a precise assessment of your biomechanics.

Treatment

Treatment of Achilles tendinopathy depends on the severity of symptoms. Options include stretching, modifying or reducing activity, using devices such as ankle braces and splints, and taking anti-inflammatory medication. In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair or replace the damaged tendon. Achilles tendonitis can also affect athletes, developing through overuse or incorrect movement. Our podiatrists can advise you on choosing the right footwear and adopting proper running techniques. They will be able to deal with the problem so that you can get back to your daily activties as quickly as possible. It’s important to take this injury seriously, as it can take a long time to heal if not treated properly.

Numb feet? Does your foot burn, or do your toes feel electric shocks or tingling? It could well be Morton’s neuroma. At Médecine podiatrique du Plateau, we have treatments that work for you!

Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of the nerve. It is located between the 3^rd and 4^th toes. Compression in narrow shoes such as high heels, ski boots or clip-on cycling shoes may trigger a neuroma. This nerve mass between the toes will cause numbness, burning or electric shocks to your toes.

Faulty biomechanics can also be the cause. Some people suffer from hyperlaxity or hypermobility in their feet. This accentuates the frictional movement of the nerve against the bones of the foot, and can cause the nerve to thicken as a result of irritation.

Diagnostic imaging such as a foot ultrasound enables our podiatrists to visualize the neuroma clearly. An X-ray is used to rule out other causes of pain in the area, such as arthritis or osteoarthritis in a nearby joint. Afterwards, our podiatrists can suggest various treatments, such as cortisone injections or foot orthotics. They’ll also help you choose the right shoes.

Pro tip: opting for wider shoes with a rigid sole reduces nerve compression.

Do you feel a sharp pain in your heel as soon as you put your foot on the ground in the morning or after a prolonged walk?

This discomfort, sometimes compared to a stinging sensation or a bruise under the heel, can greatly disrupt your daily activities.

These symptoms are often indicative of two common conditions: plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia under the foot, or heel spurs, a bony calcification in the heel.

So, how do you differentiate between these two causes and effectively relieve your pain?

Common causes of heel pain

Heel pain can occur for a variety of reasons, often related to lifestyle habits or recent changes in your routine.

Here are the main causes to consider:

• Sudden weight gain : Weight gain, whether it is related to pregnancy, a period of stress, or rapid bulking, puts additional pressure on the feet. This can lead to overloading of the plantar fascia, which causes inflammation and pain.
• Wearing unsuitable shoes : Flat shoes, unsupportive sandals or ill-fitting shoes can compromise the natural alignment of the foot. Without proper arch support, the pressure on the heel increases, which promotes chronic injuries.
• Increased physical activity : Transitioning from a sedentary lifestyle to a hard workout, running on hard surfaces, or playing demanding sports like tennis or basketball can quickly overwork the plantar fascia and cause strain injuries.
• Prolonged standing work : Occupations that require standing for several hours, such as in retail or catering, strain the soft tissues of the foot, increasing the risk of chronic inflammation.
• Sports injuries : Repeated impacts or false movements, common in sports activities, can cause microcracks or lesions that affect the heel.

These situations exert excessive pressure on the plantar fascia or promote bone calcifications, as in the case of heel spurs.

Early attention and habit adjustment can prevent these pains from getting worse.

Heel spurs or plantar fasciitis: what are the differences?

✔️ The Heel Spur

• What is it?

The heel spur is a bony calcification that develops in the heel, usually under the calcaneal bone.

It forms as a result of repeated microtrauma or excessive pressure on this sensitive area, often caused by prolonged posture, overweight or intense physical exertion.

This bone growth can remain painless in some cases, but becomes problematic when combined with an injury to nearby tissues, such as the plantar fascia.

• Symptoms

The main sign of heel spurs is calcification visible on x-ray. When there is no associated pain, treatment does not necessarily need to be initiated. In the presence of localized and acute pain in the heel, particularly felt after a prolonged period of rest, such as when waking up or after sitting for a long time, it is called plantar fasciitis.

This pain is often described as a stinging or burning sensation, which gradually subsides as the day progresses with activity.

• Diagnosis

An accurate diagnosis requires an X-ray, which allows the bone growth to be directly visualized.

This examination is rapid, non-invasive and carried out on site at Médecine podiatrique du Plateau, guaranteeing a clear and immediate evaluation.

• In-clinic treatment

Depending on the severity, treatments such as foot orthotics, cortisone injections, or shoe modifications are offered to relieve the pain.

✔️ Plantar fasciitis

• What is it?

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick, fibrous tissue that extends from the heel to the base of the toes.

This fabric plays a key role in supporting the arch of the foot and absorbing shock when walking or running.

When subjected to excessive tension or repeated microtrauma, it becomes inflamed, causing sometimes debilitating pain under the foot.

• Symptoms

People with plantar fasciitis usually experience sharp, throbbing pain underfoot, often concentrated near the heel.

This pain is particularly intense when you get up, after a night’s rest, and tends to diminish with activity, before reappearing after a prolonged day or physical exertion.

In some cases, it can be diffuse, extending to the entire arch of the foot.

• Diagnosis

The diagnosis is based on an ultrasound, which makes it possible to visualize the inflammation and assess the condition of the plantar fascia.

This rapid and non-invasive examination is carried out directly on site at Médecine podiatrique du Plateau, ensuring a precise and personalized diagnosis.

• In-clinic treatment

Solutions include specific exercises, tapings to support fascia, custom-made foot orthotics, injections, physical therapies like therapeutic laser, and shoe adjustments to limit tension.

3 treatments to try at home while waiting for your consultation

While waiting to see a podiatrist to relieve your heel pain, a few simple things you can do at home can provide real relief.

These methods help reduce inflammation, relax the tissues underfoot, and reduce pain.

1. Apply ice

Ice is a great way to calm inflammation and relieve pain.

Take a bottle of ice water, put it under your foot and roll it gently for 10 minutes, three times a day.

This movement not only soothes the pain, but also massages the plantar fascia, reducing the accumulated tension.

2. Wear suitable shoes

Absolutely avoid walking barefoot or in flat shoes that offer no support.

Opt for shoes designed to support the arch of the foot, with a slightly raised heel and a rigid sole that doesn’t bend easily.

Avoid flat sandals, flip-flops or shoes that are too soft.

A good shoe helps distribute pressure evenly on the foot and prevent pain from getting worse.

You should wear these shoes from the moment you get out of bed.

3. Use a tennis ball

To relax the plantar fascia and reduce pain, gently roll a tennis ball under your foot for a few minutes.

This exercise helps improve blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, and stimulate sore tissue.

These simple treatments, combined with adapted habits, can greatly improve your comfort while waiting for a consultation with our podiatrists.

Why choose Médecine podiatrique du Plateau?

When you suffer from heel pain, an accurate diagnosis and the right treatments make all the difference.

At Médecine podiatrique du Plateau, we provide you with experienced podiatrists and modern equipment to offer you personalized and effective care.

Fast and accurate diagnosis

With our advanced tools such as X-ray and on-site ultrasound, we quickly identify the origin of your pain, whether it’s plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or another problem.

This precise diagnosis allows you to set up a treatment plan that is perfectly adapted to your situation.

Tailor-made treatments to relieve your pain

• Foot orthotics: Designed specifically for your feet, they provide optimal support, reduce pressure on the heel and correct biomechanical imbalances.

• Therapeutic laser: This treatment helps to progress the wound through the healing stages more quickly by stimulating the supply of oxygen and increasing the speed of chemical reactions in the cells.

• Therapeutic exercises: Our podiatrists teach you simple and effective movements to strengthen the foot muscles, stretch the plantar fascia and reduce inflammation.

• Bandages and tapings: These techniques help limit tension on the plantar fascia and promote healing while immediately reducing pain.

• Cortisone injections: In cases of severe inflammation, our podiatrists can administer targeted injections to quickly reduce pain and inflammation.

• Advice on suitable shoes: We help you choose shoes that offer adequate support and minimize the risk of recurrence, taking into account your lifestyle and daily activities.

Human and professional support

At Médecine podiatrique du Plateau, we understand how much heel pain can disrupt your daily life.

That’s why our team is committed to offering you personalized follow-up and practical advice to help you regain your comfort and mobility.

Make an appointment today to benefit from adapted care and rediscover the pleasure of walking without pain.