Preventing falls is essential for older adults to maintain independence and avoid injury. One of the most effective ways to stay safe is by keeping the body strong and balanced through regular movement such as walking or gentle stretching. Keeping living spaces clear of clutter and ensuring floors are dry and well lit can reduce the chance of tripping. Supportive footwear that fits properly provides stability and reduces slipping. Installing grab bars in bathrooms and using handrails on stairs adds extra safety. Regular vision checks and reviewing medications can help identify issues that may affect balance or alertness. Falling can seriously impact the feet. If you have fallen and have injured your foot or ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional falls prevention tips.

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 Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. 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 one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe and mallet toe are common toe deformities, but they affect different joints. Hammertoe typically involves the second toe and bends at the middle joint, causing it to curl downward. Mallet toe, on the other hand, affects the joint closest to the toenail, making the tip of the toe point down. Both conditions often develop from pressure caused by wearing tight shoes, injury, or muscle imbalances. Early treatment may include switching to shoes with a roomy toe box, using protective padding, and performing toe-stretching exercises. In some cases, splints or orthotic inserts may help realign the toe. When these methods are not enough and pain or difficulty in walking persists, surgery may be necessary to correct the joint. If you notice your toe starting to bend unnaturally or becomes painful, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for relief options.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor of Florida. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The ankle is a complex joint made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, all working together to support movement and stability. When an injury occurs, one or more of these structures may be affected. A sprain typically involves stretching or tearing of the ligaments that connect bone to bone, often on the outer side of the ankle. Strains affect muscles or tendons, while fractures involve a break in one of the bones, such as the tibia, fibula, or talus. Swelling, bruising, and pain usually follow, as blood vessels and tissues respond to the trauma. In some cases, cartilage may also be damaged, contributing to long-term discomfort or stiffness. Understanding which structures are involved is key to guiding proper treatment and healing. If you have persistent ankle pain or limited motion after an injury, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Children and adolescents involved in sports are at risk for overuse foot injuries, which develop gradually from repetitive stress rather than from a single traumatic event. Common examples include Sever’s disease, a painful inflammation of the heel growth plate, and stress fractures that often affect the metatarsals. Tendonitis and plantar fasciitis can also occur in young athletes, especially those involved in high-impact activities like running, soccer, or basketball. These injuries may start as mild soreness but can worsen without rest or proper treatment. Growth plates in developing feet are more vulnerable to strain, making early recognition important. Wearing appropriate footwear, avoiding overtraining, and allowing time for recovery are key prevention strategies. Because lingering foot pain in children is not a normal part of growth, and untreated injuries can lead to long-term problems, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and guidance.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that causes discomfort and irritation, typically between the toes. This condition is caused by fungi called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments like sweaty shoes and socks. If you have athlete's foot, you may experience intense itching, redness, peeling, and in some cases, blisters or cracks. The feeling can be persistent and frustrating, making it difficult to wear shoes or walk comfortably. There are different types of athlete’s foot. Interdigital athlete's foot affects the space between the toes, while the moccasin type causes dry, scaly patches on the soles and sides of the feet. The infection can easily recur if not treated properly, as the fungi can survive on surfaces like towels, shoes, or floors. Poor hygiene and tight shoes can also contribute. If you are dealing with recurring athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide effective treatments, including prescribed antifungal medications. 

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.