Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics – Foot Doctor, Podiatrist and Foot Specialist Toronto, ON

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics – Foot Doctor, Podiatrist and Foot Specialist Toronto, ON

Meet Chiropodist Marz Hardy of Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics as she discusses foot care.

http://www.academyclinics.com

At ACADEMY FOOT & ORTHOTIC CLINICS, we believe that a CHIROPODIST and patient become a team for treating an individual’s FEET PAIN or FOOT PROBLEMS. Our FOOT SPECIALISTS spend most of their time listening to understand your concerns and responding with the BEST FOOT TREATMENTS, BEST ORTHODICS, BEST ORTHOTICS and BEST CUSTOM ORTHOTICS options for you.  Our office MANTRA is to provide our patients with the BEST FOOT CARE POSSIBLE.  With the help of our professional staff, they also follow up to make sure that generally, FOOT PAIN is relieved, FOOT PROBLEMS are resolved and your health improves.  In our TORONTO OFFICE we treat all kinds of FOOT PAIN including ARCH PAIN, HEEL PAIN, METATARSAL PAIN, ACHILLES TENDON PAIN, TOE PAIN, BUNION PAIN, PLANTAR FACIITIS HEEL PAIN, HEEL SPURS, HEEL SPUR PAIN, INGROWN NAIL PAIN, INGROWN TOE NAILS, FOOT FUNGAS, NAIL FUNGUS, WARTS, CORNS, AND CALLOUSES (CALLUS).

We also want our patients to be informed about FOOT and ANKLE PAIN, ARCH PAIN, ANKLE PAIN, HEEL PAIN,HEEL SPUR PAIN and FOOT TREATMENTS, ANKLE TREATMENTS, ARCH TREATMENTS, HEEL TREATMENTS and ACHILLIS TENDON TREATMENTS because informed patients make better decisions about their health and well being. That is why we’ve included an extensive section on this web site covering the full array of topics associated with FOOT CARE, CHIROPODY diagnoses and FOOT AND ANKLE TREATMENTS.  NO DOCTOR REFERRAL IS NECESSARY TO ARRANGE A CONSULTATION.  With our experience we strive to bring you the very BEST PROFFESIONAL CARE.  We encourage you to look through these pages whenever you have an interest or concern about your FEET, FOOT, ANKLE or LOWER LIMB.

We also know that convenience in the Toronto area is important to your selection of a FOOT SPECIALIST.  In these web pages you’ll find information about ACADEMY FOOT & ORTHOTIC CLINICS office plus information about TORONTO ORTHODICS and TORONTO CUSTOM ORTHODICS, including our TORONTO location, maps, directions, hours, insurance policies and appointment scheduling.  We think that you will find our location across from the BROADVIEW SUBWAY STATION very convenient.  WE ARE AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF BROADVIEW AVENUE AND DANFORTH AVENUE.  We have some parking at the rear of our building with additional parking 5 doors south at Loblaws.   We hope you’ll find our practice offers the accessibility and personal commitment you look for from a FOOT SPECIALIST.

 

Call Today 416-465-8737

752 BROADVIEW AVENUE
TORONTO, ON M4K 2P1

Visit our website: http://www.academyclinics.com

Shockwave Therapy for Feet – Podiatrist, Foot Doctor and Foot Specialist Toronto, ON

HardyShockwaveTreatment.wmv Watch on Posterous

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Shockwave Therapy for Foot Problems – Podiatrist, Foot Doctor and Foot Specialist Toronto, ON

Chiropodist Marz Hardy of Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics discusses Shockwave Therapy for Foot Problems.

http://www.academyclinics.com

Shockwave Therapy for Heel Pain Treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is the term commonly used to refer to heel and arch pain traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. More specifically, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue, called plantar fascia, that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone. Overpronation is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis. As the foot rolls inward excessively when walking, it flattens the foot, lengthens the arch, and puts added tension on the plantar fascia. Over time, this causes inflammation.

Also known as heel spur syndrome, the condition is often successfully treated with conservative measures, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In persistent cases, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) may be used to treat the heel pain.

 

Visit our website: http://www.academyclinics.com

Painless Injections for Foot Problems – Foot Specialist, Foot Doctor and Podiatrist, Toronto, ON

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Painless Injections for Foot Problems – Foot Specialist, Foot Doctor and Podiatrist, Toronto, ON

HardyPainlessInjection.wmv Watch on Posterous

Chiropodist Marz Hardy of Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics discusses Painless Injections for Foot Problems.

