Items filtered by date: February 2023

Senior citizens become increasingly susceptible to suffering a detrimental fall in their older age. If a senior falls, they might be putting themselves at risk of damaging their feet. For example, seniors could break or fracture their foot, or experience decreased foot strength. To prevent this, a senior can be mindful of preventing falls in areas where they commonly occur. Specifically, seniors are likely to fall in certain areas, such as when getting in and out of their car. By exercising regularly, a senior can strengthen their body so that they can more stably navigate in and out of their car. Also, a senior can take their time, ensuring that they have stable footing. If you are a senior or are caring for one, consider contacting a chiropodist today for more information on how to prevent falls from getting in and out of one’s car.  

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 Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist 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.

Many people look forward to the summer months for the lighter clothing that is worn. This can also apply to wearing shoes that allow more freedom, such as flip-flops or sandals. It is helpful to properly care for the feet during the colder months by washing, drying, and trimming the toenails weekly in preparation for wearing these types of shoes. Additionally, many people walk on the sand and are exposed to the sun while at the beach, and this can wreak havoc on their feet. The heels are prone to drying out faster than the rest of the foot, and it may help to apply a good moisturizer on them several times per day. Many people are careful about putting sunscreen on the majority of their bodies, and the feet can be overlooked. People who have sunburned feet experience pain and discomfort which can be easily avoided when sunscreen is frequently applied. If you would like more information about effective tips on how to protect your feet during the summer months, please consult with a chiropodist.

Summer is the season for many foot and ankle issues. If you’re suffering from a foot or ankle problem, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Common Summer Foot Problems 

• Athlete’s foot

• Toenail fungus

• Plantar warts

• Foot and ankle injuries

• Bunions

• Hammertoes

• Heel pain

• Cracked heels 

• Sunburns

• Blisters

Prevention

• Wear supportive shoes and avoid flip-flops

• Maintain good foot hygiene

• Exfoliate and moisturize the heels

• Apply sunscreen to the feet and ankles

• Wear shoes in public areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers 

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 develop in individuals for any number of different reasons. In fact, foot pain and complications associated with the feet are so wide-ranging that an entire field of medicine is dedicated to this question. One often overlooked cause of foot pain is associated with low levels of Vitamin D. This vitamin is a fat-soluble vitamin. When the body’s levels of Vitamin D become too low, the human body will try to alert an individual by manifesting pain in the feet. Pain might also be felt in the ankles as well. As a result of diminished levels of Vitamin D, an individual can be at an increased risk of falling or suffering from tripping. If you think that this might describe you, consider contacting a chiropodist today who can help you manage any problems you might be having with your feet or ankles.

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot pain, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist 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.

The most common location of toe joint pain is in the big toe, also known as the hallux. This is likely because the big toe absorbs about 90% of the body’s weight with each step. The most common types of toe joint pain are gout, bunions, and hammertoes. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by having too much uric acid in the body. The uric acid forms crystals in the joints, and the big toe is often a target. The toe swells and reddens and becomes extremely painful. Bunions and hammertoes are bone deformities, believed to be caused by genetic factors. Wearing improperly fitting footwear is also a contributor. With a bunion, the bottom of the big toe pushes outward, forming a bump, while pushing the top part of the toe in the opposite direction. A bunion can be quite painful when walking and often causes other foot problems. Hammertoes result from an imbalance between the muscle and tendon, usually in the second or third toe. This causes the tip of the toe to curl under, while the middle joint rises. Pain is felt when the raised joint rubs against the inside of the shoe. For help with these types of toe pain, please consult a chiropodist. 

Toe pain is common and can have a variety of causes. Causes can range from a broken toe to an ingrown toenail. Many types of toe pain can be corrected, but any toe pain that inhibits your activities for an extended period should be discussed with a chiropodist. If you suffer from toe pain, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your feet.

Common Causes of Toe Pain 

• Trauma or fracture
• Cuts, sores, or bruises
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Turf Toe
• Morton’s neuroma
• Blisters
• Corns
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar warts
• Athlete’s Foot

Symptoms of Toe Pain

• Toe deformity
• Burning
• Numbness
• Toenail deformity
• Wart or ulcer
• Swelling
• Redness

When to See a Chiropodist

• Bleeding or severe swelling
• Trauma, such as a broken bone
• Discoloration or extreme swelling
• Inability to bear weight
• Persistent pain
• Wounds that won’t heal

Diagnosis of Toe Pain

A chiropodist can conduct a thorough examination of the painful toe or toes in order to determine the best course of treatment. The exam may include assessing the tenderness of the area, taking an X-ray or other diagnostic test, or assessing your gait and range of motion. A discussion of what led to the advanced pain issue may follow. Included will likely be a health history, as well as a list of medications you are taking and other previous injuries you may have sustained.

Treatment for Toe Pain

With such a wide range of possible causes for toe pain, treatment can be varied in scope and length. Sometimes, the chiropodist will recommend lifestyle and activity changes. In cases of trauma or other injuries, X-rays or imaging tests will likely be used to determine the severity of the problem, particularly if any bones have been broken. Treatment may also include injections of pain-relief medication or anti-inflammatory drugs. Certain injuries will require the splinting, bracing, or wrapping of injured toes. Orthotics or special shoes may be prescribed in cases of bone deformities and gait issues. Removal of warts, calluses, and corns may be needed. In other cases, such as with patients who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, ongoing treatment may be required to avoid more serious problems.