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Falls among older adults are a significant concern, often resulting in serious injuries. Several factors contribute to an increased risk of falling, such as muscle weakness, poor balance, vision problems, and medication side effects. The feet are particularly affected, as weakened foot muscles and joint stiffness can lead to difficulty walking and maintaining proper posture and balance. Foot issues like bunions, hammertoes, or improper footwear can also increase the likelihood of tripping. To reduce the risk of falls, it is important to maintain a regular exercise routine to improve strength and balance. Regular eye exams can help address vision problems, while ensuring proper foot care and wearing well-fitted shoes can provide better support. Home safety measures, such as eliminating tripping hazards, can also make a significant difference in preventing falls and ensuring overall well-being. If you have sustained foot injuries from falling, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can offer appropriate treatment options.
Falls are a major cause of injury among the elderly. To learn more about preventing falls or to get treatment following a foot or ankle injury caused by a fall, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Falling is one of the leading causes of injury among the elderly. It is said that about 50% of falls that result in hospitalization occur in the home. Fortunately, there are steps that you can implement to reduce your risk of falling in the home.
Tips to Prevent Falls at Home:
In the bathroom - Place non-slip mats in the shower or tub, install grab bars near the toilet and bath, and wipe up any moisture or spills as soon as possible.
In the living rooms and bedroom - Remove loose wires, cords, or other objects that may be an obstacle to moving around safely. Make sure that you have good lighting throughout the home so that you can always see where you are going. Get rid of any rugs or mats that are not firmly anchored or that may cause you to trip. When walking around the home, move slowly.
In the kitchen - Store food and supplies in easily accessible areas, store heavy items in lower cupboards, and wipe up any spills immediately to prevent slipping.
On the stairs - Make sure that the stairs are well-lit and have secure handrails. Walk slowly when ascending or descending the stairs.
Outside - Keep walkways well-lit and clear of snow, ice, leaves, and man-made tripping hazards.
Maintaining your overall health, including the health of your feet, can also help to prevent falls. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and wear well-fitted, comfortable, and supportive shoes. If you have a mobility device, such as a cane, use it while walking.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Achilles tendon bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sac that cushions the area surrounding the tendon becomes inflamed. This condition can develop in bursa at the back of the heel or between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone. Common causes of Achilles tendon bursitis include wearing ill-fitting shoes, repetitive pressure on the back of the heel, or conditions like arthritis. Symptoms include swelling, redness, pain, and difficulty walking. Managing Achilles tendon bursitis involves addressing the inflammation and relieving pressure on the heel. A chiropodist can help by recommending appropriate footwear, orthotic devices, and specific exercises to alleviate strain on the Achilles tendon. Regular visits to a chiropodist can aid in monitoring and treating Achilles tendon bursitis effectively. If you are experiencing heel pain that may be related to bursitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for advice.
Achilles tendonitis is a common injury of the Achilles tendon, a band of fibrous tissue that runs along the back of the lower leg. The Achilles tendon can also rupture, making it impossible to lift the foot. If you are suffering from heel or calf pain, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
Causes of Achilles tendon injuries include:
Repetitive stress or overuse
Sudden increase in activity levels
High impact injury
Calf muscle tightness or weakness
Altered foot biomechanics
Heel bone spurs
Underlying medical conditions that weaken the tendon
Symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury include:
Heel and calf pain that worsens following exercise
Chronic heel and calf pain
Sudden pain in the back of the ankle or calf
A popping or snapping sensation
Thickened lump in the Achilles tendon
Ankle and calf stiffness
Decreased range of motion in the affected foot
Swelling
Difficulty walking
Treatment
Resting the affected leg
Applying ice
Compressing the foot and ankle
Elevating the injured leg
Wearing orthotics
Low impact exercises
Stretches
Strengthening exercises
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
Cortisone injections
Surgery, if the tendon is ruptured
Achilles tendon injuries can be very painful and lead to reduced mobility if left untreated. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow channel located on the inside of the ankle. This compression often results in pain, tingling, or burning sensations along the inner ankle, sometimes extending to the toes. Symptoms can worsen with prolonged standing or walking, and may be experienced even at rest. Factors that can contribute to tarsal tunnel syndrome include abnormal foot mechanics, inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, or the presence of cysts. A chiropodist can recommend orthotics to stabilize the foot and reduce pressure on the affected nerve. They may also suggest footwear modifications and provide supportive taping techniques to alleviate nerve tension. In more persistent cases, advanced imaging may be needed. If you are experiencing pain on the inner side of your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for guidance.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause pain and progress over time. If you are experiencing any symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the posterior tibial nerve, which is located within a structure called the tarsal tunnel on the inside of the ankle, is squeezed. Compression of the posterior tibial nerve can be caused by injuries, such as ankle sprains, systemic diseases like diabetes or arthritis, strain on the tarsal tunnel due to flat feet, or an enlarged structure like a cyst squeezing the nerve.
Symptoms
Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear suddenly and are generally worsened by physical activity.
Common symptoms include:
Tingling, burning, or electrical shock sensation on the inside of the ankle or bottom of the foot
Numbness
Shooting pain
Diagnosis
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed through physical examination. If initial treatment is ineffective, imaging or nerve studies may also be necessary.
Treatment
Nonsurgical treatments for tarsal tunnel syndrome include resting and icing the foot, bracing or immobilizing the foot, wearing an orthotic device, modifying your footwear, and taking medications to relieve pain. Surgery may be needed if nonsurgical treatments are ineffective.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Do you work on your feet all day and find your feet in pain? Don't go to work in pain each day. Your foot pain can be treated, and we can help.
Plantar warts are a common issue in children, appearing as small, rough growths on the bottom of their foot. These warts are caused by exposure to the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Plantar warts can make walking uncomfortable, often having a feeling that they are stepping on a small pebble. Unlike other types of warts, plantar warts tend to grow inward because of pressure from standing and walking. While warts can sometimes go away on their own, they may persist and cause discomfort that requires treatment. A chiropodist can evaluate the severity of plantar warts and offer professional treatment, including cryotherapy, to remove them safely. The goal is to prevent the warts from spreading to other parts of your child’s body or to other children. If your child has a plantar wart, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for guidance.
Plantar warts can be uncomfortable or even painful. If you’re suffering from warts on your feet, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
What Does a Plantar Wart Look Like?
Plantar warts are fleshy growths that generally have a rough, grainy texture. They may look and feel like a callus and are usually small and can grow individually or in clusters. Plantar warts may have small, black dots at their center that are actually tiny blood vessels. Warts interrupt the natural lines of your skin.
Treatment Options
Salicylic acid - A chemical solution applied directly to the wart
Cryotherapy - Freezing the wart off with liquid nitrogen
Minor surgery - Removing the wart through excision
Laser treatment - A concentrated beam of light is used to remove the wart
Wearing comfortable shoes and socks to avoid irritating the wart
Over-the-counter medications for pain relief
Patches to keep pressure off the warts
Plantar warts can go away on their own, but this may take several months to years. If your plantar warts are bothering you, seeking medical treatment is suggested. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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