http://www.academyclinics.com

MARZ HARDY, D.Ch., B.Sc. PODIATRIC MEDICINE was the FIRST licensed FOOT SPECIALIST in CANADA to provide A.R.T. (ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE) for the lower limb.  We presently have three CHIROPODISTS on staff as well as DR. JOHN A. HARDY, TORONTO CHIROPRACTOR and TORONTO DOCTOR as our manager and consultant.  We are also anxiously waiting for DR. HARDY’S  daughter, SHANNON to graduate as a PODIATRIST and join our team of FOOT SPECIALISTS.  In our office we have staff wo can provide services in English, Polish, Cantanese, French, Italion and Spanish  Also our office is located less than 100 yards from the BROADVIEW SUBWAY, which is at the southwest corner of BROADVIEW AVENUE and DANFORTH AVENUE.  (BLOOR STREET and the DON VALLEY PARKWAY).  Our FOOT CLINIC  provides COMPUTERIZED PAINLESS INJECTIONS as well as the latest technology in SHOCKWAVE THERAPY.  We also provide COMPUTERIZED 3D COMPUTER LASER SCANNING for our ORTHOTIC PATIENTS. All our staff have been trained in current Heart and Stoke Foundation standards of CPR.  We’ve recently aquired a PUBLIC ACCESS DEFIBRILLATOR for our clinic and all our staff have been trained to use this model in the event of an emergency.  Although, we hope to never use it!

Visit our website: http://www.academyclinics.com

Laser Treatment – Fungal Toenails – Foot Specialist, Foot Doctor and Podiatrist Toronto, ON

HardyLaserFungalToenails.wmv Watch on Posterous

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Laser Fungal Toenails Treatment – Foot Specialist, Foot Doctor and Podiatrist Toronto, ON

Chiropodist Marz Hardy of Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics discusses Laser Treatment for Fungal Toenails.

http://www.academyclinics.com

Since fungal nails are usually more resistant and more difficult to treat than Athlete’s foot, topical or oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. Permanent nail removal is another possible form of treatment for fungal nails.

After a fungal nail infection has cleared up, you can take steps to prevent the infection from coming back.

Keeping the fungus under control will help prevent a fungal infection of the skin from reinfecting the nail. Before bed, thoroughly wash and dry your feet, and apply a non-prescription anti-fungal cream to the entire foot from the ankle down. Use the cream every night, then gradually apply it less often. Keep your feet dry. Dry feet are less likely to become infected. Apply powder to your dry feet after you take a shower or bath.

Other tips:

• Don’t share nail clippers or nail files with others.
• Don’t share shoes or socks with others.
• Try not to injure your nail, such as by cutting it too short (trauma to the nail may lead to infections).
• Wear dry cotton socks, and change them two or three times a day if necessary.
• Wear dry shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet (tight, enclosed, moist shoes contribute to fungal toenail infections).
• Wear shower sandals or shower shoes when you are at a public pool or shower.

Prevention

Follow basic foot care guidelines and you more than likely can head off most common foot fungus problems

 

Visit our website: http://www.academyclinics.com

Ingrown Toenail – Foot Specialist, Foot Doctor and Podiatrist, Toronto, ON

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Ingrown Toenail – Foot Specialist, Foot Doctor and Podiatrist, Toronto, ON

HardyIngrownToenail.wmv Watch on Posterous

Chiropodist Marz Hardy of Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Ingrown Toenails.

http://www.academyclinics.com

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails, also known as onychocryptosis, is usually caused by trimming toenails too short, particularly on the sides of the big toes. They may also be caused by shoe pressure (from shoes that are too tight or short), injury, fungus infection, heredity, or poor foot structure. Ingrown toenails occur when the corners or sides of the toenail dig into the skin, often causing infection. A common ailment, ingrown toenails can be painful. Ingrown toenails start out hard, swollen, and tender. Left untreated, they may become sore, red, and infected and the skin may start to grow over the ingrown toenail.

In most cases, treating ingrown toenails is simple: soak the foot in warm, soapy water several times each day. Avoid wearing tight shoes or socks. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if an infection is present. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In severe cases, if an acute infection occurs, surgical removal of part of the ingrown toenail may be needed. Known as partial nail plate avulsion, the procedure involves injecting the toe with an anesthetic and cutting out the ingrown part of the toenail.

Ingrown toenails can be prevented by:

• Trimming toenails straight across with no rounded corners.
• Ensuring that shoes and socks are not too tight.
• Keeping feet clean at all times.

Visit our website: http://www.academyclinics.com

Heel Pain – Foot Specialist, Foot Doctor and Podiatrist, Toronto, ON

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Heel Pain Treatment – Foot Specialist, Foot Doctor and Podiatrist, Toronto, ON

HardyHeelPainTreatment.wmv Watch on Posterous

 Chiropodist Marz Hardy discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Heel Pain.

http://www.academyclinics.com

Plantar fasciitis – Heel Spur

Plantar fasciitis is the term commonly used to refer to heel and arch pain traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. More specifically, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue, called plantar fascia, that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone. Overpronation is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis. As the foot rolls inward excessively when walking, it flattens the foot, lengthens the arch, and puts added tension on the plantar fascia. Over time, this causes inflammation.

Also known as heel spur syndrome, the condition is often successfully treated with conservative measures, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In persistent cases, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) may be used to treat the heel pain.

 

Visit our website: http://www.academyclinics.com

Diabetic Foot Problems – Foot Specialist, Foot Doctor and Podiatrist, Toronto, ON

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Diabetic Foot Care – Foot Specialist, Foot Doctor and Podiatrist, Toronto, ON

HardyDiabeticFootCare.wmv Watch on Posterous

Chiropodist Marz Hardy discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Diabetic Foot Problems

http://www.academyclinics.com

Diabetes and Your Feet

According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9 percent of the United States population) have diabetes. Nervous system damage (also called neuropathy) affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands.

Foot problems are a big risk in diabetics. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including amputation.

With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that’s too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, it’s at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror.

Here’s some basic advice for taking care of your feet:

• Always keep your feet warm.
• Don’t get your feet wet in snow or rain.
• Don’t put your feet on radiators or in front of the fireplace.
• Don’t smoke or sit cross-legged. Both decrease blood supply to your feet.
• Don’t soak your feet.
• Don’t use antiseptic solutions, drugstore medications, heating pads or sharp instruments on your feet.
• Trim your toenails straight across. Avoid cutting the corners. Use a nail file or emery board. If you find an ingrown toenail, contact our office.
• Use quality lotion to keep the skin of your feet soft and moist, but don’t put any lotion between your toes.
• Wash your feet every day with mild soap and warm water.
• Wear loose socks to bed.
• Wear warm socks and shoes in winter.
• When drying your feet, pat each foot with a towel and be careful between your toes.
• Buy shoes that are comfortable without a “breaking in” period. Check how your shoe fits in width, length, back, bottom of heel, and sole. Avoid pointed-toe styles and high heels. Try to get shoes made with leather upper material and deep toe boxes. Wear new shoes for only two hours or less at a time. Don’t wear the same pair everyday. Inspect the inside of each shoe before putting it on. Don’t lace your shoes too tightly or loosely.
• Choose socks and stockings carefully. Wear clean, dry socks every day. Avoid socks with holes or wrinkles. Thin cotton socks are more absorbent for summer wear. Square-toes socks will not squeeze your toes. Avoid stockings with elastic tops.

When your feet become numb, they are at risk for becoming deformed. One way this happens is through ulcers. Open sores may become infected. Another way is the bone condition Charcot (pronounced “sharko”) foot. This is one of the most serious foot problems you can face. It warps the shape of your foot when your bones fracture and disintegrate, and yet you continue to walk on it because it doesn’t hurt. Diabetic foot ulcers and early phases of Charcot fractures can be treated with a total contact cast.

The shape of your foot molds the cast. It lets your ulcer heal by distributing weight and relieving pressure. If you have Charcot foot, the cast controls your foot’s movement and supports its contours if you don’t put any weight on it. To use a total contact cast, you need good blood flow in your foot. The cast is changed every week or two until your foot heals. A custom-walking boot is another way to treat your Charcot foot. It supports the foot until all the swelling goes down, which can take as long as a year. You should keep from putting your weight on the Charcot foot. Surgery is considered if your deformity is too severe for a brace or shoe.

Visit our website: http://www.academyclinics.com

Custom Orthotics – Foot Doctor, Foot Specialist and Podiatrist, Toronto, ON

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Custom Orthotics – Foot Doctor, Foot Specialist and Podiatrist, Toronto, ON

HardyCustomOrthotics.wmv Watch on Posterous

 

Chiropodist Marz Hardy of Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics discusses Custom Orthotics for Foot Problems.

http://www.academyclinics.com

 When you take a step, your foot typically hits the ground heel first and rolls toward your toes, flattening the arch slightly. As you push off the ball of your foot, your arch springs back and does not touch the ground. That’s how normal feet are supposed to work. Unfortunately, many feet aren’t normal.

Overpronation occurs if your foot rolls too much toward the inside. This can cause arch strain and pain on the inside of the knee. Underpronation occurs if your foot rolls too much to the outside. Underpronation can lead to ankle sprains and stress fractures. You can relieve foot pain by compensating for these tendencies, but first you need to determine which way your feet roll.

One method for determining which kind of pronation you have is the watermark test: Put your feet into a bucket of water, then make footprints on a piece of dark paper.

• If your footprint looks like an oblong pancake with toes, you pronate excessively or may have flat feet. Try molded-leather arch supports, which can be purchased in many drug stores. And when shopping for athletic shoes, ask a sales clerk for styles with “control” features—soles designed to halt the rolling-in motion. If arch supports or sports shoes don’t help, please contact our office for a custom-molded orthotics.

• If there’s little or no connection in your footprint between the front part of the foot and the heel, you under-pronate or have a high arch. This means a lot of your weight is landing on the outside edge of your foot. Ask for “stability” athletic shoes, which are built with extra cushioning to remedy this problem. If you are prone to ankle sprains, wear high-top athletic shoes that cover the foot and ankle snugly to minimize damage from twists.

 

Visit our website: http://www.academyclinics.com