Tuesday, 21 May 2024 00:00

Strategies for Preventing Falls

Preventing falls among older adults is paramount to maintaining quality of life and independence. Various factors contribute to an increased risk of falls in seniors. Among them are muscle weakness, gait abnormalities, and pain. Additionally, certain health conditions like inner ear problems, vision impairment, and arthritis can negatively affect balance and mobility. Medications, such as those for blood pressure and sleep disorders, can induce side effects that increase susceptibility to falls. Through comprehensive assessments and evaluations, a podiatrist can tailor interventions to reduce fall risks. These may involve strength, gait, and balance tests, blood pressure monitoring and vision assessments. Incorporating balance exercises and strength training into daily routines can significantly enhance mobility and stability, thereby reducing the likelihood of falls. Activities targeting core and leg muscles are particularly beneficial, as they play a vital role in maintaining balance and coordination. Using assistive devices, such as canes, walkers or wheelchairs, can provide additional support and safety for individuals with mobility limitations. If you are a senior and have fallen recently or experience balance problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam to determine what the reason is.

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.

Falls Prevention

Elderly Americans are very susceptible to falls as they get older. Everyone experiences decreases in flexibility, balance, strength, and the senses as they age. This correlates to some eye-opening statistics. 1 in 4 Americans aged 65 and older fall each year. An elderly American is being treated for a fall in an emergency room every 11 seconds, and every 19 minutes, an older person dies from falling. In light of these striking statistics, one can see the importance of taking steps to prevent falls.

Finding an exercise program for the elderly is an excellent way to reduce the likelihood of falls. Look for an exercise program that improves strength and balance. Elderly people who live a more sedentary lifestyle, with little physical activity, are at an increased risk of falling. Wearing well-fitted footwear that provides good foot support and cushion will help prevent falls from poorly fitted shoes. Talking to a podiatrist about your susceptibility to falls and about inspecting your prescriptions will help to avoid any medication that could make falls more likely. Due to a decline in the senses among the elderly, having your eyes and hearing checked is recommended.

Around half of all falls occur in the household. Removing tripping hazards in the home and making it more accommodating to older persons can significantly reduce falls. Some notable household changes include increasing lighting around the house, installing grab bars in the shower and bathroom, and making sure the floor is clear of clutter. Other smart options include installing a shower chair, using rubber-bottomed rugs, and placing railings on both sides of stairwells.

Finally, discuss with a doctor and your family about your fear of falling. This will help to increase awareness among the population on the need for fall prevention. A lack of awareness on the matter, and a downplaying of importance are what increase the risks of falling. Following these tips can help to reduce the risk for yourself and your loved ones.

Published in Featured

Tagged under

Tuesday, 14 May 2024 00:00

Women’s Foot Health

As women enter their 40s, specific foot care becomes important to maintain overall health and mobility. Common foot issues like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and arthritis can affect women more significantly due to factors like hormonal changes, pregnancy, and footwear choices over the years. To avoid exacerbating these issues, it is beneficial for women to steer clear of high heels and narrow-toed shoes, which can lead to foot deformities and chronic pain. Additionally, prolonged wearing of flip-flops or flats without proper support can strain the arches and contribute to plantar fasciitis. Instead, opt for supportive footwear with cushioning and roomy toe boxes to accommodate natural foot shape and reduce pressure points. Regular foot exercises and stretches can also help alleviate discomfort and maintain flexibility. If you are a female and experiencing problems with your feet as you age, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for personalized care and treatment for long-term foot health.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
Flat Feet
Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

Foot Pain

The feet, being the foundation of the body, carry all of the body’s weight and are therefore prone to experiencing pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is important to determine where in the foot you are experiencing this pain to help discover the cause of it. While pain can be experienced virtually anywhere in the foot, the most common sites of foot pain are in the heel and ankle.

Heel pain can be due to a multitude of conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and heel spurs. Pain experienced in the ankle can be a sign of an ankle sprain, arthritis, gout, ankle instability, ankle fracture, or nerve compression. In more serious cases, pain in the foot can be a sign of improper alignment or an infection.

Foot pain can be accompanied by symptoms including redness, swelling, stiffness and warmth in the affected area. Whether the pain can be described as sharp or dull depends on the foot condition behind it. It is important to visit your local podiatrist if your foot pain and its accompanying symptoms persist and do not improve over time.

Depending on the location and condition of your foot pain, your podiatrist may prescribe certain treatments. These treatments can include but are not limited to prescription or over-the-counter drugs and medications, certain therapies, cortisone injections, or surgery.

If you are experiencing persistent foot pain, it is important to consult with your foot and ankle doctor to determine the cause and location. He or she will then prescribe the best treatment for you. While milder cases of foot pain may respond well to rest and at-home treatments, more serious cases may take some time to fully recover.

Published in Featured

Tagged under

Friday, 10 May 2024 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Published in Blog

Tagged under

Tuesday, 07 May 2024 00:00

Ankle Fracture Care

A broken ankle occurs when the bones forming the ankle joint suffer fractures. This injury often arises from sudden impacts, twists, or repetitive stress on the ankle. Symptoms typically entail intense pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking, and potential deformity surrounding the ankle area. Managing a broken ankle depends on factors like the extent and location of the fracture. Treatment options may include immobilization using a cast or splint, rest, elevation, and occasionally surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the bones. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions, including fractures.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. 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.

All About Broken Ankles

Broken ankles are a serious injury that can lead to an inability to walk, function, and also cause a significant amount of pain. A broken ankle is a break in one of the three bones in your body that connect at the ankle joint: the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. The tibia and fibula are your two primary leg bones that connect at the knee, which sit directly upon the talus bone. This is protected by a fibrous membrane that allows for movement in the ankle joint. A broken ankle is usually caused by the foot rolling under or twisting too far, causing one of these three bones to snap.

A broken ankle is different from an ankle sprain, which occurs when the ankle ligaments are ripped or torn but no bones have been broken. A sprain can still be very severe, causing bruising in the foot and an inability to hold your own weight, much like a broken ankle would. If you’re unable to stand, and suspect that you have a broken ankle, the first thing to do would be to get an immediate X-ray to determine the severity of the break.

A common cause of broken ankles is when the ankle is rolled over with enough pressure to break the bones. This usually happens during exercise, sports, or other physical activity. Another common cause is a fall or jump from a tall height.

One immediate treatment for pain relief is elevating the foot above your head to reduce blood flow to the injured area. You can also apply ice packs to your ankle to help reduce swelling, redness, inflammation, and pain. After these initial steps, getting a cast and staying off your feet as much as possible will aid in the recovery of the broken ankle. The less movement and stress the ankle has to endure, the more complete it will heal. A doctor can determine if surgery is needed in order to heal correctly. In these cases, an operation may be the only option to ensure the ability to walk properly again, followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation.

It is highly important to determine if surgery is needed early on, because a broken ankle can become much more severe than you realize. If not professionally treated, the broken ankle will inhibit your walking, daily functioning, and produce a large amount of pain. Treating your broken ankle early on will help prevent further damage to it.

Published in Featured

Tagged under

Tuesday, 30 April 2024 00:00

Understanding Lisfranc Dislocation

Lisfranc dislocation is a complex injury affecting the midfoot, specifically the articulation between the metatarsal and tarsal bones. Commonly caused by trauma such as falls, twists, or direct impact, it is often misdiagnosed due to its rarity and subtle symptoms. High-energy injuries like car accidents or sports collisions are typical culprits. Mismanagement can lead to long-term complications like chronic pain and arthritis. Severity is graded from mild ligament sprains to severe dislocations. Treatment ranges from conservative methods like immobilization to surgical intervention for severe cases, often involving realignment and fixation. If you believe you may have sustained such an injury to your midfoot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis, and treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

Broken bones
Muscle strains
Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

Bruising
Inflammation/ Swelling
Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

Foot and Ankle Trauma

Broken Feet

A broken foot can either refer to a fracture or a straight break. The location of any break can tell you how the break happened. Toes, for instance, break typically as a result of something being kicked hard and with great force. Heel breaks almost always are a result of an improper landing from a tall height. Twists or sprains are the other two frequent occurrences. As with all usual breaks, they result from unexpected accident or sudden injury. As with stress fractures, breaks form as a process over time from repeated stress on already present cracks. Runners, dancers, and gymnasts are the usual athletes who receive this type of break. Stress fractures result from incredible pressure on the feet. It is no surprise these athletes bear the majority of reported fractures.

Pain, swelling, bruising, and redness are all indicative of the typical symptoms from a broken foot. Severe pain—to the point of not being able to walk—usually depends on the location of the break in the foot. Toes are on the lower scale of pain threshold, but heels are high, as are a few other particular bones. As the severity of the broken foot increases, symptoms like blueness, numbness, misshaping of the foot, cuts, or deformities will become apparent. These symptoms indicate the need to see a medical professional with access to an x-ray facility.

Prior to seeing a specialist, precautions should be taken to reduce pain and swelling. Elevate and stabilize the foot, and refrain from moving it. Immobilization of the foot is the next priority, so creating a homemade splint is acceptable. Keep in mind that while creating a splint, any increase of pain or cutting off blood circulation means that the splint should be removed immediately. Use ice to decrease swelling and relieve pain symptoms.

When dealing with a medical center, the patient should note that the treatment can vary. The treatment will depend on the severity of the fracture and the cause of the break. Crutches, splits, or casts are common treatments while surgery has been known to be used in more severe cases in order to repair the break in the bones.

Broken Ankles

Broken ankles are a serious injury that can lead to an inability to walk, function, and also cause a significant amount of pain. A broken ankle is a break in one of the three bones in your body that connect at the ankle joint, the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. The tibia and fibula are your two primary leg bones that connect at the knee, which sits directly upon the talus bone. This is protected by a fibrous membrane that allows for movement in our ankle joint. A broken ankle is usually caused by the foot rolling under or twisting too far, causing one of these three bones to snap.

A broken ankle is different from an ankle sprain, which occurs when the ligaments are ripped or torn but no bones have been broken. A sprain can still be very severe, causing bruising in the foot and an inability to hold your own weight, much like a broken ankle would. If you’re unable to stand, and suspect that you have a broken ankle, the first thing to do would be to get an immediate x-ray to determine the severity of the break.

A common cause of broken ankles is when the ankle is rolled over with enough pressure to break the bones. This usually happens during exercise, sports, or other physical activities. Another common cause is a fall or jump from a tall height.

One immediate treatment for pain relief is elevating the feet above your head to reduce blood flow to the injured area. You can also apply ice packs to your ankles to help reduce swelling, redness, inflammation, and pain. After these initial steps, getting a cast and staying off your feet as much as possible will aid in the recovery of the broken ankle. The less movement and stress the ankle has to endure, the more complete it will heal. A doctor can determine if surgery is needed in order to heal correctly. In these cases, an operation may be the only option to ensure the ability to walk properly again, followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Published in Featured

Tagged under

Tuesday, 23 April 2024 00:00

Buying Shoes That Fit Properly

Choosing well-fitting shoes is vital for foot health. To ensure proper fit, match the shoe to the outline of your foot, considering both length and width. Your shoes should accommodate the natural shape of your foot without squeezing or causing pressure points. Look for shoes with adequate toe room, a snug heel fit, and ample width across the ball of the foot. Additionally, opt for breathable materials and cushioned soles to enhance comfort and reduce friction. Avoid shoes that require a break-in period or feel tight, as they can lead to blisters and discomfort. If you are in the market for new shoes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide valuable guidance in selecting suitable footwear, especially for individuals with specific foot conditions or structural abnormalities. Podiatrists can assess your foot shape and biomechanics, offer personalized recommendations and provide customized orthotics or modifications to improve shoe fit and alleviate foot pain or discomfort.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

Published in Blog

Tagged under

Start
Prev
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Next
End

Page 13 of 30

Switch Template