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Falls are the leading cause of serious injuries among the elderly. Fortunately, falls can be prevented by making small, meaningful modifications in the home environment and in your lifestyle. These modifications can include reducing clutter around the home, taking special care to make sure that the floor is clear of tripping hazards such as loose wires and cords, movable rugs, and any other obstacles. Make sure that your home is well lit so that you can always see where you’re walking. In the bathrooms, use non-slip mats around the tub or shower. If you have stairs in your home, make sure that you have secure handrails to help go up and down safely. Eating healthy meals, engaging in regular physical activity, wearing comfortable shoes, and using walking aids as needed can all help keep you on your feet. For more tips on how to prevent falls, consult with 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.

Dry, cracked skin on the heels can be frustrating, unsightly, painful, and irritating. Cracked heels may be caused by dehydration of the skin, extreme weather, wearing open-backed shoes, or medical conditions such as eczema and athlete’s foot. Cracked heels can be prevented by avoiding exposure to very hot or cold weather and wearing appropriate footwear that protects your feet. When bathing, it is suggested to avoid using very hot water and soaps with drying ingredients, such as sodium lauryl sulfate and artificial fragrances. Moisturizing your feet regularly can help reduce dryness as well. If you have dry, cracked heels that are embarrassing or causing you pain or discomfort, it is recommended that you consult with a chiropodist for treatment. 

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can cause pain and discomfort. If your cracked heels are bothering you, 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. 

Dry, thickened skin around the rim of the heel is typically the first sign of cracked heels. While this condition is common and usually just a nuisance, some cases can be more severe. If left untreated and as more pressure is placed on the heel, the cracks become deeper and eventually walking and standing can be painful. These deep cracks or fissures can bleed and also become infected. Those with diabetes need to be especially careful as fissures could lead to diabetic foot ulcers. 

Causes

Cracked heels can be the result of several different factors, including: 

• Dry skin
• Taking long, hot showers or using harsh soaps
• Standing for long periods of time
• Walking barefoot
• Walking in shoes with an open back, such as sandals or flip flops
• Wearing shoes that do not fit properly
• Living in a cold or dry climate
• Certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis

Treatment

There are many at-home treatment remedies for cracked heels. Applying moisturizers to the heel can help hydrate the skin. Soaking your feet in warm water and exfoliating them with a loofah or pumice stone can help to buff away dead skin cells. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can prevent cracked heels by:

• Avoiding standing in one position for prolonged periods of time
• Wearing well-fitted shoes with a closed back
• Washing your feet with gentle soaps and lukewarm water
• Moisturizing the feet daily

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 a foot condition in which the plantar fascia, a ligament that stretches along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. It is often caused by overuse or repeated impact on the heel, which occurs when we walk, run, or stand. The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp pain near the heel that is typically at its worst first thing in the morning or after exercising. Plantar fasciitis can be treated through activity modifications, wearing orthotics, and regularly stretching the feet. For more information about plantar fasciitis, please consult with a chiropodist today. 

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.

Cuboid syndrome is generally caused by an injury to the joint and ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone in the middle of the foot. This occurs when the cuboid bone moves down and out of alignment with the other (calcaneus) bone in the same joint. Cuboid syndrome is also known as cuboid subluxation, meaning one of the bones in a joint has moved, but not fully out of place. Symptoms often include pain on the outside of the foot that worsens when bearing weight, difficulty walking, swelling, a reduced range of motion in the foot and ankle, and sensitivity on the bottom of the foot. Cuboid syndrome usually results from overuse or injury. It tends to be common among athletes and dancers, although it can affect anyone. If you are experiencing any symptoms of cuboid syndrome it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis. 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joint and ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone in the foot become injured. If you think that you may have cuboid 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. 

Causes

The cuboid bone is one of the seven tarsal bones located in the foot. Cuboid syndrome develops when the cuboid bone moves down and out of alignment with the other bone (calcaneus bone) in the joint of the foot. Cuboid syndrome can be the result of a sudden injury like an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly over time from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures. 

Symptoms

The most common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain on the outside of the foot which may worsen with activity. 

Other possible symptoms include: 

• Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot
• Swelling
• Sensitivity on the bottom of the foot
• Reduced range of motion  

Diagnosis

A chiropodist can diagnose cuboid syndrome based on your medical history and a physical examination of the foot. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, often fail to show the dislocated cuboid. 

Treatment

Treatment often includes resting, icing, compressing and elevating the affected foot, taping, wearing orthotic inserts, and taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain. The chiropodist may also be able to manipulate the dislocated bone back into alignment.

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.