Strengthening the body is beneficial in preventing falls. Building strength can be accomplished by implementing daily stretches and exercise routines which may also help to improve balance. Falling affects many elderly people across the globe and this can invoke a fear of falling. Making changes in the living environment may help to conquer the fear of falling as well as evade serious health issues. These changes may include improving lighting in the household and removing worn rugs from the steps and common areas. Additionally, it is beneficial to install grab bars in the shower and toilet area, and it is wise to use a non-slip bath mat. It is suggested to have regular physicals and eye examinations, which can help monitor existing medications and eyeglass prescriptions. Falling can affect the feet in many ways, therefore if you experience a broken toe, foot, or ankle a chiropodist can effectively treat these injuries as well as provide various prevention techniques.

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

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 Toronto, ON . 

Having flat feet is a sign that the arch has collapsed, causing the entire foot to touch the floor when you stand on it. Flexible flat feet, which usually occur on both feet, are slightly different. The arch may appear to be normal when not bearing weight, but disappear when you step down onto it. Flexible flat feet can start in childhood and progress as you get older. Symptoms include pain in the heel, arch, and ankle, as well as along the outside of the foot. It causes the foot to overpronate, which means that it rolls inward as you walk. This can alter your gait and result in pain up through the legs to the hip and back. Being overweight makes the situation worse and continuing the activities that caused the pain will too. Wearing orthotic devices can help to alleviate the symptoms. If you experience pain from having flexible flat feet, please consult a chiropodist who can examine your feet and determine whether custom orthotics or other devices may be the answer for you.

Flat feet are a common foot condition. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to flat feet, 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. 

What Are Flat Feet? 

Flat feet are feet that do not have a well-defined arch in the middle of the sole of the foot. Flat feet may be flexible or rigid. Flexible flat feet have an arch when there is no pressure put on the foot, such as when one is sitting, but the arch disappears upon standing. Rigid flat feet lack an arch regardless of whether one is standing or not. 

Causes

Flat feet can be present from birth or acquired over time due to a weakening of the ligaments in the arch. Sometimes flat feet are caused by illnesses, injuries, or pregnancy. 

Symptoms

Flat feet often cause no noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience pain and discomfort due to their flat feet. 

Symptoms associated with flat feet include:

• Pain in the arch, heel, ankle, or along the outside of the foot
• Overpronation of the foot
• Shin splints
• Aching or fatigue in the feet or legs
• Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back

Treatment 

In cases where flat feet cause symptoms, there are various treatments available. Wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes to provide more arch support, performing stretches, and taking medications may improve your symptoms. If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve pressure on the feet. In severe cases, surgery may be considered. 

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

A bunion is a bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe. A small bunion on the feet can be more of a cosmetic concern than a physical one. However, bunions can gradually become larger, and may affect the type of shoes that are worn. They can develop from genetic reasons, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Large bunions may cause pain and discomfort and can make it difficult to complete daily activities. The protrusion may cause the big toe to shift toward the other toes, and the foot can look deformed. Many people who have a bunion find it difficult to purchase shoes that fit correctly, and this can negatively impact their ability to exercise. Mild relief may be found when a protective pad is worn over the bunion, and this may be helpful in preventing corns and calluses from developing on top of the bunion. If you have a bunion, please consult with a chiropodist who can guide you toward the correct treatment options.

Bunions progressively worsen over time and may cause walking in your shoes to become difficult. To learn more about bunions, 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. 

What Are Bunions? 

A bunion is a bony bump that protrudes from the base of the big toe. Bunions are caused due to a misalignment of the first metatarsal. The characteristic bump of a bunion forms when the metatarsal shifts outwards from its proper position. Bunions develop slowly over time and progressively worsen without treatment. The skin over the bunion may develop calluses due to the friction from shoes. Eventually, a bunion can make walking uncomfortable or even painful. Bunions are one of the most common foot deformities and are especially common in women and older adults.

Symptoms

A bunion appears as a bulging bump on the outside of the base of the big toe.

The bunion may also: 

• Be swollen, red, or sore
• Develop corns or calluses over it
• Cause pain
• Limit the big toe’s range of motion

Treatment

There are several different treatments available for bunions. Conservative treatment options include wearing shoes with a wider toe box, cushioning the bunion with a specialized pad, wearing shoe inserts, icing the bunion if it becomes inflamed, and taking medications to relieve pain. In more severe cases, more invasive procedures may be done. This may involve removing the swollen tissue around the bunion, straightening the big toe, realigning the bones at the front of the foot, or a combination of these procedures. 

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

Playing soccer can put you at an increased risk of sustaining traumatic or overuse injuries in the feet, ankles, and lower legs. The most common form of sports injury for soccer players is an ankle sprain. This occurs when one or more bands of ligaments—that normally stabilize the ankle and prevent it from collapsing or twisting excessively—become overly stretched or torn. Sudden running and jumping in soccer can sometimes cause the gastrocnemius or soleus muscles in the lower leg to pull away from the Achilles tendon. This is known as a pulled calf muscle. Another injury involving the Achilles tendon is a rupture and this is when the tendon itself tears. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue on the bottom of the feet which attaches the heel to the toes. These conditions can be brought on by playing soccer on hard surfaces or by not wearing the right shoes. Soccer players can also sustain stress fractures due to the repeated impact on various foot bones. Whatever the sports injury may be, a chiropodist can examine and evaluate your condition and provide an appropriate treatment plan.

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 .