Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that develop on the feet of individuals with diabetes, often caused by poor circulation, nerve damage, or pressure points. Risk factors include uncontrolled blood sugar levels, peripheral neuropathy, foot deformities, and a history of previous ulcers or infections. Proper care is essential to prevent complications and promote healing. This includes keeping the wound clean, offloading pressure, monitoring for signs of infection, and maintaining good blood sugar control. A chiropodist can provide expert assessment, professional wound care, guidance on protective footwear, and strategies to prevent recurrence. If you have diabetes and notice a foot sore or slow healing wound, it is suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist for help in treating diabetic foot wounds and in managing this serious condition.

Wound care is the process of treating and preventing wounds on the feet. This is especially important if you have diabetes, as diabetic foot wounds are common and can lead to serious complications when left untreated. To learn more about proper wound care, 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. 

Why Is Wound Care Important for Diabetics?

While wound care is important for maintaining the health of your feet, it is especially important for people with diabetes. This is because diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation, causing foot wounds to heal very slowly or not to heal at all. Diabetics also frequently suffer from neuropathy or nerve loss. This means no matter how big or little the wound, they might not feel it on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. This is why it is imperative that diabetics complete daily foot checks.

Wound Care Basics

The best way to care for wounds is to prevent them in the first place. It is recommended that people with diabetes perform a daily examination of their feet to locate cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds. Early detection allows for ample time to treat the wounds and prevent further complications. If you notice a wound at home, you can clean it using water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover the wound with a clean bandage. Seeing a chiropodist, who can examine your feet thoroughly and treat any existing wounds, can also help you maintain proper foot health. 

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

As people age, a natural decline in muscle strength and coordination can increase the risk of falling. Incorporating balance exercises into a daily routine may help reduce this risk by improving posture, stability, and lower body strength. Activities such as standing on one leg, shifting weight from side to side, or walking heel-to-toe can help improve control and build confidence. Even small changes, like focusing on a fixed point during an exercise or evenly distributing body weight between both feet, may enhance steadiness. Exercises that activate the calves, hips, core, and quadriceps can also support stronger, more controlled movement patterns. Foot stability plays a key role in balance, and weakness in the feet or ankles can increase fall risk. A chiropodist can assess foot function, recommend supportive footwear, and provide advice on how to protect foot and ankle health. If you have balance or other foot issues and are at risk of falling, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for help.

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 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. 

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 Scarborough, ON . 

Foot pain can have many causes, ranging from minor strains to chronic conditions that affect how you move and live. Common sources include plantar fasciitis, bunions, arthritis, tendon problems, nerve irritation, and poor foot structure. Footwear that lacks support or fits poorly often makes things worse. Pain may be sharp, dull, burning, or aching and can affect any part of the foot, from the heel to the toes. Managing foot pain starts with identifying the cause. Rest, stretching, and proper shoes often provide relief for mild cases. Custom orthotics, targeted exercises, or certain medications may be needed for ongoing pain. In some cases, imaging or further tests help guide treatment. Ignoring foot pain can lead to larger issues with walking or balance. If you are living with foot pain that does not improve, it is suggested you see a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have foot pain, 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. 

When you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis. 

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:

• Stress fractures
• Sinus tarsi syndrome
• Extensor tendonitis
• Tibialis anterior tendonitis
• Gout
• Athlete’s foot
• Ganglion cysts

Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Foot cramps
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fibromatosis
• Posterior tibial tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Flat feet

Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:

• Ankle sprain
• Cuboid syndrome
• Peroneal tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Bunions
• Corns or calluses
• Posterior tibial tendonitis

Heel pain may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Bone spurs
• Heel fractures
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis
• Sever’s disease 

Pain in the toes may be caused by:

• Gout
• Hammertoe
• Turf toe
• Bunions
• Ingrown toenails
• Blisters
• Arthritis

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