Foot Problems in Montreal: When Do You Seek Professional Help?

Are you someone who suffers from foot health issues? Maybe you have tried home remedies. If you are wondering when it is the right time to get it checked by a podiatrist, keep reading.

Introduction

Montreal has a continental climate with high humidity. The summers are dry. Winters are extremely cold. Snow and frequent rain further increase humidity. So, sweat accumulation and wetness increase the risk of foot issues like fungal infection. Improper lifestyle and footwear choices further contribute to the common issues. Self-care is not enough to treat many common conditions. 

Common Foot Problems That Montreal Residents Face

Do you know that as many as 75% of Canadians suffer from podiatric health issues at least once? So let’s check out the common foot problems that Montreal residents face.

Fungal Infections 

Fungal infections include toenail fungus and athlete’s foot. These infections are brought by different functions. Symptoms appear as scaly and itchy skin. The areas between the toes get particularly affected. It will also feel cracked and dry.

Keeping feet dry is a good way to prevent fungal infections. Footwear with good airflow or a breathable upper can help you maintain dry feet. Also, podiatrists in Montreal (podiatre Montréal) advise avoiding barefoot walking in public pools and gyms. Fungi thrive in such warm and moist conditions. 

Plantar Fasciitis

This condition is characterised by inflammation of the fibrous tissue linking the toes with the heel bone. A symptom of this foot condition is extreme heel pain. You will also feel stiffness in the heel. The heel pain will be particularly intense when you try to walk after being inactive for some time. 

Plantar fasciitis results mainly from stress on the heels. So, runners and overweight people are at risk. Standing or walking for extended periods can also lead to plantar fasciitis. Podiatrists in Montreal (podiatre Montréal) suggest the use of proper footwear to reduce stress on your feet. 

Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail is characterised by the edge of the toenail growing into the skin or surrounding soft tissues. As a result, there will be inflammation and infection. You will feel pain and discomfort. There will be pus. You may also feel feverish. 

You may suffer from an ingrown toenail if you are not clipping properly. Narrow or tight footwear can also pressure your nails into growing inwards. Injuries that damage the nail bed can also trigger inward growth of toenails. Hence, appropriate shoes and nail trimming are necessary. 

Corns & Calluses

Repetitive activities or poorly fitting shoes can put pressure on your skin. It also leads to increased friction. Your skin tries to protect itself. This leads to hardened and thick layers of skin. Corns are smaller yet more painful. Calluses are larger but cause less pain. 

Your footwear should not be too tight to put pressure on your feet. It should also not be too loose to allow friction with the skin. Foot clinics in Montreal (clinique du pied Montréal) can trim away the thick skin. 

Cracked Heels & Dry Skin

Lack of moisture can lead to cracked heels and dry skin. Pressure also causes the issues. The skin starts cracking as it becomes brittle. Cold weather can increase the chances of this foot issue. Wearing open-backed shoes can also give you cracked heels and dry skin.

Cracks can become deeper. There can be infection and bleeding. You will feel severe pain. Podiatrists in Montreal (podiatre Montréal) recommend moisturizing your feet regularly to prevent them. 

When Can Home Remedies Be Tried First?

Home remedies can be used in certain cases if the condition is not severe. The remedies often work in mild cases when followed alongside good hygiene practices. Let’s check out when home remedies can resolve your issue. 

Mild Fungal Infections

Home remedies can help in case of mild fungal infections. Applying tea tree oil can help. You can also soak apple cider vinegar. You may also use antifungal products. If it has not been 2 weeks of facing the issue, you can try home remedies first before visiting a podiatrist in Montreal (podiatre Montréal).

Dry Skin & Minor Calluses

Minor calluses and dry skin can be effectively treated with home remedies. Foot soaks work. You can also exfoliate using a file or pumice stone. Moisturizing is also good for dry skin and calluses. 

Occasional Foot Fatigue or Swelling

Foot fatigue and swelling can be treated at home as long as the symptoms are not persistent. Mild issues can be treated with ice packs and foot massages. Sufficient rest and gentle movement of feet also benefits. Also, start using supportive and comfortable footwear. 

Signs That You Must Visit A Podiatrist/ Foot Specialist

Home remedies will not be enough if your foot condition is persistent and severely bothersome. Check out the signs indicating that you should look for a podiatrist near you (podiatre autour de moi).

Persistent Pain

Visit a healthcare professional if the pain does not go away. Also, visit a foot clinic in Montreal (clinique du pied Montreal) if you face difficulty walking. Get your foot checked up if the pain does not subside after 1 to 2 weeks of home remedy. 

Worsening or Spreading Infections

Fungal infections are expected to get better within 2 weeks of home remedies. Visit a podiatrist in Montreal (podiatre Montréal) if the infection worsens. Intensifying pain and redness? More swelling? Pus and foul odor? These are signs to get the foot checked. 

Changes In Nail Or Skin Colour/ Texture

Visit a foot clinic if the colour and texture of your toenail or skin begins to change. Are the toenails excessively thickened? Are there black spots? Is the skin peeling off? These are signs that the condition will require clinical treatment. 

Limited Mobility or Balance Issues

You should definitely book with a podiatrist in Montreal (podiatre Montréal) if your mobility becomes restricted due to a foot condition. Visit a foot clinic if you find it very difficult to stand and walk. 

Feeling like you can not keep your balance? This is also an indication that you should visit a podiatrist. Discomfort in daily activities is also a reason to get checked.

Diabetic Foot Care

You should take foot care more seriously if you are diabetic. You must already be aware of how diabetes makes it difficult for wounds and sores to heal. This is exactly why diabetic people are recommended to visit a podiatrist for a foot checkup at least once a year. 

Don’t ignore medical help for your foot if you are diabetic. It can turn into gangrene. You should also buy comfortable shoes to prevent injuries and sores if you are diabetic. Also, take special care of foot hygiene. 

Montreal Resources for Foot Care

Now you know when home remedies are enough and when a podiatrist visit is needed. So, find out where you can find foot care resources in Montreal.

Public Health Clinics

You can receive basic foot care services like foot wash and nail clipping in public health clinics. You will get some hygiene education as well. You can also receive advanced foot care with detailed assessment and interventions for more complicated foot issues. 

But remember, the care will be covered under the Canada Health Act unless it is approved under special circumstances. It is likely going to cost you out of your pocket.

Private Podiatry Centres

You can also receive podiatry services privately in Montreal. However, the services will not be covered under the universal public healthcare system. So you will be seeing the cost of treatment. 

The provincial health plan of Montreal may cover part of your treatment. Podiatric services are also often covered under extended health plans like private medical insurance. 

Walk-Ins Versus Referral-Based Care

Podiatrists may treat patients without a referral from a medical doctor. You can obtain the services on a walk-in or appointment basis. If your extended health insurance plan covers the treatment, then you need a referral for reimbursement. 

What To Expect In A Foot Consultation?

Have you decided where to get your foot treated? Then here is what to expect.

Initial Evaluation & Diagnosis

The podiatrist will first examine your feet. The nails, skin, muscles, and bones will be thoroughly assessed. Gain analysis may also be done. Your walking pattern may also be studied. The podiatrist in Montreal (podiatre Montréal) will try to look for signs of injury or abnormality. 

Imaging (If Needed)

Further diagnosis of your feet may also be needed. The podiatrist will use imaging techniques. X-rays can be used. CT scans may also be performed. MRI is also an option. This will make it easier to examine the bones, joints, and muscles. These advanced imaging techniques will help diagnose your condition precisely. 

Treatment Options

The podiatrist will talk about the right treatment options after the diagnosis. You may be prescribed medications or injections. You may also be informed that you need surgery or a minimally invasive procedure. Customised orthotics may also be suggested if structural abnormalities are found. The podiatrist may also recommend appropriate footwear. 

Final Thoughts

Home remedies do work in certain cases. But only rely on them if the condition is mild and non-persistent. It is advised to visit foot clinics in Montreal (clinique du pied Montréal) if your condition doesn’t get better over a couple of weeks. 

Take care of your foot hygiene. Consider the climate of Montreal for your hygiene plan. And don’t overlook the importance of supporting and comfortable footwear. You don’t want to put pressure on your feet for long hours. Avoid staying with sweaty feet. Remember that moisturising helps. 

Regularly get your feet checked by our podiatrists in Montreal (podiatre Montréal) if home remedies fail to work.