Items filtered by date: December 2022

Many elderly people know the importance of maintaining physical mobility, knowing it can affect their ability to walk and complete daily activities. Falling can be common among seniors, possibly resulting in a broken toe or foot, which may happen from a loss of balance and strength. It can also invoke fear of falling, and moving around may be put on the back burner. This can negatively affect social life, in addition to losing the satisfaction of accomplishing a physical task. There are fall prevention methods that can be implemented which can raise confidence levels, and reduce the fear of falling. These can include frequently engaging in a gentle exercise routine that can increase balance and strengthen the body. Many patients find it helps to improve lighting in the household, and installing grab bars can help to find stability that is needed in the shower and toilet areas. Additionally, it is beneficial to have regular physical and eye examinations, which can help to monitor existing medication and eyeglasses. Falling can affect the feet, and it is advised that you speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward fall prevention techniques.

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 Eugene Little, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. 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 Sidney, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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If an ankle fracture is mistaken for an ankle sprain, it can have serious consequences on proper healing. An ankle fracture is when there is a crack or break in the bones that form the ankle joint. A sprain involves ligaments that hold the ankle bones together rather than harm the bones themselves. Both injuries can result from the ankle moving beyond its normal range of motion. However, a fracture requires more intense treatment than a sprain. Prolonged pain and bruising of the ankle are good indicators that the ankle may be broken. If you have injured your ankle and are unsure if it is broken or sprained, see a podiatrist who can properly differentiate these conditions and provide the best treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Eugene Little, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  •  Swelling around the area
  •  Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

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The majority of plantar fasciitis symptoms will worsen without medical treatment. This condition is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, and it is considered to be one of the most common causes of heel pain. This is the portion of tissue that is located on the sole of the foot and connects the heels to the toes. The plantar fascia is responsible for shock absorption in addition to supporting the arch and the bottom of the foot. This condition can happen when the plantar fascia is stretched beyond its normal range, and it can happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, it is common among people who frequently run long distances, run on uneven surfaces, or stand for the majority of the day. The symptoms that many people experience with this condition can include severe pain and tenderness, swelling, and it can be difficult to walk. This may be worse in the morning upon arising, or after sitting for long periods of time. Plantar fasciitis generally gets worse before medical attention is sought. If you are afflicted with this condition, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Eugene Little, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

 

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If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Tuesday, 06 December 2022 00:00

Mosaic-Type Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are significantly different from other types of regular warts. Plantar warts specifically appear as though they are growing into the skin, rather than simply growing on the skin. There are two different types of plantar warts to be aware of, mosaic-type plantar warts and myrmecial-type plantar warts. The former kind is particularly interesting. Mosaic-type plantar warts derive their name from the fact that the warts appear in groups and clusters on the feet. Unlike myrmecial-type plantar warts, this kind of plantar wart is less deep in the skin and is also smaller. Nevertheless, having plantar warts is not something to necessarily take lightly. If you think that you have plantar warts, contact a podiatrist today for treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Eugene Little, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

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