Items filtered by date: December 2022

Senior citizens can be particularly susceptible to developing health problems from tripping or falling. Often, this is related to the health of the feet because tripping may negatively impact foot health, or the fall may be caused by poor foot strength. One important aspect of preventing falls among seniors is keeping a tidy bathroom. Often, floors in bathrooms can be very slippery, either from shower water or water from the sink. This might be setting seniors up for a nasty tumble. Seniors can be diligent about keeping their bathroom floors clean and, most importantly, dry so as not to make the floor slippery. Another way to prevent trips and falls in the bathroom is to install bathroom grab bars that seniors can grab onto if they feel like they might fall. These might be especially helpful when lifting one’s body off the toilet or maneuvering in and out of the shower. If you have any more questions or concerns about preventing falls among seniors, contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Care. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Parma, Cleveland, and Westlake, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The feet and ankles are commonly affected during falls. Frequent foot injuries caused by falls can include strains, sprained ankles, fractured bones, or even torn Achilles tendons. Because pressure is still applied to the foot, even when casted, it is challenging to fully immobilize the foot and ankle, making the healing process somewhat slow. Such injuries can alter one’s enjoyment and quality of life, and lead to chronic pain. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury in a fall, contact a podiatrist who can correctly diagnose the problem and get you on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.

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 one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Care. Our practitioners 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 offices located in Parma, Cleveland, and Westlake, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people are experts in taking care of different parts of their body, but may lack the enthusiasm to properly care for their feet. This may lead to getting unwanted foot conditions, such as fungal infections, cracked skin, or corns. The feet may need to have additional pampering in the colder months, when they can become dry from the weather. There are basic methods that can be implemented, which can make the feet feel better. These can include washing them daily, followed by applying a good moisturizer. It can be helpful to exfoliate the skin on the feet on a monthly basis by using a loofah or pumice stone, in addition to soaking the feet in warm water every other week. One of the most important things that can be done for the feet is to wear shoes that are comfortable and fit well. It is suggested to limit the time wearing high heels, and this may help to prevent hammertoe and bunions from developing. If you would like more information about how to care for your feet daily, please ask a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful tips.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Care. Our practitioners 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 offices located in Parma, Cleveland, and Westlake, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A Morton’s neuroma is a noncancerous swelling along the nerve in the foot that carries sensations to the toes. It usually develops between the third and fourth toes and less often between the second and third toes. Women are more apt to suffer from this condition than men, perhaps because they are more likely to wear high-heels or narrow-toed shoes. Being overweight and standing for prolonged times also increases the risks of developing a Morton’s neuroma. While it is not known why this nerve begins to swell, once it does, the bones and ligaments nearby put pressure on the nerve, creating more irritation and inflammation. As a result, there can be burning, pain, numbness, and tingling in the toes. Some with this condition say they have a sensation of a lump or pebble in their shoe. A Morton’s neuroma does not go away but symptoms may abate. Wearing comfortable shoes, with low heels, good arch support, and plenty of space in the toe box will help reduce the risk of developing a Morton’s neuroma. If you feel you have such a problem, see a podiatrist who can confirm the diagnosis and provide treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Care. Our practitioners will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Parma, Cleveland, and Westlake, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.