Items filtered by date: April 2024

In the quest for preventing falls, caring for your feet is often overlooked, yet it plays a vital role in maintaining balance and stability. Your feet are the foundation of your body, and neglecting them can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Proper foot care starts with wearing well-fitting shoes that provide support and traction, reducing the chances of slipping or tripping. Regularly inspecting your feet for any abnormalities such as ingrown toenails, corns, or calluses is essential, as these can affect your gait and balance. Maintaining good foot hygiene by washing and drying your feet daily helps prevent infections and skin problems that could impair your mobility. Additionally, keeping your toenails trimmed straight across can prevent ingrown toenails, reducing discomfort and potential complications. By prioritizing foot care as part of your overall health regimen, you can significantly decrease the risk of falling. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury from falling, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can provide proper relief and treatment strategies.

Falls are a common but preventable problem for older adults. If you would like to learn more about preventing falls, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch 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 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As spring arrives, it would benefit us to pay attention to our feet, which often bear the brunt of winter's neglect. Transitioning to lighter footwear means ensuring our feet are ready for the change. Regular foot care is important, including daily washing, thorough drying, and moisturizing to prevent dryness and cracked heels. Trimming toenails straight across can prevent ingrown toenails, while wearing properly fitting shoes can alleviate discomfort and prevent blisters. A chiropodist can be instrumental in foot care, offering professional advice and treatments for various foot conditions, like plantar fasciitis and fungal infections. They can also provide custom orthotics to address biomechanical issues and offer recommendations for appropriate footwear. If you want to ensure that your feet are spring ready and healthy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for an examination and guidance on how to prioritize foot care.

Springtime is the season that many people use to get back into exercising and sports. It’s also a time when foot and ankle injuries may be more common. If you have a foot or ankle injury, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Common Foot and Ankle Problems in Spring 

• Plantar fasciitis

• Achilles tendonitis

• Shin splints 

• Strains

• Sprains

• Fractures

• And more

Avoiding Injury

• Increase physical activity slowly and gradually

• Wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes and socks

• Take time to rest following a workout 

• Recognize and treat any injuries promptly 

Treatment at Home

• Rest the injured foot

• Apply ice to reduce swelling

• Compress the injured foot with a bandage 

• Elevate the foot to prevent swelling

Serious, chronic, or particularly painful injuries require medical care by a professional. 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.

Choosing the right shoes is essential for optimal comfort and performance when running on a tredmill. Unlike outdoor running shoes, which prioritize durability and stability, treadmill running shoes should focus on other factors, such as breathability, lightweight design, and cushioning. Since treadmills offer a consistent and controlled surface, extreme stability and grippy outsoles are less critical, allowing for a focus on plushness and comfort. However, striking the right balance between stability and cushioning is important, especially for those with specific foot biomechanics or overpronation. Adequate cushioning helps absorb the repetitive impact on the uniform treadmill surface, minimizing foot fatigue during longer indoor runs. If you're not sure which shoes to choose, a chiropodist can provide valuable guidance. They can assess your foot biomechanics and make suggestions based on gait analysis and other data. For help with foot pain that results from treadmill running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist.

The right running shoes can sometimes be difficult to find. With so many options on the market, it’s important to know the unique needs of your feet prior to buying running shoes. If you require assistance, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

When looking for running shoes, take into consideration:

• The type of running you will be doing

• The terrain you plan to run on

• Your gait or running pattern

• Your arch type 

• Other unique foot needs

A chiropodist can help by examining your feet and your gait to determine what types of shoes may be best for you. Some runners may require motion control shoes, which prevent your foot from rolling too far inward while you run. Others may need stability shoes, which offer more balance, cushioning, and support. When shopping for shoes, make sure that they are the right size, fit comfortably, and are made of breathable materials. 

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.

Cracked heels, or heel fissures, can result from various factors, including prolonged standing on hard surfaces, skin conditions like eczema, and systemic conditions such as diabetes. The main cause of cracked heels is dry skin that leads to the formation of calluses. Wearing inappropriate footwear that lacks proper support and sandals or flip flops can also contribute to cracked heels. Fissures in the dry skin on the heels can be painful and may lead to complications and serious infections. Managing the underlying conditions and adopting proper foot care routines are essential to prevent and alleviate cracked heels. If you are experiencing discomfort or noticing signs of infection in cracked heels, it is suggested that you seek the expertise of a chiropodist who can assess the condition and provide appropriate treatment recommendations. 

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can cause pain and discomfort. If your cracked heels are bothering you, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Dry, thickened skin around the rim of the heel is typically the first sign of cracked heels. While this condition is common and usually just a nuisance, some cases can be more severe. If left untreated and as more pressure is placed on the heel, the cracks become deeper and eventually walking and standing can be painful. These deep cracks or fissures can bleed and also become infected. Those with diabetes need to be especially careful as fissures could lead to diabetic foot ulcers. 

Causes

Cracked heels can be the result of several different factors, including: 

• Dry skin

• Taking long, hot showers or using harsh soaps

• Standing for long periods of time

• Walking barefoot

• Walking in shoes with an open back, such as sandals or flip flops

• Wearing shoes that do not fit properly

• Living in a cold or dry climate 

• Certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis

Treatment

There are many at-home treatment remedies for cracked heels. Applying moisturizers to the heel can help hydrate the skin. Soaking your feet in warm water and exfoliating them with a loofah or pumice stone can help to buff away dead skin cells. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can prevent cracked heels by:

• Avoiding standing in one position for prolonged periods of time

• Wearing well-fitted shoes with a closed back

• Washing your feet with gentle soaps and lukewarm water

• Moisturizing the feet daily

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.

Swollen ankles, or edema, in seniors, can stem from various sources. These include chronic conditions like congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, and kidney disease, which disrupt fluid balance. Additionally, medications such as calcium channel blockers and anti-inflammatories may worsen swelling of the ankles. Other factors like gout, ankle injuries, cellulitis, and wearing ill-fitting shoes can contribute to swelling. Addressing the underlying causes can not only alleviate discomfort but also prevent potential complications. For seniors experiencing swollen ankles, consulting with a chiropodist is paramount to ensure proper diagnosis and management of this possibly dangerous condition. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for an assessment as quickly as possible. 

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 Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist 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.