Interestingly, foot and ankle injuries are on the rise for cheerleaders, especially those between the ages of 12 and 17. Increased acrobatic skill and lack of knowledge of proper safety requirements seem to be the culprits of these injuries. Attention to technique and having spotters for tumbling in cheerleading are necessary. An example of a preventable injury in cheerleading is when a flier is allowed to drop to the ground. Since cheerleading has come to include height and motion as part of the sport, there is more of a risk of injury. Additionally, cheerleading is often performed on surfaces designed for an entirely different sport, such as basketball or football. If your child is involved in cheerleading, it is important for you and your child to become familiar with the risks of participation and safety procedures. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for a thorough explanation of how to prevent foot and ankle injuries in this sport.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Injuries Among Athletes: 

• Achilles tendon injuries
• Ankle strains or sprains
• Plantar fasciitis
• Fractures
• Turf toe
• Joint dislocations
• Sever’s disease
• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

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

Parents may notice their children’s walking style, or gait, may be abnormal. There are common reasons why specific types of shoes are worn, with the hope of correcting existing foot conditions. Some of these ailments can include low muscle tone, toe walking, or flat feet. Corrective shoes may help the child to walk and run straighter, and this may be accomplished by having proper heel and arch support. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the heel generally develops as they approach their teenage years. Wearing shoes or orthotics specifically designed for flat feet may help to improve posture, and possibly relieve existing foot pain. If you notice your child has difficulty or pain while walking, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can determine the cause, and offer correct treatment solutions.

If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Causes of Foot Pain in Children

While children can experience many of the same foot problems as adults do, some foot problems may be more common during childhood. 

Causes of foot pain in children can include:

• Deformities that are present from birth, such as flat feet or clubfoot
• Sever’s disease, which is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone
• Various sports injuries, such as sprains and fractures
• Ingrown toenails
• Athlete’s foot
• Plantar warts

Prevention

It is important to look after the health of children’s feet in order to prevent future problems from arising. Keep your child’s feet clean and dry, trim their toenails regularly, ensure their shoes fit properly, and keep a watchful eye on any symptoms of foot pain, such as limping. If you notice any symptoms or if your child complains of foot pain, a chiropodist can help. 

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

Senior citizens become increasingly susceptible to suffering a detrimental fall in their older age. If a senior falls, they might be putting themselves at risk of damaging their feet. For example, seniors could break or fracture their foot, or experience decreased foot strength. To prevent this, a senior can be mindful of preventing falls in areas where they commonly occur. Specifically, seniors are likely to fall in certain areas, such as when getting in and out of their car. By exercising regularly, a senior can strengthen their body so that they can more stably navigate in and out of their car. Also, a senior can take their time, ensuring that they have stable footing. If you are a senior or are caring for one, consider contacting a chiropodist today for more information on how to prevent falls from getting in and out of one’s car.  

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 one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist 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 Toronto, ON . 

Many people look forward to the summer months for the lighter clothing that is worn. This can also apply to wearing shoes that allow more freedom, such as flip-flops or sandals. It is helpful to properly care for the feet during the colder months by washing, drying, and trimming the toenails weekly in preparation for wearing these types of shoes. Additionally, many people walk on the sand and are exposed to the sun while at the beach, and this can wreak havoc on their feet. The heels are prone to drying out faster than the rest of the foot, and it may help to apply a good moisturizer on them several times per day. Many people are careful about putting sunscreen on the majority of their bodies, and the feet can be overlooked. People who have sunburned feet experience pain and discomfort which can be easily avoided when sunscreen is frequently applied. If you would like more information about effective tips on how to protect your feet during the summer months, please consult with a chiropodist.

Summer is the season for many foot and ankle issues. If you’re suffering from a foot or ankle problem, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Common Summer Foot Problems 

• Athlete’s foot
• Toenail fungus
• Plantar warts
• Foot and ankle injuries
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Heel pain
• Cracked heels
• Sunburns
• Blisters

Prevention

• Wear supportive shoes and avoid flip-flops
• Maintain good foot hygiene
• Exfoliate and moisturize the heels
• Apply sunscreen to the feet and ankles
• Wear shoes in public areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers 

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