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Falling May Affect the Feet

Many people have a difficult time recovering from falls that have occurred. Their feet may have become affected, and it may be overwhelming to complete daily activities. There are specific methods that can be implemented that may help to reduce the risk of falling. These can include removing worn rugs from the living environment, installing grab bars in the shower and toilet areas, and it may help to improve existing lighting. Additionally, it is beneficial to have current medication checked by having routine physical and eye examinations performed. Many patients find they may fall less often when the proper shoes are worn. If you would like more information about how possible foot conditions may be avoided by using fall prevention techniques, please confer with a podiatrist.

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 our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors 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 East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Seeing a Podiatrist for Heel Pain

Heel pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit a podiatrist. Common causes of heel pain include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, bursitis, heel spurs, or a stress fracture. While all of these injuries are different, there are a few signs to look for to determine whether or not consulting with a podiatrist is necessary. Immediate treatment will be needed if there is severe pain or swelling, loss of mobility in the foot, inability to bear weight, or redness. Other symptoms that will require care from a podiatrist include pain that lasts more than two weeks, pain that is getting worse, and heel pain that persists even when you are not walking or standing. If you have any of the above heel pain symptoms, it is suggested that you make an appointment with podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact our podiatrists of CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

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Why Some Foot Wounds Do Not Heal

When a cut or sore on the foot lingers without getting better, it may be a sign of an underlying issue. Poor circulation can limit blood flow, slowing down the delivery of oxygen and nutrients needed for repair. Diabetes is another common factor, as high blood sugar often interferes with healing and raises the risk of infection. Sometimes, wounds fail to improve because of constant pressure or rubbing from footwear, which keeps reopening the skin. Nerve damage may also play a role, as people may not feel the injury worsening. In addition, not caring for the wound properly at the start, such as failing to clean it, cover it, or watch for signs of infection, can make recovery much harder. Delaying care for a non-healing wound can lead to serious complications. If you have a foot wound that is not improving, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

A Permanent Solution for Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail can cause repeated discomfort, swelling, and even infection if it continues to grow improperly into the surrounding skin. While temporary relief may be found with soaks or trimming, these methods rarely provide lasting results. For individuals dealing with persistent pain, a more definitive treatment is available. A podiatrist can perform a minor procedure that removes the part of the nail responsible for the problem. In many cases, the nail root is treated so the edge will not grow back. This approach prevents the cycle of recurring irritation and allows the surrounding skin to heal completely. The procedure is usually quick, performed in the office, and recovery is often easier than expected. If you are struggling with repeated ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to discuss a permanent solution.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact our podiatrists of CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

  • Improper toenail trimming
  • Genetics
  • Improper shoe fitting
  • Injury from pedicures or nail picking
  • Abnormal gait
  • Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

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