Walking aids can help patients with foot, toe, or ankle conditions by improving stability and decreasing the risk of falling. Canes, including single-point and quad canes, provide support for those with mild to moderate balance issues or weakness. Crutches are useful for keeping weight off an injured foot or ankle, but require upper body strength. Walkers offer greater support and are beneficial for patients with significant balance concerns. Rollators, which have wheels and hand brakes, allow for easier movement while preventing a sudden loss of balance. Additionally, knee walkers help patients recovering from ankle injuries or surgery by enabling mobility without placing weight on the affected limb. Choosing the wrong walking aid, or using one that is not properly adjusted, can add to instability. A podiatrist can assess your foot and ankle condition, determine whether a walking aid is needed, and recommend the most appropriate option to improve stability and prevent falling. If you need a walking aid to help with balance issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for advice.
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 Boca Raton Podiatry . 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 Boca Raton, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, caused when the big toe angles inward toward the second toe. This misalignment can lead to pain, swelling, and redness around the affected area, especially when wearing tight shoes. As the bunion worsens, the big toe may become increasingly deformed, making it difficult to find comfortable footwear. Bunions are often caused by genetics, but factors like wearing ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or having flat feet can contribute to their development. The condition may feel tender or throbbing, particularly after standing or walking for extended periods. A podiatrist can help by assessing the severity of the bunion and recommending appropriate treatment options. Non-surgical treatments include wearing orthotic devices, padding, and adjusting footwear to reduce pressure on the toe. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend surgery to realign the toe and provide long-term relief. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development
Symptoms
Redness and inflammation
Pain and tenderness
Callus or corns on the bump
Restricted motion in the big toe
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Boca Raton, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
Ankle pain can stem from various conditions, ranging from everyday injuries to underlying medical issues. Common causes include sprains, strains, fractures, and arthritis, which can lead to swelling, stiffness, and discomfort. Overuse injuries, such as tendonitis, are also frequent, especially in athletes and active individuals. Less common causes of ankle pain include nerve compression, gout, infections, or vascular issues, which may result in persistent or worsening symptoms. Structural problems, like flat feet or high arches, can also contribute to chronic discomfort. Ignoring ankle pain may lead to long-term mobility issues. If you are experiencing ongoing pain, swelling, or instability of your ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate care.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
Ankle sprains
Broken ankles
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Stress fractures
Bursitis
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Boca Raton, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
