Causes of Falls in Seniors at Home

Falls among seniors can lead to serious injuries that affect their independence and quality of life. Among the factors contribute to falls are poor balance, diabetes, arthritis, thyroid disorders, and loss of muscle mass. These conditions can weaken the legs and feet, making it difficult to stay steady while walking or standing. Improving muscle strength through gentle exercise, wearing supportive footwear, and keeping the home clutter-free can help reduce the risk of falling. A chiropodist can treat various foot and ankle conditions, assess foot health, recommend custom orthotics, and provide advice to improve stability and mobility. If you or a loved one have fallen and are struggling with balance or foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can offer you treatment and guide you on effective falls prevention tips.

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.

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Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Causes of a Lump on the Side of the Foot

A lump on the side of the foot can be caused by several conditions that require attention. Bursitis develops when fluid filled sacs that cushion the joints become inflamed, often leading to swelling and tenderness. Cysts may also appear as soft or firm lumps that can cause discomfort in shoes. Sprains or repetitive stress injuries may create localized swelling that feels like a lump. A chiropodist can assess the cause through examination and imaging, provide relief with custom footwear or orthotics, and recommend treatment to reduce pain and prevent recurrence. If you notice a lump on your foot, it is suggested that you promptly consult a chiropodist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment solutions.

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your 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. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes
  • Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet
  • Arthritis
  • Flat feet
  • Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

  • Heel pain
  • Arch pain
  • Toe pain
  • Ball of foot pain
  • Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality
  • Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

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.

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Understanding Sever’s Disease in Growing Children

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in children and adolescents, especially those who are active in sports or activities that involve running and jumping. The condition develops when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes irritated from repeated stress during periods of rapid growth. Symptoms may include heel tenderness, swelling, limping, or pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Supportive footwear, heel cushions, stretching of the calves, and activity modification often help ease discomfort. Fortunately, Sever’s disease is temporary and typically resolves once the heel bone has finished developing. Early care is important to keep children active and prevent ongoing discomfort. If your child is experiencing persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and management.

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.

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Lateral Foot Pain and Cuboid Syndrome

Lateral foot pain is discomfort felt along the outer side of the foot, often linked to cuboid syndrome. This condition occurs when the cuboid bone becomes partially dislocated or restricted, leading to aching, sharp pain, or difficulty bearing weight. Symptoms may include tenderness, swelling, stiffness, and pain during walking, running, or standing on tiptoe. Causes often involve repetitive stress, ankle sprains, wearing poor footwear, or sudden twisting motions. If left untreated, cuboid syndrome can limit mobility and lead to chronic discomfort. A chiropodist can diagnose the condition, realign the cuboid bone, recommend custom orthotics, and provide rehabilitation strategies. If you are experiencing persistent lateral foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for expert care.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joint and ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone in the foot become injured. If you think that you may have cuboid syndrome, 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

The cuboid bone is one of the seven tarsal bones located in the foot. Cuboid syndrome develops when the cuboid bone moves down and out of alignment with the other bone (calcaneus bone) in the joint of the foot. Cuboid syndrome can be the result of a sudden injury like an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly over time from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures. 

Symptoms

The most common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain on the outside of the foot which may worsen with activity. 

Other possible symptoms include: 

  • Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot
  • Swelling
  • Sensitivity on the bottom of the foot
  • Reduced range of motion  

Diagnosis

A chiropodist can diagnose cuboid syndrome based on your medical history and a physical examination of the foot. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, often fail to show the dislocated cuboid. 

Treatment

Treatment often includes resting, icing, compressing and elevating the affected foot, taping, wearing orthotic inserts, and taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain. The chiropodist may also be able to manipulate the dislocated bone back into alignment.

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.

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