Posterior heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints in active children—especially boys aged 10–12. A typical patient is a  12‑year‑old boy who plays soccer in cleats , often experiencing pain after practices or games. The most common cause is  calcaneal apophysitis (Sever’s disease),  a temporary irritation of the heel’s growth plate. Although painful, it’s not dangerous, and kids recover fully with proper care. Diagram demonstrating calcaneal apophysitis Why It Happens The growth plate at the back of the heel stays open until about age 14–15, making it sensitive to stress. Running, jumping, tight calf muscles, and high‑impact sports—especially soccer in firm cleats—place extra tension on this area. Over time, the Achilles tendon repeatedly pulling on the growth plate leads to irritation and pain. Common Symptoms Parents often notice: Pain at the back or sides of the heel Limping or toe‑walking Pain when the heel is squeezed Discomfort with running or jumping Mi...

  Dry, cracked skin  is common, but it doesn’t have to be something you live with. By understanding the cause, improving foot mechanics where needed, and using the right skin‑care routine, most people get significant relief. Causes, symptoms and treatments of dry skin We can: Assess your skin, foot structure, and  footwear Safely reduce thick, painful  callus Identify and treat underlying infection or skin conditions Create a simple, realistic home‑care plan Book Appointment

  When you visit a chiropodist or podiatrist, you’re trusting that every instrument used on your feet is clean, safe, and fully sterilized. At Whitby Family Footcare, infection control isn’t just a routine, it’s a core part of how we protect your health. One of the most common questions patients ask is: “How do you sterilize your instruments?” Here’s exactly what happens behind the scenes to ensure your care meets the highest standards. Our Sterilization Process Is Guided by IPAC Standards All of our cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization procedures follow  IPAC (Infection Prevention and Control)  best practices, along with the standards set by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario. These guidelines ensure that every step of instrument reprocessing is safe, consistent, and medically sound. 1. Instruments Are Cleaned Immediately After Use After each appointment, instruments go through a thorough cleaning process: Rinsing to remove visible debris Manual or ultrasonic cl...

Yes, We Treat Diabetic Feet and Here’s Why It Matters People often search online for one simple question:  “Do you treat diabetic feet?”  The short answer is  yes —and at our Whitby clinic, diabetic foot care is one of the most important parts of what we do. Living with diabetes means your feet need consistent attention, proactive monitoring, and expert care. Diabetes can quietly affect the nerves and blood vessels in your fee t, making it harder to feel injuries and slower for wounds to heal. Even small problems can escalate quickly if they’re not caught early. Our goal is to help you stay active, independent, and confident in your foot health.   Why Diabetic Foot Care Is Essential Diabetes can lead to: Reduced sensation (neuropathy) Poor circulation Slow‑healing wounds Higher risk of infections Increased risk of ulcers and amputations Research shows that hospital visits for diabetic foot complications are rising, and many people still miss essential foot screenings...

Understanding Why Corns Form and How They’re Treated Corns are one of the most common reasons people visit our clinic and the good news is that they’re highly treatable. If you’ve been dealing with a painful spot on your toe or the ball of your foot, you’re not alone. Corns form when the skin experiences repeated pressure or friction, often over a bony area. Over time, this irritation leads to a concentrated core of hardened skin that presses on nerve endings, causing sharp, localized pain. Why Corns Form Corns typically develop because of: Tight or ill‑fitting footwear Toe deformities or gripping patterns Underlying biomechanical issues Pressure between toes (leading to “soft corns”) When the toes are compressed or rubbing inside a shoe, the skin responds by thickening. In the case of a corn, this thickened skin forms a deep central nucleus that becomes painful with every step. How We Treat Corns At Whitby Family Footcare Clinic, we provide safe, professional removal of corns — a qu...

  Do I Need a Chiropodist or Podiatrist? The Questions We Hear Most in Ontario   Foot pain and mobility issues affect people of all ages, yet many Ontarians aren’t sure when to see a chiropodist or podiatrist. If you’ve ever wondered whether your foot problem is “serious enough,” you’re not alone. The truth is simple: if your feet are limiting your comfort, activity, or confidence, a foot‑care specialist can help.   Below are the questions we hear most often — and the answers that help people decide when it’s time to book.   “Do I need a referral?” No referral is required. Chiropodists and podiatrists are primary‑care foot specialists, so you can book directly whenever you need support.   “Is this covered by OHIP?” Routine foot care isn’t covered by OHIP. Most extended health plans cover assessments, treatments, and custom orthotics. Many patients are surprised by how much their plan includes.   “What’s the difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist...