A fall can happen in a moment, yet the effects can last for years. Foot pain, poor balance, and shoes that lack proper support can all make walking less steady. In addition, muscles become weaker with age. A chiropodist can examine your feet, identify problems that affect balance, and recommend custom foot orthotics when appropriate. They can also assess your walking pattern and help determine whether a cane or walker is the correct size and adjusted properly for safer movement. Walking aids provide better stability, reduce strain on the feet, and help seniors feel more confident while walking. Good balance also depends on staying active, having regular vision checks, and keeping living spaces free of hazards like loose rugs or poor lighting. Taking steps to reduce the risk of falling helps protect your independence and lowers the chance of serious injuries. If you have injured your foot or ankle from falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for effective treatment and prevention tips.

Falls are a common but preventable problem for older adults. If you would like to learn more about preventing falls, 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. 

Did you know that most falls occur in the home? Fortunately, there are many simple changes that you can make to the living environment to reduce the risk of falling. 

In the Bathroom:

• Install grab bars near toilets, bathtubs, and showers
• Put non-skid mats on all surfaces that may get wet

In the Bedroom:

• Keep a light near the bed so that you can easily turn it on if you have to get up at night
• Keep the path from your bedroom to the bathroom clutter-free and well-lit
• Consider installing a bed rail for added support

In the Kitchen:

• Use non-skid mats
• Wipe up any spills immediately
• Move commonly used items to areas that are easily within your reach

In the Hallways:

• Place handrails on both sides of the stairs
• Install good lighting in the hallways and around the entire home
• Keep hallways free of clutter
• Don’t use throw rugs or small area rugs

In Other Living Areas: 

• Keep loose cables, cords, and wires near the wall and away from walking surfaces
• Make sure that all carpets and rugs are secure firmly to the floor
• Arrange your furniture so that it is not in your way when you walk
• Use chairs and couches that you can easily get up from

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON . 

Cold feet can be more than a temporary sensation from cool temperatures. This condition may signal underlying issues, such as decreased circulation or nerve-related concerns. Peripheral artery disease and neuropathy are two common causes. Peripheral artery disease reduces blood flow to the lower extremities, while neuropathy involves damage to the nerves that control sensation. Symptoms include persistent coldness, numbness, and tingling in the feet. Some people may notice color changes or reduced sensitivity to temperature. These signs can affect balance and increase the risk of injury. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and limited physical activity. Poor circulation may develop when blood vessels become narrowed. Nerve damage can occur due to long-term health conditions or injury. Management focuses on improving circulation and protecting nerve health. Lifestyle changes, wearing proper footwear, and regular monitoring can support foot function. If you have cold feet, limited feeling, or numbness, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Neuropathy can cause permanent nerve damage if left untreated. If you are experiencing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, 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 Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that damages the nerves of the peripheral nervous system, which provide sensation to the limbs. The feet are often affected. Peripheral neuropathy can have many different causes, but it is most commonly associated with diabetes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Pain
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Burning sensations
• Weakness
• Loss of balance

Diagnosis

Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed based on medical history and physical examination. Various tests performed during physical examinations can help determine the type of peripheral neuropathy you may have and what is causing it. 

Treatment

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy will depend on what is causing it. For example, if your peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes, then managing your blood sugar, exercising regularly to strengthen the legs and feet, and taking pain medications may be recommended as treatments. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON . 

Foot and ankle injuries in athletes are often caused by repetitive stress, sudden impact, and high-intensity movement. These injuries affect ligaments, tendons, and soft tissue, making them a frequent concern. Common conditions include ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and turf toe, all of which can limit performance and daily activity. Ankle sprains occur when ligaments are overstretched, leading to swelling, bruising, and instability. Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain that is often worse in the morning. Achilles tendonitis symptoms include stiffness and discomfort along the back of the ankle, especially during activity. Turf toe results from excessive upward bending of the big toe, causing pain and reduced mobility. Risk factors include poor footwear, inadequate warm up routines, and overuse from repetitive training. Athletes with flat feet, high arches, or muscle imbalances are more prone to injury. Hard playing surfaces and sudden changes in direction can also increase stress on the foot and ankle. Rehabilitation includes rest, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Proper footwear support is also recommended to restore function. Early care can reduce recovery time and prevent long-term complications. If foot and ankle injuries are affecting your sports performance, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Trauma to the foot or ankle is one of the most common reasons that people visit a chiropodist. If you have a foot or ankle injury, 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. 

Your feet contain 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Your ankles are large joints made up of three bones and various ligaments. All of these components work together to allow your lower limbs to move you throughout your life. Injuries to the feet and ankles can affect any one of these structures and can occur at any time. Some of the most common foot and ankle injuries include:

• Morton’s neuroma - Swelling of a nerve that runs between two toes, causes pain in the ball of the foot
• Stress fractures - Tiny cracks in one or more bones that can cause severe pain
• Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, causes stabbing heel pain
• Sesamoiditis - Causes pain in the sesamoid bones, located beneath the ball of the foot
• Achilles tendonitis - Inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, causes pain in the back of the calf
• Ankle sprain - Overstretching or tearing of one or more ligaments in the ankle, which causes ankle pain and can make it difficult to walk 

Injuries to the feet and ankles often occur during athletic activities, such as running or playing a sport, or while wearing ill-fitting shoes. Other potential causes of injury include impacts from accidents, a sudden twisting while walking, or underlying biomechanical problems or medical conditions that affect the feet. Treatment for most of these injuries typically involves resting the feet and modifying activities and footwear to take pressure off of the affected foot. 

All of these conditions, and many more, can be diagnosed and treated by a chiropodist. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON .