Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Though diabetes begins with the pancreas not producing enough insulin, thus raising your blood sugar levels, it is a systemic condition that can affect every part of your body. The feet are no exception, and a variety of lower limb problems are very common among people with diabetes.
One of the primary foot-related concerns for patients with diabetes is diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). These are poorly healing open wounds on the feet that are at high risk of becoming infected due to a weakened immune system, another common complication of diabetes. Nerve damage in the feet caused by high blood sugar levels interferes with pain signaling between the peripheral nerves in the feet and the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). When this signaling is disrupted, it can be difficult to detect foot injuries, such as cuts and scrapes, when they occur. These injuries are then left unnoticed and untreated until they have significantly worsened. Poor circulation, another complication of diabetes, means that not enough nutrients reach the feet. Without them, the wounds on the feet heal slowly and poorly, or not at all. These wounds can then become infected, leading to tissue death.
The best way to prevent DFUs and their consequences is to carefully monitor the health of your feet through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you see your feet fully, look for any cuts, scrapes, sores, bruising, swelling, discoloration, rashes, hair loss, deformities, or nail changes. Take note of any foul odors, pain, warmth, and strange sensations such as numbness, tingling, burning, or pins and needles. If you notice a problem, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. Early treatment is key to avoiding potential complications.
DFUs are not the only foot problem diabetics are more likely to encounter. Diabetes can also increase your risk of corns and calluses, cracked skin, bunions, hammertoes, Charcot foot, nail disorders, and various infections. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a doctor who can help you monitor your foot health, treat any existing conditions, and prevent future ones.
A troublesome side effect of diabetes is the inability of foot wounds to heal quickly, largely the result of a decrease in blood flow to the extremities. In addition, nerve damage that causes numbness can set in, making it difficult for a diabetic to feel when there are minor sores, cuts, or cracks on the skin of the feet. This opens the door to infections, which if ignored can cause even more serious problems. For that reason, it is important that diabetics be vigilant and seek immediate care from a chiropodist as soon as a foot infection becomes noticeable. The chiropodist will likely examine, clean, and measure the wound. Measuring the size and depth of the wound sets a baseline for comparison at the next visit to determine the amount of healing that has taken place. A list of instructions for home foot care may be provided. For instance, it may be necessary to keep the foot elevated to reduce swelling. Wearing a protective foot covering, such as a cast or special shoe, may be recommended. If the wounded area worsens, please contact your chiropodist immediately.
Diabetes can cause serious problems in the lower limbs if proper preventive measures are not taken and diabetic wound care is not performed. If you would like to learn more about caring for diabetic feet, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
Diabetes can lead to a host of foot and ankle complications, including:
Poor circulation
Peripheral neuropathy
Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers
Infection
Corns and calluses
Dry, cracked skin
Nail disorders
Hammertoes
Bunions
Charcot foot
If you have diabetes, you must be vigilant of any changes in your foot health. This is best done through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you if necessary, look for any:
Cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds
Bruising or discoloration
Swelling
Rash
Foul odor
Nail changes
Hair loss
Warmth and inflammation
Deformities
Lower limb pain
Strange sensations (numbness, tingling, burning, pins, and needles)
If you detect anything unusual, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. 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.
Falls are a leading cause of serious injury among the elderly. In fact, falls are the cause of the majority of hospitalizations for elderly people. As we age, our risk of falling increases due to deterioration in physical strength, coordination, vision, and hearing. Unsafe conditions in the home are often responsible for falls, and about half of all falls among the elderly occur in the home environment. Falling can cause a variety of complications, including injuries to the legs and feet, which can greatly impact one’s mobility and independence.
Fortunately, falls can often be prevented. There are various preventive measures that you can take to make your home environment safer and less likely to contribute to a fall. In the bathroom, where wet and slippery conditions can lead to falling, it is recommended that you have non-slip surfaces in the shower and tub, install grab bars by the toilet and bath to help you sit and stand, and wipe up any moisture or spills as soon as they occur. In the living room and bedroom, it is important to make sure that the floor is free of clutter and obstacles, such as loose cords and wires, small furniture items, and other tripping hazards. Ensure that all rugs and mats are firmly anchored and that there is good lighting throughout the home. In the kitchen, it is suggested that you store appliances and other supplies in places that are easy to reach and that you wipe up any spills that may occur immediately. If your home has stairs, they should be well lit and have secure handrails.
You can also prevent falls by modifying your own behavior. When moving around the home, walk slowly and carefully, turn on lights when walking through your home at night, and use any mobility aids, such as a cane or walker, when needed. Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet to maintain your overall health. Speak regularly with your doctor to monitor your medications, especially if you are taking any medications that may increase your risk of falling due to side effects such as dizziness. For more tips on how to prevent falls, please consult with a chiropodist.
About one in three older adults sustain a fall at least once a year. Experts have identified several ways senior adults can help to prevent a fall. As most falls occur in the bedroom and bathroom, taking safety precautions in these locations is especially important. Similar measures should be taken to safety-proof the entire house. First, wear shoes and slippers with non-skid soles and remove loose rugs or carpeting. Install grab bars in the tub and shower. Use a walker or other assistive device if poor balance is an issue. Install adequate lighting in darkened areas and keep hallways clear of long cords and clutter. Always keep a phone within reach, especially at night. Check medications for side effects such as dizziness. Have your vision checked regularly and wear corrective lenses if needed. Please visit a chiropodist for further information regarding falls prevention and to have your feet inspected for any problems that may increase your risk of falling.
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 chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. 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.
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a foot condition that occurs in children. Sever’s disease is not truly a disease, but rather an overuse injury. It is common among active children between the ages of 8 and 14. Young, growing children have a growth plate in their heels, where new bone is forming. When too much stress is put on the heel, the growth plate can become inflamed, leading to heel pain.
Children who participate in activities that put repetitive stress on the heel bone are most at risk of developing Sever’s disease. These activities include playing soccer or basketball, running track, or any other sport or activity that involves running, jogging, or jumping. Children who are obese, have tight Achilles tendons, biomechanical problems, flat feet, or fallen arches are also at risk.
The symptoms of Sever’s disease include pain in the back or bottom of the heel, pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed, and fatigue. The pain may lead to difficulties walking or bearing weight on the affected foot, and you may notice your child limping or walking on their toes to avoid putting pressure on the heel. A chiropodist can diagnose Sever’s disease by taking a medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging studies such as X-rays may also be ordered.
Sever’s disease is generally treated by resting the affected foot, wearing shoes or orthotics that support the heel, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation. In severe cases of heel pain, the affected foot may need to be immobilized with a cast while it heals. If your child is complaining of heel pain, please consult with a chiropodist.
There is a foot condition known as Sever’s Disease that affects children and young teenagers. Frequently children who participate in sporting activities experience this condition and it can cause intense heel pain. The medical term for Sever’s disease is calcaneal apophysitis and this name is derived after James Warren Sever, who detected this condition back in 1912. Sever’s disease can occur as a result of extreme force being placed on the growth plate of the heel. The heel bone in children and young teenagers may grow at a faster pace than the surrounding tissues and tendons, which may lead to overstretching. This can cause the heel to have a reduced range of motion and added pressure is placed on the heel plate. Healing can start with temporarily stopping the activity that caused the pain and it may be beneficial to elevate the affected foot as often as possible. If your child has heel pain, please consult with a chiropodist who can effectively diagnose and treat the problem.
Sever’s disease typically affects young children and teenagers. If your child complains of foot pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It is typically caused by overuse due to repetitive activities such as running, jumping, and playing certain sports. This condition most frequently affects children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Sever’s disease include:
Pain in the back or bottom of the heel
Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed
Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the heel
Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in usual activities
Fatigue
Diagnosis
Sever’s disease is diagnosed by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, can help rule out other injuries like a fracture.
Treatment
Sever’s disease typically heals without any long-term complications. Treatment involves resting the affected foot by reducing typical activities, wearing orthotics to support the foot, immobilizing the affected foot, taking medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and stretching the foot.
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 ankle is the region that joins the foot and leg. It consists of three joints that allow the foot to move. Pain in the ankle is typically the result of injury or inflammation from a wide variety of conditions, such as strains, sprains, fractures, or arthritis. Symptoms that often co-occur with ankle pain include swelling, bruising, numbness, tingling, stiffness, joint instability, and difficulty walking.
The underlying cause of your ankle pain can be diagnosed by a chiropodist. A diagnostic visit to this specialist typically involves providing a medical history, describing your ankle pain, and undergoing a physical examination. In some cases, the chiropodist may order imaging studies, such as an X-ray or ultrasound, to rule out or confirm a diagnosis.
The right treatment for your ankle pain will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. In many cases, your chiropodist may recommend that you follow the R.I.C.E. acronym: resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected ankle. Taking these actions generally decreases swelling and inflammation, reduces pain, and promotes healing. Taking over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also help with pain management. The chiropodist may also prescribe custom orthotics, immobilize the affected ankle, or recommend activity and footwear modifications. In cases of more severe injuries, surgical treatment may be necessary.
If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is recommended that you seek the care of a chiropodist.
Patients who experience ankle pain often have difficulty in completing daily activities. There are various reasons why ankle pain can occur, including an injury, stepping off of a curb unexpectedly, or possibly from muscle weakness. There are noticeable symptoms that often accompany ankle pain. These consist of difficulty in putting weight on the affected foot, swollen calves, and pain that may gradually become worse. Ankle pain may be a result of an ankle sprain or a broken foot, and immediate medical attention is often sought for relief. Many patients use an elastic bandage that can help to stabilize the ankle until a chiropodist is contacted. It is beneficial to refrain from bearing any weight on the ankle, and crutches are often used for mobility. There may be specific stretches that can be performed, and this may depend on the reason for the ankle pain. If you have this type of pain, please consult with a chiropodist who can effectively determine the cause and offer correct treatment options.
Ankle pain is a common symptom of many lower limb problems. If you are experiencing ankle pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
The ankle is composed of a number of muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. There are many conditions which may cause ankle pain.
Causes
Ankle strains or sprains
Achilles tendon injuries
Fractures
Bursitis
Arthritis
Gout
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Symptoms
If you have ankle pain, you may also experience a variety of other symptoms depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Some of these symptoms may include ankle swelling, bruising, redness, numbness or tingling, instability, and difficulty walking.
Diagnosis
The underlying cause of ankle pain can be diagnosed by a chiropodist. Diagnoses are typically made based on your medical history, a physical examination of the affected ankle, and imaging studies such as X-rays.
Treatment
Treatment for your ankle pain will depend on its underlying cause. Often, the chiropodist will recommend that you rest the affected ankle. You might also need to ice, compress, and elevate the ankle, wear an orthotic device, or take medications to reduce pain and inflammation.
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.
