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The goal of a chiropodist is to keep the feet healthy. This type of medical professional treats conditions of the feet including ailments such as bunions, hammertoe, and corns. People who decide to pursue this type of career will need to complete chiropody training. This involves completing five courses that are known as GCSE’s or General Certificate of Secondary Education, biological science, in addition to math and English courses. This is followed by receiving a diploma in foot health practice and registering with the Health and Care Professions Council also known as the HCPC. The hours may vary in a chiropodist's average day, and this may depend on where the visits take place. In private practice, the office may be open during the evening hours, which helps accommodate patients’ needs. If you would like more information about how to become a chiropodist, it is advised to confer with this type of professional who can address any questions you may have.

If you have any foot or ankle concerns, contact one of the chiropodists of The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can provide the care you need to keep you on your feet.

A chiropodist is a healthcare professional that specializes in the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. With the amount of work the feet do in a lifetime, the whole body works better if the feet are properly supported. Chiropodists must have a bachelor’s degree in science and complete a three to four-year chiropody program. They can then work independently or as part of a team. Chiropodists are like podiatrists, the only difference being the country they obtained where they obtained their degrees. The field can be called podiatry in the United States and chiropody elsewhere. A chiropodist is a popular term for this profession in the UK and Canada. Chiropodists treat a variety of foot problems from corns and calluses to fungal infections. Some also offer orthotics. They might provide a variety of foot therapies, injections, and surgical procedures. Normally one sees a chiropodist when they are experiencing pain but visiting one regularly, as one would a dentist, can help ensure the feet are in top form and help prevent future problems. If you suffer from foot or ankle pain or have questions about your lower extremities, book an appointment with a chiropodist today.

What Does a Chiropodist Do?

A chiropodist helps people with problems with their feet and ankles with the goal of making their lives more comfortable. A chiropodist takes care of blisters, corns, bunions, cracked heels, nail problems, and sprained ankles, just to mention a few things that can go wrong with our feet. A chiropodist will take your medical history and examine your feet for blood circulation and any other problems going on. They will watch you walk and how you move when you walk. They will discuss any findings they come up with and discuss a treatment plan with you.

What Does It Take to Become a Chiropodist?

Chiropodists must have seven to eight years of post-secondary school before beginning to practice. They must obtain a bachelor’s degree in science and complete a three-to-four-year chiropody program. Chiropodists work independently or as part of a team.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Niagara Falls, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Those who work in jobs that require standing for prolonged time periods are at risk for foot and leg pain. If body parts hurt from standing at your job, it is important to tend to them. Taking frequent breaks and moving around a lot can help. Elevating the feet, soaking them in an Epson salt solution, and wearing well-fitting supportive shoes also will all help take care of your feet as well as other body parts. If you work at such a job and want to understand how you can best care for your lower extremities, visit a chiropodist who can educate you on all you will want to pay attention to so that chronic pain does not develop.

If you stand all day, you may be at an increased risk of developing various foot conditions. If you are experiencing foot pain of any kind, 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 Foot Problems Are Caused by Standing?

Standing all day at work may increase your risk of developing foot or ankle problems.

Some common foot conditions that may arise from spending all day on your feet include: 

• Foot pain

• Blisters

• Corns and calluses

• Arthritis

• Flat feet

• Bunions

• Sprains 

• Athlete’s foot

Prevention

If you stand for prolonged periods of time for work, taking preventative measures to preserve the health of your feet is strongly recommended. 

Measures you can implement to help prevent foot problems include: 

• Wearing shoes that are comfortable and fit well - these shoes should be made of breathable materials and provide you with arch support and cushioning. It is best to avoid shoes that have heels or narrow toe boxes.

• Taking breaks to rest, walk, and stretch your feet throughout the day

• Maintaining good foot hygiene - wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day

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.

Practicing good routine foot care will go a long way in helping to prevent foot problems. Things to tend to in such a practice include checking the skin of the feet, wearing properly fitted shoes that are appropriate for their use, and checking balance. The feet should be washed and dried thoroughly, followed by applying a moisturizer. Check the skin for calluses, blisters, and areas of irritation. It is important to wear shoes that have enough room for the toes to move freely and that do not pinch or cause any friction. Performing balance exercises regularly can help to strengthen the feet and legs and may help in the prevention of falls too. If you have any foot pain or have questions about proper foot care, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for diagnosis and treatment options.

Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, 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. 

There are many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including: 

• Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly

• Washing the feet daily with soap and water

• Drying the feet thoroughly

• Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet

• Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly 

• Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises 

A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. 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.

