Items filtered by date: November 2024

Falls are a frequent and dangerous risk for seniors, often linked to foot health and mobility factors. Conditions like diabetes, foot pain, arthritis, and balance challenges can affect a person’s stability, raising the chance of falls. With age, loss of muscle strength and decreased flexibility in the feet can affect balance, while issues such as bunions, hammertoes, and arthritis may lead to discomfort and an unsteady gait. Additionally, wearing improper footwear, including high heels or backless shoes, can increase the risk of falling by failing to provide adequate foot support. A podiatrist can be instrumental in addressing these issues by assessing foot health, prescribing custom orthotics or walking aids, and recommending suitable footwear to improve stability. Regular foot exams allow for the detection of early changes that may affect balance, making it possible to implement interventions that reduce fall risk. If you are a senior at risk of falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and suggested treatment.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Nerve pain in the feet often leads to burning sensations, tingling, numbness, and weakness, which may worsen at night. It usually originates from issues that affect the nerves in the spine or along their course down the leg. For example, a herniated disc or spinal stenosis can compress nerves in the lower back, leading to radiating pain from the back or leg into the feet. Peripheral neuropathy, which involves nerve damage in the extremities, can be caused by diabetes, injuries, or prolonged alcohol consumption. In these cases, people may experience altered sensations, sharp pains, or foot drop, which affect mobility. A podiatrist can assess and identify the underlying cause of nerve pain in the feet by conducting a variety of diagnostic tests. This foot doctor can also provide treatment options specifically designed to relieve discomfort and restore foot function. If you are experiencing symptoms of nerve pain in the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Everyday foot care is important for the overall health and comfort of everyone, not just women. One of the most important aspects of foot care is wearing shoes that offer proper support and fit well to prevent pain and injuries. Avoid sharing shoes with others, as this can lead to fungal infections or other foot problems. Maintaining good hygiene is also essential and includes using new pedicure utensils to prevent the spread of bacteria and ensure a clean grooming process. Additionally, using a tennis ball to massage the ball of your foot can relieve tension and improve circulation. This simple technique can enhance flexibility and alleviate discomfort after a long day. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you relief tips, and guide you on additional everyday foot care routines.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.