Sometimes when a senior citizen suffers a fall, it can be due to diminished strength in the feet. The fall can, in turn, further negatively affect the health of the senior’s feet. Many falls commonly take place in outdoor spaces. There are several things that a senior citizen might consider implementing to prevent falls from taking place in outdoor spaces. For example, a senior can ensure that their front steps or steps to a patio are even and not broken or loose. Additionally, a senior can be sure to turn on outdoor lighting fixtures after dark when going on the porch or patio to increase visibility. Lastly, during the winter, a senior might even consider using ice melt products in certain outdoor areas to combat slippery ice. If you are a senior citizen, or are caring for one, it is highly recommended that you reach out to a podiatrist for an appointment to learn more about fall prevention.
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 Howard Waxman, DPM from Pleasant Valley 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:
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 one of our offices located in Willoughby Hills and Broadview Heights, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
It is common for some individuals to wake up in the morning with some degree of foot pain. This can be significantly annoying for those who experience morning foot pain or soreness. There are several things that an individual might consider to address morning foot pain. For example, they might perform certain foot stretches to combat this pain. By performing certain gentle stretches in the morning, a patient may be able to potentially alleviate soreness, aches, and even moderate foot pain. These stretches can target different parts of the foot, such as the ankle, heel, arch, and toes. If you are someone that is prone to developing foot pain in the morning time, then it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to address these issues.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Howard Waxman, DPM from Pleasant Valley Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.
Great ways to stretch your feet:
Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Willoughby Hills and Broadview Heights, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Kohler’s disease is a rare bone disorder that occurs among children between the ages of 3 and 7. It is the result of stress-related compression during certain growth periods. This condition may first be recognized by pain, swelling, redness, and limping. It is five times more likely to occur in male children and usually affects only one foot. The child’s foot will be especially tender along the arch because the flow of blood to one of the foot bones, the navicular, has been blocked. The reason for this is uncertain. The child may walk on the outside of his foot to reduce the pain. A visit to a podiatrist may include an X-ray of the affected foot, which will then be compared with that of the other foot. In addition to pain relievers, a podiatrist may prescribe a weight-bearing short cast or special supportive shoes for the child. In addition, staying off the affected foot can help to speed up recovery. In most cases, a child will outgrow the disorder in a few months as the bones resume their normal growth pattern, but in some cases, it can last as long as two years. If your child is exhibiting the symptoms of Kohler’s disease, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.
Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Howard Waxman, DPM of Pleasant Valley Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Rare Foot Conditions
The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist. Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care.
There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:
Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp.
Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.
Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking.
A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Willoughby Hills and Broadview Heights, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Exercising your feet regularly can improve your foot health and prevent injuries. Walking is the best form of exercise for the feet because it puts them through a full range of motion. Walking is also one of the best forms of exercise for the entire body in that it improves cardiovascular health, helps circulation, increases muscle tone, and enhances mood. Flexibility and resistance exercises can also help keep feet healthy. Flexibility or foot stretching exercises help keep feet limber. Resistance exercises are where one strengthens the muscles of the feet by working them against some form of resistance, such as weights or exercise bands. If you would like to learn more about exercises for your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist, an expert in everything related to the feet and ankles.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Howard Waxman, DPM from Pleasant Valley Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Willoughby Hills and Broadview Heights, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.