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Falls are a common concern, particularly among older adults, and can result from muscle weakness, poor balance, and wearing improper footwear that does not provide adequate support. Falling not only increases the risk of fractures and injuries but can also lead to bruising, sprains, and other foot problems that affect mobility and independence. A chiropodist can assess your foot and lower limb health, recommend supportive footwear, suggest exercises to strengthen muscles, and provide strategies to improve stability and prevent future falls. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from falling, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can treat various foot and ankle injuries, and guide you on fall prevention tips.

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 the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists 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.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that develops when tissue thickens around a nerve between the toes, most often between the third and fourth toes. It is commonly caused by pressure or irritation from wearing tight shoes, high heels, or repetitive stress on the forefoot. Risk factors include foot deformities like bunions or flat feet, as well as activities that place constant strain on the toes. Symptoms may include burning pain, tingling, numbness, or the feeling of a pebble inside the shoe. Diagnosis is made through a physical exam and imaging, if needed. A chiropodist can provide treatment with footwear advice and orthotics. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on. 

Morton's neuroma can be highly uncomfortable. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Morton's neuroma, 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. 

What Is a Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a condition in which a nerve located in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes thickens due to compression or irritation. Common causes of Morton’s neuroma include wearing shoes with high heels or narrow toe boxes, participating in running or court sports, an injury or trauma to the area, or pressure being placed on the nerve from foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. Left untreated, Morton's neuroma may result in permanent nerve damage.  

Symptoms

Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma often start gradually and worsen over time. Typical symptoms  include: 

• Foot pain
• Tingling, burning, or numbness in the affected foot
• The unique sensation that something is inside the ball of the foot or that there is something stuck in your shoe while walking

Treatment

Non-surgical treatments for this condition may include padding or icing the affected foot, wearing an orthotic device, modifying activities or shoes to reduce pressure on the foot, and taking medications or getting injections to reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery may be needed if non-surgical treatments are ineffective. 

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.

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and results in the formation of sharp crystals in the joints. The resulting pain often begins in the big toe, but can also affect the feet, ankles, knees, wrists, elbows, and fingers. Symptoms of gout typically appear in sudden flare-ups, causing swelling, heat, and severe discomfort, which sometimes awakens people at night. Diagnosis involves a physical examination, reviewing symptoms, and sometimes testing the fluid in the affected joint to confirm the presence of uric acid crystals. While gout cannot be cured, it can be managed through medications that reduce inflammation or control uric acid levels. A chiropodist can assess the big toe joint and monitor the condition to prevent further joint damage. They also can suggest exercises to help manage the pain. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a diagnosis and effective treatment options.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. 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. 

What Is Gout?

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. This type of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid crystallizes in a joint, often the joint of the big toe, it can bring about a gout attack. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of gout include: 

• Sudden and severe pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Joint stiffness
• Joint deformity

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will ask questions about your personal and family medical history, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout. A sample of fluid taken from your joint can show whether it contains uric acid. 

Treatment

Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Patients with chronic gout can also use behavioral modifications such as diet, exercise, and decreased intake of alcohol to help minimize the frequency of gout attacks. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided since purines are converted in the body to uric acid. If left untreated, this painful condition can leave your joint permanently damaged and swollen.  

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.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, often resembling a hammer shape. It can develop from muscle imbalance, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, or injury. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, corns, and difficulty moving the affected toe. Risk factors include aging, arthritis, wearing high heels, and genetic predisposition. A chiropodist can provide an assessment, recommend proper footwear, prescribe custom orthotics, and offer treatments such as padding, exercises, or minor procedures to relieve discomfort and improve function. If you have symptoms of this toe deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can offer you relief and treatment solutions.

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity in which one or more of the small toes bends downwards at the middle joint. Though it may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, this is not the case. Hammertoes can be uncomfortable, painful, and even debilitating in severe cases. If you suffer from hammertoe, 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.

Symptoms

• One or more small toes bending downward at the middle joint
• Pain or irritation on the affected toes
• Corns and calluses
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Stiff toe joints
• Sores on the tops of the toes

Diagnosis

A chiropodist can typically diagnose hammertoes through physical examination. X-rays may need to be taken to see the extent of the damage.

Treatment

Hammertoes tend to progressively worsen with time, so getting prompt treatment is very important. In its early stages, the progression of hammertoe can be slowed down or stopped. Your chiropodist may suggest changes in your footwear. Wearing wide, comfortable shoes with a larger toe area and a low heel can help you avoid putting pressure on your toes. You may also be prescribed orthotics. Over-the-counter medications or corticosteroid injections may be used to relieve pain. If you have any corns or calluses, your chiropodist may suggest padding them to avoid further irritation. In advanced cases, surgery may be 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.