Diabetes can affect the nerves and blood flow in the feet, increasing the risk of injury and infection. Symptoms often include burning sensations, numbness, and changes in sensitivity, which may reduce awareness of minor injuries. Risk factors such as high blood sugar levels, poor circulation, and wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to serious complications. Understanding these causes highlights the importance of consistent foot care. Washing feet daily in warm water helps maintain cleanliness, while drying thoroughly between the toes reduces the chance of fungal growth. Keeping the skin soft prevents cracks that can allow bacteria to enter, and daily inspection helps identify early warning signs. Redness, swelling, and slow healing wounds are key signs of potential problems that require prompt attention. If you are managing diabetes and notice changes in your feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetes can cause serious problems in the lower limbs if proper preventive measures are not taken and diabetic wound care is not performed. If you would like to learn more about caring for diabetic 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. 

Diabetes can lead to a host of foot and ankle complications, including: 

• Poor circulation
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers
• Infection
• Corns and calluses
• Dry, cracked skin
• Nail disorders
• Hammertoes
• Bunions
• Charcot foot

If you have diabetes, you must be vigilant of any changes in your foot health. This is best done through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you if necessary, look for any: 

• Cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds
• Bruising or discoloration
• Swelling
• Rash
• Foul odor
• Nail changes
• Hair loss
• Warmth and inflammation
• Deformities
• Lower limb pain
• Strange sensations (numbness, tingling, burning, pins, and needles)

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

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of growing straight outward. The big toe is affected most often. Symptoms consist of pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness. As the nail presses deeper into the skin, it can also cause drainage or infection. Ingrown toenails are responsible for about 20 percent of foot problems and occur more often in young men. Contributing factors include cutting the nails incorrectly and repeated pressure on the toes. Wearing shoes that are too tight or shoes that lack proper support also contributes. A chiropodist can examine the affected toe, determine the cause, and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Care includes relieving pressure around the nail, managing infection when present, and helping reduce the chance of the problem returning. If you have pain from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for diagnosis and effective relief and treatment solutions.

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 Scarborough, ON . 

A fall can happen in a moment, yet the effects can last for years. Foot pain, poor balance, and shoes that lack proper support can all make walking less steady. In addition, muscles become weaker with age. A chiropodist can examine your feet, identify problems that affect balance, and recommend custom foot orthotics when appropriate. They can also assess your walking pattern and help determine whether a cane or walker is the correct size and adjusted properly for safer movement. Walking aids provide better stability, reduce strain on the feet, and help seniors feel more confident while walking. Good balance also depends on staying active, having regular vision checks, and keeping living spaces free of hazards like loose rugs or poor lighting. Taking steps to reduce the risk of falling helps protect your independence and lowers the chance of serious injuries. If you have injured your foot or ankle from falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for effective treatment and prevention tips.

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 Scarborough, ON .