With the return of organized sports and teammates sharing common spaces like locker rooms once again, the spread and contraction of Athlete’s Foot is a concern.

Tinea Pedis (a.k.a. “Athlete’s Foot”) is a fungal infection of the foot, typically initiating between the toes. The fungus loves damp, wet, warm and humid conditions such as those found in the environment of the foot, shoes and socks during and following athletic activities. It’s important to note that tight fitting shoes can contribute to fungal growth. The fungus causing Athlete’s Foot is contagious and can spread through unprotected contact with contaminated floors, towels or shoes. As such, walking barefoot in locker rooms or communal baths/showers is a major concern.

Symptoms of infection generally involve a red, scaly rash (usually presenting first between the toes) as well as itch (often the most extreme immediately after removing socks or shoes following athletic activity). Blisters and/or ulcerations can occur as well.

In order to prevent the spread of Athlete’s Foot please adhere to the following recommendations:

-Keep your feet dry as much as possible.

-Regularly change your socks to a fresh, clean pair.

-Wear shoes designed for ventilation during activity.

-In public spaces, protect your feet by not walking barefoot.

-Alternate shoes (giving shoes time to dry).

-Do not share your shoes.

If you have a persistent rash on one or both feet, please seek assistance from a medical doctor immediately!

Author:  Dr. Paolo De Ciantis, BSc.(Hons.). M.Sc., D.C.

With the summer in full swing and the days calling for outdoor activities and sports, we need to be aware of “Turf Toe”!

“Turf Toe” is a sprain of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. The “metatarsophalangeal joint” is the joint located at the base of the big toe where it attaches to the forefoot. A “sprain” is an injury of a ligament which is connective tissue attaching one bone to another. Turf Toe occurs as a result of the toe being forced into dorsiflexion (i.e. extension). This would occur if you got your foot stuck in the ground outdoors or when taking off into a sprint. As an aside, over time in American football, as games became increasingly played on artificial turf, more and more competitors began experiencing Turf Toe. This is due to the fact that grass has more give and is more shock absorbing compared to artificial turf which would contribute to the development of Turf Toe and the establishment of its name.

Depending on the severity of trauma, soft tissue damage at the area of the metatarsophalangeal joint can range from minor in nature to resulting in complete tears  and even dislocation of the joint. This extreme scenario would not only produce significant pain but also difficulty in moving the injured toe. In general, the severity of tissue damage will lead to variation in the signs and symptoms of Turf Toe. For example, there will be varying presentation of swelling, bruising and the distribution of pain as well as available motion at the big toe.

Any sport and/or activity whereby the foot is loaded when the heel is lifted off the ground and the big toe is forced into dorsiflexion can result in Turf Toe. Moreover, athletes whose sport is predominantly played on artificial turf (such as in American football) typically wear shoes that are softer and more pliable but consequently offer less support to the toe area of the foot. The combination of these factors can unfortunately contribute to the development of Turf Toe.

The great news is that Turf Toe can be assessed and treated effectively by conservative methods from Chiropractors and Physiotherapists. Special tests such as x-rays may be ordered in order to rule out the presence of fracture or joint anomalies as a result of trauma.

If you think you may be suffering from Turf Toe, contact our head office at 416-385-0110 or book your next appointment online today!

Author:  Dr. Paolo De Ciantis, B.Sc.(Hons.). M.Sc., D.C.

Mallet (a.k.a. “Baseball”) Finger is a common injury that occurs at the end of a finger. Despite its alternative name, this injury is not limited to those who only play baseball! 

Mallet Finger occurs when a finger makes forceful contact with an immobile/unyielding object. As such, the extensor tendon that is responsible for straightening the last joint of a finger (or thumb) snaps as the end of a finger is forced to bend farther than it can under normal conditions. Muscles end in a tendon which attaches to a bone so that when a muscle contracts, a bone/joint moves. In Mallet Finger, when a tendon snaps, the end of the affected finger will take on a bent appearance and an individual will not be able to straighten it under their own power (but it can be straightened by using your other hand). In some cases, the tendon may not rupture but the bone where the tendon binds to may be pulled off (a.k.a. “avulsion fracture”). In this scenario, the end result is the same but caused by a fracture as opposed to a tendon snapping. 

Typically speaking, the dominant hand middle, ring and small finger are the most likely to suffer from Mallet Finger. Aside from the obvious immobile bend in the affected finger, the area may also be painful, swollen and/or visibly bruised. In the scenario that there is blood beneath the  nail of the affected finger or if the nail is detached, seek an ER immediately.  In this scenario, there can be a potential infection risk as there may be a nail bed rupture or “open fracture” present. 

Regarding treatment, an x-ray of the affected finger may be ordered in order to ensure a fracture isn’t present. Mallet Finger can be treated conservatively with few cases requiring surgery however, you may want to seek treatment as soon as possible so as not to risk resulting in a permanent deformity. Typically, treatment requires the temporary use of a splint until the tendon and/or bone heals. After enough time, rehab can be initiated!  

If you think you may be suffering from Mallet Finger, book an assessment with one of our treatment staff today!

Author:  Dr. Paolo De Ciantis, B.Sc.(Hons.), M.Sc., D.C.