An Achilles tendon tear is a partial or complete rupture of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It often occurs during activities that involve sudden acceleration or jumping, such as in sports or running. Common symptoms include sharp pain in the back of the ankle, swelling, difficulty walking, and an inability to push off the foot. A chiropodist can help by assessing the severity of the injury, providing immobilization or orthotic support, and coordinating rehabilitation to restore strength and flexibility. Early diagnosis and care are essential for proper recovery. If you have pain in your calf and the back of your heel, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can offer effective treatment solutions. 

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 Scarborough, ON . 

Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that develop on the feet of individuals with diabetes, often caused by poor circulation, nerve damage, or pressure points. Risk factors include uncontrolled blood sugar levels, peripheral neuropathy, foot deformities, and a history of previous ulcers or infections. Proper care is essential to prevent complications and promote healing. This includes keeping the wound clean, offloading pressure, monitoring for signs of infection, and maintaining good blood sugar control. A chiropodist can provide expert assessment, professional wound care, guidance on protective footwear, and strategies to prevent recurrence. If you have diabetes and notice a foot sore or slow healing wound, it is suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist for help in treating diabetic foot wounds and in managing this serious condition.

Wound care is the process of treating and preventing wounds on the feet. This is especially important if you have diabetes, as diabetic foot wounds are common and can lead to serious complications when left untreated. To learn more about proper wound care, 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. 

Why Is Wound Care Important for Diabetics?

While wound care is important for maintaining the health of your feet, it is especially important for people with diabetes. This is because diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation, causing foot wounds to heal very slowly or not to heal at all. Diabetics also frequently suffer from neuropathy or nerve loss. This means no matter how big or little the wound, they might not feel it on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. This is why it is imperative that diabetics complete daily foot checks.

Wound Care Basics

The best way to care for wounds is to prevent them in the first place. It is recommended that people with diabetes perform a daily examination of their feet to locate cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds. Early detection allows for ample time to treat the wounds and prevent further complications. If you notice a wound at home, you can clean it using water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover the wound with a clean bandage. Seeing a chiropodist, who can examine your feet thoroughly and treat any existing wounds, can also help you maintain proper foot health. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON . 

As people age, a natural decline in muscle strength and coordination can increase the risk of falling. Incorporating balance exercises into a daily routine may help reduce this risk by improving posture, stability, and lower body strength. Activities such as standing on one leg, shifting weight from side to side, or walking heel-to-toe can help improve control and build confidence. Even small changes, like focusing on a fixed point during an exercise or evenly distributing body weight between both feet, may enhance steadiness. Exercises that activate the calves, hips, core, and quadriceps can also support stronger, more controlled movement patterns. Foot stability plays a key role in balance, and weakness in the feet or ankles can increase fall risk. A chiropodist can assess foot function, recommend supportive footwear, and provide advice on how to protect foot and ankle health. If you have balance or other foot issues and are at risk of falling, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for help.

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 Scarborough, ON .