January 2023

A wound is a break in body tissue that happens either internally or externally. A minor wound can be treated at home by cleaning it, followed by covering it with a dressing. Severe wounds can consist of an abrasion that can happen when the skin rubs against a hard surface. Road rash is an example of this type of wound, and infection may be prevented when it is cleaned. A needle or pointy object can cause a puncture wound, and may be well below the skin’s surface. Patients who are involved in serious accidents may experience an avulsion wound which can bleed heavy and fast. Wounds that occur on the feet are treated by a chiropodist, and it is suggested that you seek the counsel of this type of medical professional who can effectively treat foot wounds.

Wound care is the process of treating and preventing wounds on the feet. This is especially important if you have diabetes, as diabetic foot wounds are common and can lead to serious complications when left untreated. To learn more about proper wound care, 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. 

Why Is Wound Care Important for Diabetics?

While wound care is important for maintaining the health of your feet, it is especially important for people with diabetes. This is because diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation, causing foot wounds to heal very slowly or not to heal at all. Diabetics also frequently suffer from neuropathy or nerve loss. This means no matter how big or little the wound, they might not feel it on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. This is why it is imperative that diabetics complete daily foot checks.

Wound Care Basics

The best way to care for wounds is to prevent them in the first place. It is recommended that people with diabetes perform a daily examination of their feet to locate cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds. Early detection allows for ample time to treat the wounds and prevent further complications. If you notice a wound at home, you can clean it using water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover the wound with a clean bandage. Seeing a chiropodist, who can examine your feet thoroughly and treat any existing wounds, can also help you maintain proper foot health. 

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.

Senior citizens can be especially susceptible to suffering falls, which may lead to serious health consequences. Often, the reason why seniors are susceptible to falling is due to decreased strength in the feet. When seniors fall, they may also further damage their feet due to foot injuries caused by the fall. Seniors may be likely to suffer a fall on their porches because they can often be slippery due to rain. One way to prevent this is by being sure to wear proper footwear when walking around on the porch. For example, flip-flops should be avoided on the porch because this kind of footwear can lead to trips and falls. Additionally, seniors can try to keep their porches clean, clearing clutter that may cause a fall. If you are struggling with preventing falls, contact a chiropodist.

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.

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that affects the bottom of the foot, causing pain mostly in the arch and heel. The plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot, can sustain tears from excessive pounding on the feet, over exercising, and obesity. Aside from rest and anti-inflammatory pain medication, experts recommend certain stretching exercises designed to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis. First is the towel stretch. This calls for sitting on the floor with legs extended. Then loop a towel around the ball of the foot and pull the toes toward the body. It’s important to keep the knees straight and hold the stretch for 30 seconds. Repeat three times on each foot. The second is the foot roll. Sit in a chair, and place the arch of the foot over a tennis ball or small water bottle. Roll your foot back and forth with enough pressure that you can feel the plantar fascia stretching. Continue for three minutes and repeat on the other foot. This exercise can be repeated several times throughout the day. To find out more about exercises that relieve pain from plantar fasciitis, please consult a chiropodist.

Plantar fasciitis can be painful and interfere with your daily activities. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain and believe you may be afflicted with plantar fasciitis, 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 Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Repetitive activities, such as running or jumping, can injure the plantar fascia over time. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by flat feet, high arches, pregnancy, and activities that put excessive pressure on your feet, like standing all day for work. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it causes pain and discomfort. 

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Stabbing pain near the heel

• Pain that is worst in the morning or after a period of rest

• Pain that increases after exercising

• Swelling

• Tightness in the Achilles tendon

Diagnosis

Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed via medical history and physical examination. 

Treatment

Treatments for plantar fasciitis include resting and icing the affected foot, stretching the foot, taking medications to reduce inflammation, and wearing orthotics. In severe cases where pain does not improve with conservative treatments, injections or surgery may be recommended. 

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.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder. Those with this condition often experience pain in the ankle, foot, and toes. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the posterior tibial nerve, which runs through a canal near the heel and into the sole of the foot. When the tissues around this nerve become inflamed, they can press on the nerve, therefore, causing pain. If you have symptoms of this syndrome, contact a chiropodist who is dedicated to foot health and can offer you the best treatment plan.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause pain and progress over time. If you are experiencing any symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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 Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the posterior tibial nerve, which is located within a structure called the tarsal tunnel on the inside of the ankle, is squeezed. Compression of the posterior tibial nerve can be caused by injuries, such as ankle sprains, systemic diseases like diabetes or arthritis, strain on the tarsal tunnel due to flat feet, or an enlarged structure like a cyst squeezing the nerve. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear suddenly and are generally worsened by physical activity. 

Common symptoms include: 

• Tingling, burning, or electrical shock sensation on the inside of the ankle or bottom of the foot

• Numbness

• Shooting pain 

Diagnosis

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed through physical examination. If initial treatment is ineffective, imaging or nerve studies may also be necessary. 

Treatment

Nonsurgical treatments for tarsal tunnel syndrome include resting and icing the foot, bracing or immobilizing the foot, wearing an orthotic device, modifying your footwear, and taking medications to relieve pain. Surgery may be needed if nonsurgical 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.

Diabetic patients can encounter foot problems if basic care needs are not met. Diabetes can occur as a result of elevated blood sugar levels and can come from specific foods that are eaten. Neuropathy is a common condition that can happen from being diabetic, and this is the inability to feel existing cuts and scrapes on the feet. The feet can become numb, and untreated injuries may develop into serious foot issues. Diabetic foot care can begin with checking the feet every day, and this can be done by using a mirror if a family member or caregiver is not present. This can be preceded by washing and drying the feet thoroughly and trimming the nails weekly. Many people choose to visit a chiropodist to have this done, which may help to eliminate ingrown toenails from developing. It is beneficial to monitor glucose levels daily, and this can help to educate the patient about which foods produce high sugar levels. People who smoke may have poor circulation, and it is suggested that smoking is stopped to ensure proper blood flow. Maintaining good foot care is crucial in diabetic patients, and it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can help you to manage this condition.

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.