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Chiropodists offer invaluable assistance to the elderly population by addressing a range of foot-related concerns and improving their overall well-being. These healthcare professionals play a vital role in promoting mobility, comfort, and quality of life for older individuals. Chiropodists provide essential foot care services, ensuring that the elderly population maintain healthy feet. They assess and treat various issues such as toenail trimming, callus and corn management, and fungal infections. For seniors with chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis, chiropodists can help prevent complications by monitoring and managing foot health. They evaluate circulation and sensation, reducing the risk of ulcers and infections. Orthotics and custom footwear are often recommended by chiropodists to enhance balance and stability, reducing the risk of falls among the elderly. Additionally, chiropodists offer valuable advice on foot care routines and footwear selection tailored to the specific needs of older individuals, ensuring they can maintain an active and comfortable lifestyle. If you are a senior or providing care for one, it is suggested that you schedule routine appointments with a chiropodist.

If you have any foot or ankle concerns, contact one of the specialists of Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can provide the care you need to keep you on your feet.

A chiropodist is a healthcare professional that specializes in the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. With the amount of work the feet do in a lifetime, the whole body works better if the feet are properly supported. Chiropodists must have a bachelor’s degree in science and complete a three to four-year chiropody program. They can then work independently or as part of a team. Chiropodists are like podiatrists, the only difference being the country they obtained where they obtained their degrees. The field can be called podiatry in the United States and chiropody elsewhere. A chiropodist is a popular term for this profession in the UK and Canada. Chiropodists treat a variety of foot problems from corns and calluses to fungal infections. Some also offer orthotics. They might provide a variety of foot therapies, injections, and surgical procedures. Normally one sees a chiropodist when they are experiencing pain but visiting one regularly, as one would a dentist, can help ensure the feet are in top form and help prevent future problems. If you suffer from foot or ankle pain or have questions about your lower extremities, book an appointment with a chiropodist today.

What Does a Chiropodist Do?

A chiropodist helps people with problems with their feet and ankles with the goal of making their lives more comfortable. A chiropodist takes care of blisters, corns, bunions, cracked heels, nail problems, and sprained ankles, just to mention a few things that can go wrong with our feet. A chiropodist will take your medical history and examine your feet for blood circulation and any other problems going on. They will watch you walk and how you move when you walk. They will discuss any findings they come up with and discuss a treatment plan with you.

What Does It Take to Become a Chiropodist?

Chiropodists must have seven to eight years of post-secondary school before beginning to practice. They must obtain a bachelor’s degree in science and complete a three-to-four-year chiropody program. Chiropodists work independently or as part of a team.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ensuring warm and comfortable feet during the winter months involves mindful practices that prioritize both health and comfort. Begin by selecting insulated footwear, ideally with a waterproof exterior to shield against snow and moisture. Layering socks provides an effective barrier against the cold, with moisture-wicking materials keeping feet dry. Choose thermal or wool socks for enhanced insulation. Wearing properly fitted footwear is essential, as tight shoes can impede circulation, leading to cold feet. When venturing outdoors, ensure your footwear is equipped with slip-resistant soles to prevent slips on icy surfaces. Utilize foot warmers or heated insoles for an extra layer of warmth during prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Regular foot massages or warm foot baths can help to stimulate blood circulation, promoting warmth from within. If you are interested in learning more about effective foot warmth during the cold months, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.

The winter months can bring about new or worsening foot and ankle problems. If you’re suffering from foot or ankle pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Winter Foot Problems

• Cracked heels - Dry, cracked skin on the heels of the feet that is associated with cold, dry weather
• Athlete’s foot - A fungal infection on the skin of the feet
• Blisters - Fluid-filled bubbles of skin that usually form in response to friction
• Fractures - Broken bones in the feet or ankles
• Metatarsalgia - General foot pain
• Chilblains - Spasming of the small blood vessels in the toes in response to exposure to cold weather
• Raynaud’s disease - Numbness, pain, and color changes in the toes due to cold weather 

Prevention

• Wear warm socks and shoes
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the cold
• Moisturize the heels regularly
• Keep your feet clean and dry
• Walk carefully in areas that may be icy
• Wear non-slip shoes 

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.

