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The aging foot endures tremendous stress over a lifetime, often covering around 110,000 miles by age 80. With age, many experience foot issues such as toenail disorders, bunions, hammertoe and corns, in addition to calluses, ankle arthritis, gout, and diabetic ulcers. These problems can contribute to falls, frailty, and a shift from independence to dependence, particularly if left unaddressed. Unfortunately, many elderly individuals avoid seeking treatment, assuming these issues are inevitable or trivial. However, regular foot care can make a significant difference in comfort, mobility, and quality of life. Having a chiropodist as part of one's healthcare team helps ensure prompt management, from toenail trimming to more complex interventions. Effective elderly foot care can reduce fall risk, relieve pain, and maintain independence. If you are elderly or taking care of an elderly person, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist as consistent foot care can support seniors in staying active, independent, and less vulnerable to falls and complications.

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 one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists 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.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition most commonly affects the big toe and can result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, or trauma to the toe. When an ingrown toenail becomes infected, the area surrounding the nail may become red, swollen, and warm to the touch. Pus or fluid may drain from the infected area, and the pain can worsen. Risk factors for developing ingrown toenails include having naturally curved nails, excessive sweating, or engaging in activities that put pressure on the feet. It is important to address an ingrown toenail early to avoid complications, such as a deeper infection or permanent nail damage. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can effectively treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, 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 an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include: 

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail. 

Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers. 

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.

Buddy taping is a common method used to treat a broken toe, where the injured toe is taped to its neighboring toe for support and stabilization. This technique helps keep the broken toe in position while it heals. The process involves gently aligning the broken toe with the adjacent toe and using medical tape or adhesive strips to bind the two together. The tape should be applied in a way that provides enough support without causing excessive pressure or restricting blood flow. It is important to leave enough space between the toes to avoid discomfort or skin irritation. Buddy taping can help prevent further injury by limiting movement, but it is essential to seek medical advice from a chiropodist to ensure it is done correctly and to determine if additional treatment is necessary for proper healing. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you contact this type of healthcare professional who can guide you toward proper healing techniques.

A broken toe typically occurs following either a sudden, traumatic injury, like dropping a heavy piece of furniture on the toe. The impact causes the bone to fracture and produces a variety of painful symptoms. If you suspect that you’ve broken your toe, 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

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Cracking sound at the time of injury
• Difficulty bearing weight on the toe
• Difficulty walking
• Toe resting at an unnatural angle

Diagnosis

Your chiropodist can diagnose a broken toe through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays. 

Treatment

The main goals of treatment are to ensure that the bone heals properly, as a toe fracture that doesn’t heal properly can lead to osteoarthritis. You will typically need to rest the affected toe. You may be prescribed a splint to immobilize the toe while it heals. Icing the affected toe and taking over-the-counter medications can help reduce pain. In cases of severe fractures, surgery may be necessary to reset the broken bones and make sure that they heal correctly.  

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.

Foot pain can arise from various conditions affecting different parts of the foot. Joint pain often results from arthritis, which causes inflammation and stiffness, making movement uncomfortable. Another common issue is bursitis, which leads to swelling and pain due to irritation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs. Gout is another source of pain, typically affecting the big toe, caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals. Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin, causing localized pain and inflammation. Additionally, Morton's neuroma can lead to discomfort between the third and fourth toes, resulting from thickening of the tissue around a nerve. If you have any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot 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. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

• Plantar fasciitis
• Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes
• Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet
• Arthritis
• Flat feet
• Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

• Heel pain
• Arch pain
• Toe pain
• Ball of foot pain
• Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality
• Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

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.

Diabetes can significantly affect foot health, with cracked heels being a common issue for those living with the condition. Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage and reduced circulation, resulting in dry skin and decreased sensation. As skin loses moisture, it becomes more susceptible to cracks and fissures, increasing the risk of infections. Regular foot care is essential for individuals with diabetes to prevent complications. Visiting a chiropodist allows for professional assessment and treatment of foot issues before they escalate. A chiropodist can provide personalized advice on proper foot hygiene, recommend suitable footwear, and offer treatments for dry or cracked skin. By prioritizing foot care with this specialist, individuals can maintain better foot health, reduce discomfort, and lower the risk of serious complications. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can help offer effective treatment for cracked heels.

Dry, cracked heels are more than a cosmetic inconvenience. For many people, they are uncomfortable, deep, painful, and may even bleed. If you suffer from cracked heels, 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. 

Causes

• Prolonged standing
• Wearing open-back shoes
• Wearing shoes that don’t cushion the heels
• Living in a cold or dry climate
• Taking long, hot showers
• Not moisturizing the heels
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Palmoplantar keratoderma
• Juvenile plantar dermatosis

Treatments

• Soaking the feet
• Exfoliating with a pumice stone
• Moisturizing the heels
• Wearing closed-back shoes that cushion heels
• Avoiding prolonged standing
• Taking warm, rather than hot, showers
• Treating underlying skin conditions 

While milder cases of cracked heels can be treated at home, some patients present with deep, painful, bleeding heel fissures that are at risk of becoming infected and may require medical care. Additionally, patients with diabetes or any other conditions that affect the immune system should be monitored by a chiropodist. 

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.