Falling is a common event that occurs when balance is lost and the body cannot recover stability. It can happen during walking, standing, or sudden movement. Falls are a leading cause of foot and ankle injuries and can affect people of all ages, especially older adults. Common causes include poor balance, weak muscles, and slippery surfaces. Uneven ground, vision changes, and improper footwear can also increase the risk. Environmental hazards such as clutter or loose rugs further contribute to accidental falls. Symptoms after a fall may include pain, swelling, bruising, or difficulty walking. Some individuals may also feel unsteady or fearful of moving again. These signs should be taken seriously to prevent further injury. Besides aging, risk factors include reduced strength, limited flexibility, and previous falls. Improving balance and muscle strength can lower risk and support stability. If you have fallen and have incurred a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist to explore effective relief and treatment solutions.

Falls are a common but preventable problem for older adults. If you would like to learn more about preventing falls, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist 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 Toronto, ON . 

Proper foot care in seniors becomes important because healthy feet support balance, comfort, and mobility. Changes in circulation, skin, and nails can increase the risk of discomfort and falls. Chronic health conditions, like diabetes, also raise the chance of serious foot problems that require regular attention. A chiropodist examines the feet for skin changes, nail concerns, pressure areas, and early signs of injury. Treatment includes nail care, callus reduction, and custom orthotics that improve foot support and walking comfort. A chiropodist also recommends shoes that provide proper support and fit correctly. This helps lower pressure and improves stability, reducing the chances of falling. Regular foot assessments help identify concerns before they become more serious and support safer movement throughout daily activities. Care also helps protect foot health when reaching, or seeing the feet can become more difficult. If you are elderly and have developed foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist 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 Toronto, ON . 

Extra body weight places greater stress on the feet. This can lead to pain, reduced comfort, and changes in the way people walk. Research shows that carrying extra body fat is linked to heel pain, flatter arches, and higher pressure on the bottom of the feet. It can also reduce foot movement while walking. These changes can make daily activities more difficult and increase strain on muscles, joints, and other soft tissues. A chiropodist can assess how your feet function, identify areas of excess pressure, and offer treatment options. Included are custom foot orthotics, padding, or footwear recommendations that improve support and reduce discomfort. Regular chiropody care also helps manage painful skin and nail conditions that become harder to treat when foot pain limits mobility. Early assessment can improve comfort, protect foot health, and support better movement throughout the day. If you have foot pain that may be related to carrying extra weight, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for relief and treatment options.

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 Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist 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 Toronto, ON . 

Athlete's foot is a fungal skin infection that usually develops between the toes. It can also spread to the soles or sides of the feet. Symptoms include itching, redness, flaky skin, and painful cracks. Other signs include a burning feeling or peeling skin that becomes uncomfortable when walking. Warm, damp conditions allow the athlete’s foot fungus to grow more easily. Spending time in public pools, locker rooms, or communal showers can increase the risk of infection. A chiropodist can examine the affected skin, confirm the diagnosis, and rule out other conditions that look similar. Treatment also includes advice on reducing moisture around the feet and lowering the chance of the infection returning. Early care helps prevent the fungus from spreading to the toenails or nearby skin. If you have symptoms of an athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating this condition, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Athlete’s Foot? 

Athlete’s foot refers to an infection of the skin on the feet that is caused by a fungus. This fungus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments. It is often spread in common areas such as public pools, locker rooms, and showers. It can also spread when sharing personal items, like shoes or towels, with an infected person. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of athlete’s foot may include: 

• Itching, stinging, or burning of the skin on the feet
• Cracking or peeling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles of the feet
• Scaly, red rash on the foot
• Blisters
• Foul odor

Treatment

Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves using over-the-counter topical antifungal medications on the feet. When over-the-counter options are ineffective, you may need to take prescription oral medications or topical antifungal drugs, or a combination of both. 

Prevention

Preventing athlete’s foot places an emphasis on good foot hygiene practices. 

You can prevent athlete’s foot by:

• Washing and drying your feet thoroughly every day
• Wearing shoes when walking in public areas
• Not sharing personal items, like shoes or socks, with others
• Wearing shoes and socks made out of breathable materials

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON .