Aging can bring several changes to the feet that may impact comfort and mobility. As skin naturally loses elasticity and moisture, dryness and cracked heels can develop, sometimes leading to infection, if not properly managed. Ligaments may stretch over time, lowering the arch and contributing to flat feet, which often cause pain, swelling, and reduced stability. Toes may also be affected, with hammertoes forming from years of pressure, resulting in corns, calluses, and pain. Toenails often become thicker, brittle, and harder to trim. Circulatory problems may lead to swelling, which can affect mobility. A chiropodist can assess these age-related foot changes, provide guidance on supportive footwear, and manage skin and nail conditions. If you are a senior experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist to help improve and maintain your foot health.

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.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common symptoms include redness, tenderness along the nail border, and drainage if the skin becomes infected. This condition often develops from trimming nails too short, wearing tight shoes, or experiencing repeated trauma to the toe. Prevention begins with proper nail care, such as cutting toenails straight across, avoiding shoes that pinch the toes, and keeping feet clean and dry. A chiropodist can treat the ingrown portion of the nail and offer long-term solutions to prevent recurrence. If you have ongoing pain or signs of infection, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for professional care.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, 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 an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include: 

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail. 

Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers. 

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.

Foot and ankle pain is a common issue for runners, often resulting from muscle imbalances, over-training, prior injuries, poor foot biomechanics, or inappropriate footwear. The specific location of the pain can help identify the cause. Pain on the top of the foot may indicate extensor tendonitis, tight shoes, or a stress fracture. Pain on the side of the foot could be caused by a ligament sprain, tendonitis, or a stress fracture. Pain on the outer edge of the foot is often linked to peroneal tendonitis, cuboid syndrome, or a ligament sprain. Heel pain is frequently caused by Achilles tendonitis, bursitis, or a bone spur. Arch pain can be related to plantar fasciitis, muscle cramps, or plantar fibroma. Additionally, ankle pain may stem from ligament sprains, muscle imbalances, or ankle impingement. A chiropodist can help by diagnosing the cause and offering appropriate treatments. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain during or after a run, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for expert advice and guidance.

Although running is a wonderful exercise to keep you in shape, it can wreak havoc on your feet and ankles if you don’t take preventive measures. If you have sustained a foot and ankle injury from running, 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. 

Some common running injuries include:

• Achilles tendonitis
• Shin splints
• Ankle sprains
• Stress fractures
• Plantar fasciitis
• Bursitis 

What causes injuries? 

These injuries are usually caused by overtraining, wearing the wrong shoes, running on hard surfaces, having tight and inflexible muscles, or having biomechanical issues in the feet or ankles. 

What can I do to prevent injuries? 

• Train slowly and gradually
• Give yourself plenty of time to recover following a run
• Wear shoes that fit properly and support your foot
• Avoid running on hard surfaces, like concrete
• Stretch and strengthen the muscles of your lower legs
• Warm-up prior to a run
• Have your gait analyzed and your feet examined by a chiropodist to determine if there are any biomechanical problems that need to be treated 

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.