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 Magdy Issa, DPM from Charlotte Family Podiatry and Wound Center. 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 Charlotte, NC. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A Lisfranc injury is a significant condition affecting the midfoot, where the tarsometatarsal joints and surrounding ligaments are damaged. This type of injury often results from a twisting motion, forceful impact, or trauma like a fall or a car accident. Common Lisfranc injury symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the foot. A podiatrist plays a key role in diagnosing the extent of the injury and creating a comprehensive treatment plan to support healing and rehabilitation. Diagnosis often involves physical examinations and X-rays or MRI scans to determine if the injury is stable or unstable. For stable injuries, non-surgical treatment methods like immobilization in a cast or boot combined with a period of non-weight bearing are commonly recommended. However, if the injury involves a displaced fracture or significant ligament tears, surgery to realign and stabilize the joints using pins, screws, or plates is likely to be needed. If you are experiencing midfoot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Magdy Issa, DPM from Charlotte Family Podiatry and Wound Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Charlotte, NC. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Foot or ankle pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life and can occur due to several different conditions. Pain can also be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition, which is why you should seek professional help as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your feet.
Nurses spend long hours on their feet, making the right footwear vital for comfort and health. Clogs and crocs are popular choices due to their easy slip-on design and excellent arch support. These styles offer cushioning and are often made from materials that provide breathability, helping to keep feet comfortable throughout the day. Tennis sneakers are also favored, as they provide stability and support for various movements required in a healthcare setting. Specialized healthcare-focused footwear is designed with features like anti-slip soles and antimicrobial properties, ensuring both safety and hygiene. Prioritizing comfort in shoe selection can help reduce fatigue, prevent foot pain, and lower the risk of injury. Foot injuries can happen from wearing the wrong shoes during the work day. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer you advice about proper workday footwear.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Magdy Issa, DPM from Charlotte Family Podiatry and Wound Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Charlotte, NC. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