Ankle pain, a common ailment that can disrupt daily activities, stems from a variety of underlying factors. One prevalent cause is injury, often resulting from sprains, strains, or fractures. Ligaments that connect bones in the ankle may stretch or tear, triggering pain and swelling. Overuse or repetitive strain, particularly in activities like running or high-impact sports, can lead to inflammation and discomfort. Conditions such as arthritis, affecting the joints, may contribute to persistent ankle pain. Tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendons surrounding the ankle joint, is another culprit, often aggravated by overexertion. Additionally, underlying health issues such as nerve compression or circulatory problems can manifest as ankle pain. Footwear choices, improper gait, and muscle imbalances can also play a role. Recognizing the diverse causes of ankle pain is essential for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. If you have ankle pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can accurately determine what the cause is, and offer correct treatment options.

Ankle pain is a common symptom of many lower limb problems. If you are experiencing ankle pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

The ankle is composed of a number of muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. There are many conditions which may cause ankle pain. 

Causes

• Ankle strains or sprains
• Achilles tendon injuries
• Fractures
• Bursitis
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Symptoms

If you have ankle pain, you may also experience a variety of other symptoms depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Some of these symptoms may include ankle swelling, bruising, redness, numbness or tingling, instability, and difficulty walking.

Diagnosis

The underlying cause of ankle pain can be diagnosed by a chiropodist. Diagnoses are typically made based on your medical history, a physical examination of the affected ankle, and imaging studies such as X-rays. 

Treatment

Treatment for your ankle pain will depend on its underlying cause. Often, the chiropodist will recommend that you rest the affected ankle. You might also need to ice, compress, and elevate the ankle, wear an orthotic device, or take medications to reduce pain and inflammation. 

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.

Cholesterol can become a silent menace when levels soar. Beyond the commonly known risks to heart health, high levels of cholesterol can have a profound effect on your feet. A key consequence of elevated cholesterol is atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque accumulates in the arteries. This buildup can affect the extremities, including the legs and feet, resulting in peripheral artery disease, or PAD. A common symptom of the reduced blood flow to the lower extremities is unusually cool or cold feet. Swelling or edema may also occur, particularly after periods of immobility. Leg pain, another common indicator of PAD, may be experienced with or without physical activity. A sensation described as having pins and needles often occurs in the feet. PAD may also increase the risk of developing arterial ulcers, which are slow-healing wounds that typically appear on the legs, feet, ankles, or toes. These ulcers are a consequence of damaged cells, tissues, and nerves. For those individuals with PAD and leg ulcers, careful observation is needed. If you are experiencing the symptoms of peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist who can determine what the best treatment is for you.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that causes poor circulation in the lower limbs. If you have PAD, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

What is peripheral artery disease? 

Peripheral artery disease is characterized by reduced blood flow to the lower limbs. This occurs due to a buildup of a fatty substance called plaque in the arteries. The plaque causes the arteries to become narrow and harden, which makes it difficult for blood to get to the lower limbs. Without adequate blood flow, the tissues of the legs, ankles, and feet do not get enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly, which can lead to various symptoms as the condition progresses. Having poor circulation also increases your risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. 

Symptoms

In its initial stages, PAD is often asymptomatic. If symptoms do arise, they often include: 

• Muscle cramps
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Pain that gets worse with physical activity
• Balance problems
• Difficulty walking

Diagnosis

PAD can be diagnosed through a thorough physical examination, medical history, and vascular testing. There are many simple, non-invasive tests that your chiropodist can use to determine your risk of having PAD. These include the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test and Doppler ultrasounds. 

Treatment

Treatments for PAD focus on lifestyle changes and medication management to lessen symptoms and prevent heart attacks and strokes. Your chiropodist may suggest various foot and ankle exercises to increase the strength and flexibility of your feet and ankles, boost circulation, and improve mobility. They may also suggest routine visits to monitor and maintain the health of your feet since poor circulation can lead to a variety of foot and ankle complications. 

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.