As people age, their feet undergo various changes that can affect mobility and overall well-being. Seniors often experience dryness, thinner skin, and thickened toenails, which may lead to discomfort and other foot problems. Fungal infections are common, and the feet may change in size, requiring adjustments in footwear. Proper foot care for seniors becomes especially important to maintain foot health and prevent complications. Regular visits to a chiropodist can help manage these changes effectively. A chiropodist can offer professional guidance on appropriate footwear, provide custom orthotic devices, and address issues such as nail disorders and dry skin. They can also perform minor procedures, like trimming thickened nails or treating corns and calluses, to prevent further problems. If you are an older adult with a foot problem, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for advice.

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 Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner 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.

Psoriatic arthritis in the feet and ankles is a chronic inflammatory condition linked to psoriasis. It affects the joints and tendons, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness, which can severely impact mobility and quality of life. The disease often targets the small joints in the toes, causing a characteristic sausage-like swelling known as dactylitis. It can also affect the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia, resulting in heel pain and difficulty while walking. The inflammation in these areas may lead to permanent joint damage if left untreated. Treatment generally involves managing inflammation with anti-inflammatory medications or biologics, along with targeted exercises to maintain joint flexibility and strength. Custom orthotics can provide additional support and relieve pressure on affected areas, enhancing comfort and mobility. If you are suffering from psoriatic arthritis and it is impacting your lower limbs, it is strongly suggested that you visit a chiropodist for an early diagnosis and intervention to prevent long-term damage and to receive advice in maintaining an active lifestyle.

Osteoarthritis in the feet or ankles can be a painful and disabling condition that may interfere with your daily activities. If you have arthritis, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Osteoarthritis? 

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the protective layer of cartilage in the joints breaks down over time. This loss of cartilage causes the bones to rub together during movement, leading to pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is associated with aging, and often affects the small joints of the feet and ankles. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include: 

• Joint pain

• Joint stiffness

• Swelling in or around the joint

• Restricted range of motion

• Difficulty walking

Diagnosis

Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed through physical examination. You may also need to have an X-ray taken to assess the extent of the damage caused by arthritis. 

Treatment

Treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on reducing symptoms and improving the function of the affected joints. Conservative treatments include oral pain medications, orthotic devices, bracing or immobilizing the affected foot or ankle, steroid injections into the affected joint to reduce inflammation, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. 

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

Ankle sprains are common injuries, but certain factors can increase the risk. Engaging in physical activities without proper conditioning, such as skipping, stretching, and strengthening exercises, can put added strain on the ligaments in your ankle. Muscle and ligament fatigue, especially when pushing through the final stages of a rigorous activity, can also heighten vulnerability to injury. Failing to warm up properly before exercise is another risk, as tight muscles and ligaments are more prone to injury. Carrying excess weight also places extra stress on your joints and increases the chances of ligament or muscle damage. Gender and age play roles, too, with women over 30 and young males aged 15 to 24 showing a higher incidence of ankle sprains. Wearing inappropriate shoes, such as high heels on uneven surfaces or low-topped shoes during sports, also contributes to risk. If you have a history of ankle injuries, your likelihood of re-injury increases. If you have sustained an ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for guidance.

When one or more ligaments in the ankle overstretch or tear due to injury, an ankle sprain occurs. If you would like to learn more about ankle sprains, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Symptoms of an ankle sprain vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include: 

• Pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Tenderness

• Difficulty walking

• Ankle instability

• A reduced range of motion in the ankle 

Treatments for an ankle sprain may consist of: 

• Resting the injured ankle

• Applying ice

• Elevating the ankle

• Compressing the ankle

• Over-the-counter pain medications

• Ankle braces or other devices to take weight off of the ankle

• Ankle exercises 

• Surgery (in rare cases) 

It’s important for the sprained ankle to heal correctly and fully in order to avoid repeated injury. 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.