Falls Prevention

Falls are a leading cause of serious injury among the elderly. In fact, falls are the cause of the majority of hospitalizations for elderly people. As we age, our risk of falling increases due to deterioration in physical strength, coordination, vision, and hearing. Unsafe conditions in the home are often responsible for falls, and about half of all falls among the elderly occur in the home environment. Falling can cause a variety of complications, including injuries to the legs and feet, which can greatly impact one’s mobility and independence. 

Fortunately, falls can often be prevented. There are various preventive measures that you can take to make your home environment safer and less likely to contribute to a fall. In the bathroom, where wet and slippery conditions can lead to falling, it is recommended that you have non-slip surfaces in the shower and tub, install grab bars by the toilet and bath to help you sit and stand, and wipe up any moisture or spills as soon as they occur. In the living room and bedroom, it is important to make sure that the floor is free of clutter and obstacles, such as loose cords and wires, small furniture items, and other tripping hazards. Ensure that all rugs and mats are firmly anchored and that there is good lighting throughout the home. In the kitchen, it is suggested that you store appliances and other supplies in places that are easy to reach and that you wipe up any spills that may occur immediately. If your home has stairs, they should be well lit and have secure handrails. 

You can also prevent falls by modifying your own behavior. When moving around the home, walk slowly and carefully, turn on lights when walking through your home at night, and use any mobility aids, such as a cane or walker, when needed. Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet to maintain your overall health. Speak regularly with your doctor to monitor your medications, especially if you are taking any medications that may increase your risk of falling due to side effects such as dizziness. For more tips on how to prevent falls, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Preventing Falling Injuries

People over age 60 are more prone to falling than those who are younger. After sustaining a fall, some older adults end up in long-term care facilities as their mobility and independence have been compromised. Most risk factors that lead to falling can be minimized or eliminated. Some common risk factors include trip hazards at home or work, poorly fitting footwear, and insufficient lower body strength. Lighting, clutter on the floor, and loose rugs or mats are some of the hazards that can be remedied at home or work. Wearing shoes that are supportive and fit properly can go a long way in preventing unnecessary falls. Participating in exercises that maintain lower body strength and flexibility can also ensure greater safety and fewer falls. If you are older or taking care of a senior, consult with a chiropodist who can offer more information on fall risks and prevention measures.

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 the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists 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 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Diabetic Foot Care

Though diabetes begins with the pancreas not producing enough insulin, thus raising your blood sugar levels, it is a systemic condition that can affect every part of your body. The feet are no exception, and a variety of lower limb problems are very common among people with diabetes. 

One of the primary foot-related concerns for patients with diabetes is diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). These are poorly healing open wounds on the feet that are at high risk of becoming infected due to a weakened immune system, another common complication of diabetes. Nerve damage in the feet caused by high blood sugar levels interferes with pain signaling between the peripheral nerves in the feet and the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). When this signaling is disrupted, it can be difficult to detect foot injuries, such as cuts and scrapes, when they occur. These injuries are then left unnoticed and untreated until they have significantly worsened. Poor circulation, another complication of diabetes, means that not enough nutrients reach the feet. Without them, the wounds on the feet heal slowly and poorly, or not at all. These wounds can then become infected, leading to tissue death. 

The best way to prevent DFUs and their consequences is to carefully monitor the health of your feet through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you see your feet fully, look for any cuts, scrapes, sores, bruising, swelling, discoloration, rashes, hair loss, deformities, or nail changes. Take note of any foul odors, pain, warmth, and strange sensations such as numbness, tingling, burning, or pins and needles. If you notice a problem, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. Early treatment is key to avoiding potential complications. 

DFUs are not the only foot problem diabetics are more likely to encounter. Diabetes can also increase your risk of corns and calluses, cracked skin, bunions, hammertoes, Charcot foot, nail disorders, and various infections. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a doctor who can help you monitor your foot health, treat any existing conditions, and prevent future ones.

Measures a Diabetic Patient Can Take to Care For Their Feet

Neuropathy, or nerve damage, can be common among people who are afflicted with diabetes, and this can cause an inability to feel sensations in the feet. It is important to check the soles of the feet daily as this can provide an opportunity to notice existing cuts, bruises, or scrapes on the feet. Undetected sores on the feet may lead to an infection and can ultimately cause a diabetic foot ulcer. Foot ulcers are generally treated by taking antibiotics. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary if the foot ulcers are not treated. There are simple measures that can be implemented by diabetic patients to care for their feet. These include washing and drying the feet daily as well as trimming the toenails. Additionally, it can be beneficial to wear moisture-wicking socks and shoes that fit correctly. Other methods can be implemented to care for diabetic feet and it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist if you would like more information.

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 one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists 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 detect anything unusual, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. 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.

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Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Everyday Foot Care

Good foot care is proactive, rather than reactive. While a chiropodist can diagnose, treat, and help you manage a variety of foot and ankle conditions, preventing foot problems and keeping the feet healthy is something that you can do at home as well. Having and following an established daily foot care routine can be very beneficial. 

Maintaining good foot hygiene helps prevent a variety of foot problems, including infections like athlete’s foot and fungal toenails. It is important to wash your feet every day using lukewarm water and mild soap. Wash the entire foot, from heel to toe. Then dry the foot thoroughly, taking extra care to dry in between the toes. Moisturizing the heels and soles of the feet after washing them can help keep the skin soft, hydrated, and free of cracks. 

Stretching and strengthening the feet can maintain or improve their mobility. There are many easy foot exercises that you can do to keep your feet strong and flexible, such as toe scrunches and heel raises. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help keep your weight under control, relieving excess pressure and strain on the feet. 

Finally, wearing the right shoes is one of the easiest ways to care for the feet. Many people wear shoes that are too tight or narrow, shoes that don’t support the feet adequately, and shoes that are made of materials that trap moisture on the foot. Opt for comfortable, properly-fitted shoes that support and protect your feet. 

For more information about daily foot care practices for good foot health, please consult with a chiropodist.

Foot Care Night Routine

 

To care for one’s physical and emotional well-being, an individual will often develop a routine that is repeated on a regular basis. For instance, to calm down at the end of a busy work day, an individual might perform a ritualistic night routine that includes drinking tea, washing one’s face, and perhaps reading a book. Taking care of one’s feet does not have to be any different. To ensure that you are maintaining the health of your feet, you might try to adopt a kind of morning or nighttime foot care routine. What you include in this routine can be highly personalized and specific to your own foot care needs. You might consider including a brief visual examination of your feet to check for any visible cuts or abnormalities. You might also include a foot wash of some sort, utilizing an appropriate soap or scrub. Following a foot bath, be sure to completely dry your feet with a towel to keep them from becoming soggy or damp. You might also apply a moisturizer to the feet following this foot bath. To wrap up your routine, you might briefly stretch the feet to keep them agile and flexible. This can also sometimes improve balance and agility. For more tips and tricks to incorporate into your regular foot care routine, contact a chiropodist.

Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, 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. 

There are many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including: 

  • Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly

  • Washing the feet daily with soap and water

  • Drying the feet thoroughly

  • Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet

  • Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly 

  • Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises 

A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. 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.

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Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are fleshy growths on the sole of the foot that are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). When this virus enters the feet through a small crack in the skin, it forms foot warts. These warts may occur individually or in clusters. They’re usually small, rough, grainy patches of skin that disrupt the skin’s natural lines. Unlike calluses, plantar warts have a blood supply, which is visible as tiny, black dots in the center of the wart. 

Plantar warts are typically asymptomatic and can go away on their own within a period of several months to several years. However, sometimes warts grow in areas that bear weight. The pressure of standing and walking causes the wart to grow inwards, potentially leading to discomfort or pain. There are various treatment options available. If opting for medical treatment, warts can be removed with chemicals, cryotherapy, laser therapy, or minor surgery. Each type of treatment has its own benefits and drawbacks, which should be discussed with your chiropodist. Wearing comfortable shoes and socks, taking over-the-counter pain medications, and wearing patches to take pressure off of the warts can help if you choose to wait for them to go away on their own.

Plantar warts are highly contagious and can spread from person to person through direct contact or through contact with an infected surface, but they can often be prevented with good foot hygiene practices. The virus that causes plantar warts can be contracted from walking barefoot in public areas, like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. Wear flip-flops or shoes to protect your feet when frequenting these areas. Avoid sharing personal items, like towels, shoes, and socks, with others. For more information about prevention and treatment, please consult with a chiropodist.

Plantar Warts Caused by the Human Papillomavirus

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for different types of viral infections. When HPV enters the skin on the feet through a cut or other type of abrasion, it can lead to the development of an individual, or a cluster of plantar warts. Plantar warts form on the bottom of the foot and present as rough, sometimes ridged patches of lighter skin that may have a black dot in the center. This black dot is a tiny blood vessel that feeds the wart. Because they typically develop on the sole of the feet in high-pressure areas like the ball of the foot or heel, plantar warts can be quite painful. They are also very contagious and can spread from direct contact with a wart or through indirect contact with an object that is infected with HPV. Plantar warts are also quite resilient and can take over a year to go away, if at all, on their own. If they are not treated properly, they tend to grow back as well. That is why it makes sense to have your plantar wart treated promptly and professionally by a chiropodist who can get rid of them quickly, safely, and completely. 

Plantar warts can be uncomfortable or even painful. If you’re suffering from warts on your feet, 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 Does a Plantar Wart Look Like? 

Plantar warts are fleshy growths that generally have a rough, grainy texture. They may look and feel like a callus and are usually small and can grow individually or in clusters. Plantar warts may have small, black dots at their center that are actually tiny blood vessels. Warts interrupt the natural lines of your skin. 

Treatment Options

  • Salicylic acid - A chemical solution applied directly to the wart

  • Cryotherapy - Freezing the wart off with liquid nitrogen

  • Minor surgery - Removing the wart through excision

  • Laser treatment - A concentrated beam of light is used to remove the wart

  • Wearing comfortable shoes and socks to avoid irritating the wart

  • Over-the-counter medications for pain relief

  • Patches to keep pressure off the warts

Plantar warts can go away on their own, but this may take several months to years. If your plantar warts are bothering you, seeking medical treatment is suggested. 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.

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Hammertoes

Hammertoes are a common foot deformity in which one or more of the small toes bends downwards at the middle joint. This puts the toes into a hammer or mallet-like shape, hence the name of the condition. Hammertoes can be very uncomfortable and even painful, causing symptoms such as irritation, inflammation, redness, stiff toe joints, muscle contracture, and corns, calluses, and sores on the tops of the affected toe joints. 

Hammertoes can either be flexible or rigid. Flexible hammertoes are those that can still be moved at the joint. Rigid hammertoes are those that can no longer move due to stiff, tight joints. Flexible hammertoes slowly turn into rigid hammertoes when no steps are taken to treat this condition. 

Seeking treatment for hammertoes is strongly suggested, as they tend to get progressively worse over time. The main goals of treatment in the early stages are to slow or stop the progression and manage symptoms. Your chiropodist will likely recommend changes in your footwear. Wide, roomy shoes that have a large toe box and a low heel can give your toes extra space and prevent them from crowding and becoming further deformed. Orthotic insoles can be worn in the shoes for added support. Corns and calluses on the tops of the toes may need to be padded to protect them from irritation. Over-the-counter medications can be taken to relieve pain. In more severe cases, your chiropodist may suggest corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery is another treatment option for hammertoes but is usually reserved for severe cases where the toe has become rigid and immobile. 

If you notice hammertoes or any other foot deformity, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a chiropodist. 

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