Items filtered by date: June 2022

One of the many things that occur as people age is a loss or diminishing of balance. In seniors, this can become particularly dangerous. Bones are more brittle and serious injury is more likely after a fall, which is thought to be the leading cause of death among people 65 and older. Improved mobility, increased reaction time, better body awareness, and strengthening core muscles can help you stay on your feet. First, wear sensible shoes that offer adequate support. Next, try some simple exercises that may help you maintain or improve your balance. Hold onto a chair or counter and practice standing on one foot several times a day. For more guidance on preventing falls, please contact a chiropodist.

Falls are a major cause of injury among the elderly. To learn more about preventing falls or to get treatment following a foot or ankle injury caused by a fall, please consult with Chiropodist Stephanie Poupore from North Bay Foot & Ankle. Our clinician will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Falling is one of the leading causes of injury among the elderly. It is said that about 50% of falls that result in hospitalization occur in the home. Fortunately, there are steps that you can implement to reduce your risk of falling in the home. 

Tips to Prevent Falls at Home:

• In the bathroom - Place non-slip mats in the shower or tub, install grab bars near the toilet and bath, and wipe up any moisture or spills as soon as possible. 

• In the living rooms and bedroom - Remove loose wires, cords, or other objects that may be an obstacle to moving around safely. Make sure that you have good lighting throughout the home so that you can always see where you are going. Get rid of any rugs or mats that are not firmly anchored or that may cause you to trip. When walking around the home, move slowly. 

• In the kitchen - Store food and supplies in easily accessible areas, store heavy items in lower cupboards, and wipe up any spills immediately to prevent slipping. 

• On the stairs - Make sure that the stairs are well-lit and have secure handrails. Walk slowly when ascending or descending the stairs.  

• Outside - Keep walkways well-lit and clear of snow, ice, leaves, and man-made tripping hazards.

Maintaining your overall health, including the health of your feet, can also help to prevent falls. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and wear well-fitted, comfortable, and supportive shoes. If you have a mobility device, such as a cane, use it while walking.  

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 need to stand most of the day while you are working, there are precautions you can take to help keep your feet, ankles, and legs as healthy as possible. Wearing proper footwear is arguably one of the best ways to compensate for standing for long periods of time. When you buy shoes, have your feet measured every time to ensure a proper fit for both the size and width of your feet. Choose footwear that has great arch and sole support. A chiropodist can also fit you with a pair of custom orthotics specifically designed to cushion and support your feet while correcting any gait or posture issues. You may also want to wear compression hosiery to keep you comfortable and prevent swelling. Try changing positions while you are standing to redistribute weight and also stretch as much as you can throughout the day. Don’t skip any breaks. This time should be spent off of your feet and if possible, with your feet elevated. Stand on a rubber mat to increase the cushioning between your feet and the floor. Your chiropodist can also offer additional tips on keeping your feet healthy while working on your feet and suggest proper footwear. 

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 Chiropodist Stephanie Poupore from North Bay Foot & Ankle. Our clinician 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.

Biomechanics is the study of mechanical principles in regard to movement and structure in living organisms. It is important to understand biomechanics as it relates to feet and ankles in order to properly address conditions that affect them. Biomechanics in an individual change as they age: their range of motion decreases, muscles weaken, and tissues can stiffen. An older person will tend to put more weight on the inside of their feet when they walk which can flatten the feet and lessen the strength in which they propel themselves. All of these factors can contribute to foot pain and make us more likely to fall. By studying a person’s biomechanics, a chiropodist can help alleviate pain, correct certain gait abnormalities, and even treat certain conditions with custom orthotics and specialty footwear, and other therapies. If you have any pain or decreased mobility, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for an examination and gait analysis.

The biomechanics of your feet play an important role in your foot health. To learn more, please consult with Chiropodist Stephanie Poupore from North Bay Foot & Ankle. Our clinician can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Foot biomechanics refers to the study of the structure, function, and motion of the feet. The feet and ankles are a complex system consisting of many bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that work together to move your feet. Understanding the unique biomechanics of your own feet can help you and your chiropodist make informed decisions about your foot health care. This includes decisions about the best preventive measures to avoid foot pain, the best treatment options for various foot problems, and finding the best shoes for your feet. 

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.

Foot and ankle injuries in dancers can occur for a variety of reasons. The dancer may be attempting a movement that is beyond their level of skill, flexibility, or age. They may have a structural issue in their feet or ankles, a medical condition, or a prior injury that is limiting their ability to move in certain ways. Perhaps they are dancing on an uneven or otherwise compromised surface. They may be wearing the wrong footwear, or have failed to warm up, cool down, stretch, or hydrate sufficiently. Many other factors may contribute to a dance injury as well. An injured dancer needs to be examined by a chiropodist who will be able to diagnose their condition and treat it properly. A chiropodist is a foot specialist who can ensure that the injury is treated in the right way so the dancer can recover fully and be educated on ways to prevent future injuries.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, please consult with Chiropodist Stephanie Poupore from North Bay Foot & Ankle. Our clinician 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.