Items filtered by date: May 2025

Using a cane correctly can improve stability, reduce pressure on an injured leg, and support safer movement. It is important to hold the cane in the hand opposite the weaker leg, which helps balance your weight more effectively. As you walk, move the cane and your weaker leg forward together, then step through with your stronger leg. Take small steps and keep the cane close to your body to avoid strain or imbalance. When climbing stairs, lead with your stronger leg. When going down stairs, lead with your weaker leg and cane. Canes come in various designs, including standard single-point and quad canes with four tips for added support. A properly fitted cane should reach the crease of your wrist when your arm is at your side, allowing a gentle bend at the elbow. A chiropodist can assess your walking pattern, recommend the most appropriate cane, and guide you on safe usage. If you have foot problems and must use a cane for assistance, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for advice.

Foot problems can become increasingly common as we age, making everyday foot care especially important. To learn more about maintaining proper foot health, 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. 

Common Foot Problems

Certain foot problems may be more likely to affect older adults. 

Some examples of foot conditions that can be common in older adults include: 

• Dry, cracked skin

• Calluses and corns

• Blisters

• Ingrown toenails

• Deformities such as bunions or hammertoes

• Fungal infections

• Plantar warts

Systemic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, are also more likely to affect older people and manifest symptoms in the feet and ankles. 

Daily Foot Care Tips

Having a daily foot care routine can help detect problems early on and prevent future issues. 

Things that you can do at home to care for your feet include: 

• Washing the feet daily with warm water, drying them thoroughly, and then applying a moisturizer 

• Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails

• Performing daily foot exercises to improve foot strength and mobility

• Wearing shoes when walking to avoid injury

• Inspecting the feet daily for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities and seeking prompt treatment if any problems are discovered 

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.

Corns are small, thickened areas of skin that develop on the feet in response to repeated pressure or friction, often caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes or structural changes in the toes. Corns tend to appear over bony areas, such as the tops of the toes, between the toes, or on the sole, and can be either hard or soft depending on their location. Unlike calluses, which are broader and generally painless, corns are usually more defined and may become tender when touched or pressed. People with foot deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes, are more likely to develop corns due to increased rubbing inside shoes. Age-related thinning of the fat pads in the feet can also lead to more friction and corn formation. A chiropodist can remove corns safely and examine any underlying foot issues that contribute to their development. Addressing the source of pressure can help prevent recurrence. If you have pain from corns on the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for helpful advice.

Corns are small bumps or dry, hardened skin that can arise on the feet, usually in response to friction. Corns can be asymptomatic, or they can be uncomfortable or painful. If you have corns that are bothering you, 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. 

There are three types of corns:

• Hard corns

  • Often occur on the tops of toes

  • Feature a hard core surrounded by dry, irritated skin

  • Can be painful

• Soft corns 

  • Often occur in between the toes

  • Soft due to constant exposure to sweat

  • Can be painful 

• Seed corns

  • Tiny

  • Often occur on the soles of the feet

  • Usually asymptomatic

Corns can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit properly. They are typically benign and don’t require medical treatment. However, if your corns are causing you pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to a chiropodist near you for treatment options. 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.

Bunions, medically known as hallux valgus, are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe due to a gradual misalignment of the foot’s structure. This condition occurs when the big toe leans toward the second toe, forcing the joint to protrude outward. Bunions often result from inherited foot mechanics, such as flat feet, loose joints, or abnormal gait patterns. Other contributing factors include foot injuries, inflammatory joint conditions like arthritis, and nerve or muscle disorders. Although narrow footwear can irritate the joint and worsen symptoms, it is not the root cause. Common signs include a swollen bump at the base of the big toe, pain, redness, and restricted motion. Some people also develop corns, calluses, or a burning sensation in the affected area. A chiropodist can provide a proper diagnosis, recommend orthotic support, and help relieve discomfort through non-invasive care. If you notice a painful bump on your big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for advice.

Bunions progressively worsen over time and may cause walking in your shoes to become difficult. To learn more about bunions, 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 Are Bunions? 

A bunion is a bony bump that protrudes from the base of the big toe. Bunions are caused due to a misalignment of the first metatarsal. The characteristic bump of a bunion forms when the metatarsal shifts outwards from its proper position. Bunions develop slowly over time and progressively worsen without treatment. The skin over the bunion may develop calluses due to the friction from shoes. Eventually, a bunion can make walking uncomfortable or even painful. Bunions are one of the most common foot deformities and are especially common in women and older adults.

Symptoms

A bunion appears as a bulging bump on the outside of the base of the big toe.

The bunion may also: 

• Be swollen, red, or sore 

• Develop corns or calluses over it

• Cause pain

• Limit the big toe’s range of motion

Treatment

There are several different treatments available for bunions. Conservative treatment options include wearing shoes with a wider toe box, cushioning the bunion with a specialized pad, wearing shoe inserts, icing the bunion if it becomes inflamed, and taking medications to relieve pain. In more severe cases, more invasive procedures may be done. This may involve removing the swollen tissue around the bunion, straightening the big toe, realigning the bones at the front of the foot, or a combination of these procedures. 

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

An ankle sprain occurs when one or more of the ligaments that support the ankle joint are stretched or torn, often due to a sudden twist, fall, or misstep. This type of injury often happens during sporting activities or while walking on uneven ground. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, stiffness, and difficulty putting weight on the affected foot. Patients also may also feel coldness or numbness in the area. Ankle sprains are graded by severity. A grade 1 sprain involves minor stretching of ligaments, while a grade 2 sprain includes partial tears and increased discomfort.  A grade 3 sprain results in complete ligament tears, severe instability, and an inability to walk. People with high arches or weak ankle muscles may be more prone to this injury. Repeated sprains can lead to chronic ankle problems. A chiropodist can diagnose the severity of the ankle sprain and recommend bracing or immobilization, if needed. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for guidance.

When one or more ligaments in the ankle overstretch or tear due to injury, an ankle sprain occurs. If you would like to learn more about ankle sprains, 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. 

Symptoms of an ankle sprain vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include: 

• Pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Tenderness

• Difficulty walking

• Ankle instability

• A reduced range of motion in the ankle 

Treatments for an ankle sprain may consist of: 

• Resting the injured ankle

• Applying ice

• Elevating the ankle

• Compressing the ankle

• Over-the-counter pain medications

• Ankle braces or other devices to take weight off of the ankle

• Ankle exercises 

• Surgery (in rare cases) 

It’s important for the sprained ankle to heal correctly and fully in order to avoid repeated injury. 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.