Zumba can be a wildly fun way of keeping in shape, however, more and more injuries are being seen from participation in this popular dance fitness program. Such injuries include ankle sprains and fractures, knee problems, overuse injuries, and back problems. In Zumba, there are several movements that require synchronizing hips, knees, feet, and ankles so that they go in the same direction. If one moves in one direction and the joint does not want to follow, it is a set-up for injury. New Zumba participants are particularly at risk because they are often drawn to this fitness routine as a fun way to exercise, and their bodies are not prepared for the intensity. Wearing properly fitting footwear, taking classes from an experienced instructor who will mix up high intensity with low impact moves, not doing Zumba on carpet or hard tile, and not taking overly crowded classes where participants can run into each other will all help in preventing Zumba-related injuries. If you participate in Zumba and experience foot and ankle pain, please see a chiropodist for treatment options.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, 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. 

Common Injuries Among Athletes: 

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Ankle strains or sprains

• Plantar fasciitis

• Fractures

• Turf toe 

• Joint dislocations

• Sever’s disease

• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

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 practice of reflexology uses pressure points on various parts of the body. The feet have over 15,000 nerves, and this is what makes the feet ticklish and sensitive when touched. The central nervous system is connected to the brain and spinal cord, and research has shown that signals are sent to the organs. Since there are pressure points on the feet that are linked to specific organs, touching the feet may bring an overall feeling of well-being to the body. Interesting connection points include part of the ball of the foot that corresponds to the shoulder, and the digestive organs are linked to the arch in the foot. Additionally, the reproductive system may correlate to the points in the heels and ankles. There are many reasons why people prefer reflexology as a successful type of foot therapy. If you would like to learn more about how to perform this, please confer with a chiropodist who can answer any questions you may have.

If you have sore feet or are recovering from an injury, then you may need foot therapy. For more information about foot therapy, 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.

Physical therapy is often helpful for those who suffer from foot pain or injury, and may include:

• Stretching - Increases the feet’s flexibility and mobility

• Strengthening Exercises - Help muscles in the injured area build strength 

• Massage - Activates and relaxes muscles

Physical therapy can optimize healing and increase one’s chances of full recovery following an 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.

Your feet get you where you want to go every day. For that reason, it’s important as you age to remember that your feet need extra care. Here are some tips aimed at keeping you on your feet. Probably the best way to prevent falls is by wearing shoes that fit properly, provide cushioning to protect the feet and toes, and have non-skid soles. Avoid going barefoot or wearing loose or floppy slippers. Remove scatter rugs and loose wires from walking spaces. Keep hallways and stairs free from clutter and well-lighted. Install grab bars in bathtubs, showers, and other areas where a fall to a hard surface is possible. Use walking devices, such as a cane, walker, or walking stick to help keep your balance. Check medications for side effects that may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Try simple exercises to increase muscle strength and promote good balance. If you have a history of falling, please consult a chiropodist for more information.

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

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 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people are conscious of the number of steps they walk each day, and having a blister on the foot can cause pain and discomfort. They can develop for various reasons, including wearing shoes and socks that are too tight and having feet that excessively sweat. Additionally, there may be medical conditions that can cause blisters to form. These can include chickenpox, psoriasis, eczema, or bacterial infection. Having a bad sunburn can also lead to blisters forming, and it is beneficial to use sunscreen on the feet while at the beach or the pool. Some patients have blisters as a result of an allergic reaction to an insect bite or a specific chemical. It is beneficial to allow the blister to drain naturally, and this will happen when new skin has formed underneath it. Blisters on the feet can cause difficulty in completing daily activities, and it is suggested that you consult with a chiropodist who can guide you toward effective preventive methods.

Blisters can usually be treated at home, however, if you have recurring blisters or experience significant discomfort or 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 a Blister? 

A blister is a small pocket of fluid in the upper skin layers and is one of the body’s natural responses to injury or pressure. Blisters can also result from burns, fungal or viral skin infections, and the feet are particularly prone due to ill-fitting footwear and friction. Friction on the skin causes the upper layer of skin to separate from the lower layers. The space that this separation creates then becomes filled with a liquid called serum, which protects the lower layers of skin. 

Treatment 

If you notice a blister on your foot, you can cover it with a soft bandage or dressing to protect it. Popping the blister is discouraged. Doing so exposes the raw skin underneath it to bacteria and also raises the risk of infection. If a blister pops naturally, let it drain before covering it with a bandage. Blisters usually heal on their own or with home treatment, however, if your blister is recurring, very painful, or appears infected, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can help to prevent blisters by wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes. Keep your feet dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks and dust your feet with talcum powder if they tend to get sweaty. If you have areas on your feet that are more susceptible to blisters, you might be able to prevent the blister from forming by covering it with a pad. 

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.