Many people across the country suffer from some kind of heel pain. Commonly, you might experience heel pain because of a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Although there are a multitude of different reasons why you might be experiencing heel pain, performing certain exercises might help alleviate the pain felt. One of the most common exercises is to stretch out your plantar fascia. This can be done from a seated position. Simply put one foot at a time on top of a cold water bottle and slowly roll the foot back and forth over the bottle, being careful and while gently rolling. This exercise can be performed for about one minute on one foot before alternating to the other foot. Additionally, you might try stretching your calves. This can be done by facing a wall and placing the palms of both your hands against the wall. Put one foot in front of you and another behind you. Slowly and repeatedly bend the knee of the leg in front of you as you lean forward with each bend. These are just some of the many different exercises that you might perform to alleviate heel pain. For more information, be sure to contact a chiropodist who can help.

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

If you are a senior citizen, then you are at an increased risk of suffering a potentially dangerous fall. Falls can detrimentally affect the health of older individuals and lead to subsequent falls. However, there are a number of steps that seniors can take to prevent such dangerous episodes. Many of these steps involve the feet. For example, to prevent yourself from falling, you might be cognizant of the kinds of footwear that you are wearing. Generally speaking, high heels can make falling more likely. Instead, seniors might opt for footwear that has lower heels. You could even try shoes with non-slip soles. Shoes that have wider heels are also another good option for increasing stability and balance in the feet. Besides being intentional about the kinds of shoes that you wear, seniors can also prevent falls by engaging in regular exercise. This should be done to keep the feet strong and agile, so that they do not grow weak or unhealthy. For more tips on preventing falls in senior citizens, visit a chiropodist who can help.

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.

The body’s circulation system sends blood, oxygen, and nutrients through the body. When blood flow to a specific body part is reduced, it is called poor circulation. This can happen with the feet. Poor circulation is not the condition itself, but what results from poor circulation that causes other health problems. Underlying conditions that can result in poor circulation to the feet include obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, and arterial disease. When one has poor blood circulation in the feet they might experience tingling, numbness, a throbbing or stinging pain, muscle cramps, nerve damage, and ultimately tissue damage. People with diabetes can have difficulty detecting signs of poor blood circulation because diabetic neuropathy might set in and cause reduced sensation to the extremities. Since poor blood circulation is a symptom of numerous conditions, diagnosing the underlying cause is important. If you have diabetes or experience the other symptoms of poor blood circulation, visit a chiropodist for help in determining what the problem is and how to best treat it.

When blood flow to a specific part of the body is reduced, you may experience symptoms of poor circulation. Poor circulation is most common in your extremities, like your legs and feet. 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. 

Causes

Poor circulation isn’t a condition in itself. Instead, it results from other health issues. Therefore, it’s important to treat the underlying causes:

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Diabetes
• Blood clots
• Varicose veins
• Obesity
• Raynaud’s disease 

Symptoms

Symptoms of poor circulation may include: 

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will perform a physical exam to detect pain and swelling, as well as an antibodies blood test to detect inflammatory conditions, such as Raynaud’s disease. It’s important to disclose any known family history of poor circulation and any related diseases. A blood sugar test, blood pressure test, ultrasound, or CT scan may also be performed.

Treatment

Treatments for poor circulation depend on what is causing it. Compression socks may be used to reduce pain and swelling. An exercise program may be recommended to improve circulation. Various medications may be prescribed to manage underlying conditions that may contribute to poor circulation.  

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.