Ankle pain can have a variety of different causes, perhaps due to an injury while playing a sport or simply by taking an awkward step off of a curb. Excessive exercise or overuse can also lead to ankle pain, as well as unsupportive, tight, or high-heeled shoes. Ankle pain may even exist due to an underlying condition, such as osteoarthritis or gout. Your symptoms, along with the type of pain you are experiencing, can help a chiropodist determine the source of your ankle pain. For example, pain in the ankle and heel, in addition to pain in the calf when standing on your tiptoes, can be indicative of Achilles tendonitis. Redness or swelling of the ankle, along with a dull aching pain, could be bursitis. If you hear a popping sound and experience extreme pain after an injury or a fall, you may have a broken ankle. If you are afflicted with any type of ankle pain it is important to speak with a chiropodist who can properly diagnose and treat your condition. 

Ankle pain is a common symptom of many lower limb problems. If you are experiencing ankle pain, 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. 

The ankle is composed of a number of muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. There are many conditions which may cause ankle pain. 

Causes

• Ankle strains or sprains
• Achilles tendon injuries
• Fractures
• Bursitis
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Symptoms

If you have ankle pain, you may also experience a variety of other symptoms depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Some of these symptoms may include ankle swelling, bruising, redness, numbness or tingling, instability, and difficulty walking.

Diagnosis

The underlying cause of ankle pain can be diagnosed by a chiropodist. Diagnoses are typically made based on your medical history, a physical examination of the affected ankle, and imaging studies such as X-rays. 

Treatment

Treatment for your ankle pain will depend on its underlying cause. Often, the chiropodist will recommend that you rest the affected ankle. You might also need to ice, compress, and elevate the ankle, wear an orthotic device, or take medications to reduce pain and inflammation. 

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.

Cuboid syndrome occurs when the cuboid bone, one of the seven tarsal bones in the foot, becomes partially dislocated or misaligned. This condition can cause pain along the outer side of the foot, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight or pushing off during walking. It often results from overuse, ankle sprains, or repetitive strain injuries from activities such as running or jumping. A chiropodist can diagnose cuboid syndrome through a physical examination and imaging, then provide treatment such as manipulation, taping, orthotics, or targeted exercises to restore alignment and relieve pain. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can accurately diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome. 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joint and ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone in the foot become injured. If you think that you may have cuboid 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. 

Causes

The cuboid bone is one of the seven tarsal bones located in the foot. Cuboid syndrome develops when the cuboid bone moves down and out of alignment with the other bone (calcaneus bone) in the joint of the foot. Cuboid syndrome can be the result of a sudden injury like an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly over time from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures. 

Symptoms

The most common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain on the outside of the foot which may worsen with activity. 

Other possible symptoms include: 

• Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot
• Swelling
• Sensitivity on the bottom of the foot
• Reduced range of motion  

Diagnosis

A chiropodist can diagnose cuboid syndrome based on your medical history and a physical examination of the foot. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, often fail to show the dislocated cuboid. 

Treatment

Treatment often includes resting, icing, compressing and elevating the affected foot, taping, wearing orthotic inserts, and taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain. The chiropodist may also be able to manipulate the dislocated bone back into alignment.

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.

Strengthening the feet and improving flexibility through targeted exercises can enhance stability and reduce the risk of injury. Movements such as toe raises, big toe stretches, and toe curls help engage small foot muscles that support balance and posture. Foot exercises like the marble pickup and towel scrunches build strength in the toes and arches, while heel lifts and Achilles stretches promote flexibility in the ankles. Practicing the toe splay exercise can improve control of foot movement, and walking barefoot on soft surfaces like sand may help develop foot strength in a low-impact way. While most of these exercises require no special equipment, doing them consistently is important for long-term results. A chiropodist can assess foot structure, recommend personalized exercises, and provide guidance on improving foot alignment and balance. If you are at risk of falling or have fallen recently, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can guide you toward specific foot exercises for strength and balance.

Stretching and strengthening your feet is very important for maintaining your foot health. If you would like to learn more about exercises for 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. 

There are a variety of relatively easy-to-do exercises that can boost the strength, flexibility, and mobility of your feet, as well as relieve foot pain.  

Strength exercises: 

• Toe splay - Spread the toes apart and hold for several seconds; improves control over toe muscles
• Toe curls - Scrunch up a towel with your toes; strengthens the flexor muscles
• Marble pickup - Pick up marbles with your toes; strengthens the muscles on the undersides of the feet and toes
• Walking on sand - Stretches and strengthens feet and calves

Flexibility exercises: 

• Heel raises - Raise the heels while keeping toes on the ground
• Toe point - Raise the heels while pointing the toes, keeping just the tips of toes on the ground
• Toe curl - Raise the heels while curling the toes inwards, keeping just the tips of toes on the ground
• Big toe stretch - Use your hands to gently stretch your big toes up, down, and to the side

Exercises for foot pain: 

• Toe extension - Gently pull the toes up towards the ankle and hold for several seconds
• Ball roll - gently roll a golf or tennis ball underneath the arches of the feet 

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.

Falls are a frequent concern among older adults, often resulting in injuries that affect daily life. As people age, several factors can increase the likelihood of falling. Reduced muscle strength, slower reflexes, and balance issues all contribute. Conditions like arthritis, neuropathy, or foot pain can make walking difficult or unpredictable. Footwear that lacks adequate support or stability may further affect balance. Environmental factors, such as uneven flooring or poorly lit hallways, also raise the risk of falling. Foot problems like bunions, hammertoes, or painful calluses can interfere with gait and cause instability. Chiropodists can assess foot structure and function, identify painful or unstable areas, and recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics. They may also monitor skin and nail conditions that could affect walking comfort. Regular visits can help identify problems early and support safer movement. If you are at risk of falling or have fallen recently, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for help.

Falls are a common but preventable problem for older adults. If you would like to learn more about preventing falls, 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. 

Did you know that most falls occur in the home? Fortunately, there are many simple changes that you can make to the living environment to reduce the risk of falling. 

In the Bathroom:

• Install grab bars near toilets, bathtubs, and showers
• Put non-skid mats on all surfaces that may get wet

In the Bedroom:

• Keep a light near the bed so that you can easily turn it on if you have to get up at night
• Keep the path from your bedroom to the bathroom clutter-free and well-lit
• Consider installing a bed rail for added support

In the Kitchen:

• Use non-skid mats
• Wipe up any spills immediately
• Move commonly used items to areas that are easily within your reach

In the Hallways:

• Place handrails on both sides of the stairs
• Install good lighting in the hallways and around the entire home
• Keep hallways free of clutter
• Don’t use throw rugs or small area rugs

In Other Living Areas: 

• Keep loose cables, cords, and wires near the wall and away from walking surfaces
• Make sure that all carpets and rugs are secure firmly to the floor
• Arrange your furniture so that it is not in your way when you walk
• Use chairs and couches that you can easily get up from

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.