Extra body weight can put unsafe pressure on your feet and ankles, which puts you at risk for a number of ailments that can be prevented, or at least, less likely. Further, obesity, defined as a Body Mass Index of 30 or more, can also cause problems with the legs, hips, and back. Extra weight can alter your gait, posture, and how you move. It increases the risk of breaking an ankle and improves the likelihood of a serious knee injury. Obesity is often associated with diabetes and heart problems. These, in turn, can affect the feet through neuropathy and peripheral artery disease. A few tips for improving the health of your feet are recommended by medical experts. Check your feet daily for cuts, sores and bruising, watching out for those that are healing too slowly. Wear padded socks, and avoid walking barefoot. Wear shoes with non-slip soles at home, and consider custom orthotics to correct gait and posture concerns.  Change dietary habits to eat healthier foods. Add some form of exercise to your weekly schedule, but connect with a professional before undertaking any strenuous program. For further information about obesity and the health of your feet, please consult a chiropodist.    

Being obese affects every part of your body, and your feet are no exception. Because they bear the full weight of your body as you go about your daily life, your feet are under a lot of pressure. Carrying excess weight can strain the feet and cause a variety of unpleasant side effects. If you are obese and concerned about your foot health, 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. 

Obesity can:

• Cause foot pain
• Increase the risk of foot and ankle injuries
• Reduce mobility
• Make the feet wider
• Flatten the arch
• Make gout more likely
• Make arthritis more likely
• Increase the risk of diabetes

Your chiropodist may suggest lifestyle changes to address foot and ankle problems that are caused by or affected by obesity. These may include changes to your diet, exercise, and footwear, as well as wearing orthotics. The treatments for specific injuries or health problems will vary depending on what they are, but weight loss is often suggested to decrease strain on the feet. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Niagara Falls, ON . 

Children are energetic and in constant movement. Heel pain in kids can result from over-activity, as well as participation in regular sports activities. Such pain often starts with tenderness in the back of the heel and may cause some discomfort when walking. The pain may become severe and interfere with daily functioning. Common causes of heel pain in children include calcaneal apophysitis, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and fractures. These are conditions that develop from overuse of the ankles. Calcaneal apophysitis, or Sever’s disease, is characterized by pain in the child’s heel growth plate. It happens in kids as young as six up to 15 years of age. With this condition, pain is caused by the pull of the Achilles tendon during sports and running activities. Plantar fasciitis develops from repeated stress and excessive use of the plantar fascia, the thick band of connective tissue along the arch of the heel. With this, one feels stiffness and pain after prolonged non-use, difficulty walking, and tenderness near the arch of the foot. Achilles tendonitis impacts the Achilles tendon, the strongest tendon in the body. It attaches to the two muscles of the calf to the heel bone and assists in pushing the foot forward while walking or running. Fractures can also lead to heel pain, especially among children who participate in high-impact sports. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, severe pain, and an inability to bear weight. If the child starts limping or walking on their toes, the problem deserves more attention, for if left untreated, these conditions can lead to lifelong problems, like arthritis. If your child suffers from heel pain that does not resolve in a timely manner, see a chiropodist for proper diagnosis and treatment options so that your child can experience relief as soon as possible.

Heel pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you suffer from heel pain, 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. 

When it comes to heel pain, the exact location and type of pain are important to note. Some of the conditions that may cause heel pain include: 

• Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot; it causes a stabbing pain under the heel that is at its worst when taking your first few steps after a long rest and while standing on your tiptoes or climbing stairs
• Achilles tendonitis - An inflammation of the tendon in the back of the calf; it causes pain in the back of the heel that is at its worst after resting, as well as ankle and calf stiffness, swelling, and tenderness
• Bone spurs - Bony lumps on the back of the heel bones that cause sharp pain upon first standing up; the pain becomes dull and achy over time
• Heel fractures - A break or crack in the heel bone that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis - Swelling of the small, fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone; it causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the back of the heel
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Compression of the posterior tibial nerve which causes a pins and needles sensation in the heel, foot, and calf 

Your chiropodist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and prescribe the right treatments for you. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Niagara Falls, ON . 

The feet are considered to be the foundation of the body, and they may need extra care and pampering as the aging process occurs. Many people spend years working on their feet, and this often involves standing or walking for the majority of the day. The importance of wearing shoes that fit correctly is crucial in maintaining good foot health. Additionally, the feet need basic care including trimming the toenails properly, and removing dry skin on a regular basis. This can be done by using a good moisturizer, and it may help to get regular foot massages. There are some seniors that find using a mirror is helpful in looking for cuts, bruises, and scrapes on the bottom of their feet. Circulation issues may be helped by soaking the feet in warm water, and this can be beneficial in relieving aches from tired feet. Diabetic patients are generally unable to feel any cuts on their feet, and a family member or caregiver may be able to provide help that is needed for a thorough visual check up. If you would like more information about how to care for elderly feet, please consult with a chiropodist who can answer any questions you may have.

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 one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists 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 Niagara Falls, ON .