Items filtered by date: April 2021

Taking good care of your feet not only reduces foot pain and your risk of foot injuries, but can also help prevent falls. Older people who take care of their feet are less likely to fall than those who don’t. Some of the things that you can do to maintain good foot health and prevent falls include wearing properly fitted shoes with a wider toe box, wearing shoes while indoors, and maintaining a healthy body weight. Having well-lit areas in your hallways and being aware of any tripping hazards can also help in the prevention of falls. Using over-the-counter orthotic inserts to cushion the feet and decrease foot pain may also reduce the risk of falling. To learn more about the link between foot health and falling, please consult 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 one of our podiatrists from Southwest 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 offices located in Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Because of the stress put on the feet while hiking, having shoes that fit properly is very important. Hiking boots should feel snug but not tight, and there should be enough room for wiggling the toes.  In order to ensure a proper fit, there are a few things that can be done when choosing hiking boots.  Shoes should be tried on at the end of the day or after exercise because people’s feet swell during the day.  When trying on shoes, it is also important to wear the same socks and orthotics that you plan to wear while hiking in order to understand the impact they will have on the fit.  There should also be proper spacing between the end of the toes and the edge of the shoe, and the shoes should have a proper width where the toes aren’t scrunched up.  If you would like more information on making sure your shoes fit properly, consult with a podiatrist who will help provide tips for a proper shoe fit. 

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

One of the first symptoms of the foot condition that is known as cuboid syndrome is pain and discomfort on the outside of the foot. Additionally, it may become difficult to walk, and the gait may become compromised. The cuboid bone resembles a pulley between specific tendons and the metatarsals. Cuboid syndrome is an inflammation of the cuboid bone, and can develop from a sudden injury, or abnormal foot structure. The symptoms may gradually be felt following an ankle sprain, or from repetitive overuse. Some patients have found mild relief when specific stretches are performed that may help to strengthen the affected part of the foot. If you have cuboid syndrome, please confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine what the correct treatment is for you.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

The thick and fibrous band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel bone to the front of your foot is known as the plantar fascia. Inflammation of the plantar fascia, usually as a result of overuse, is known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis usually leads to heel pain, heel spurs, or arch pain. Athletes who participate in sports that require a lot of running and jumping are said to be at a higher risk for developing this condition. One of the most common symptoms is pain that becomes worse after long periods of rest. This includes arising in the morning and after sitting for extended periods of time. Anyone who is struggling with heel pain should consult with a podiatrist who can help diagnose and provide various treatment options for plantar fasciitis.

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 one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.