Falling can be a common occurrence for people who are age sixty-five years and older. It can emotionally and physically change lives, and it is important to practice fall prevention techniques. These can include having routine visual and physical examinations, monitoring blood pressure, and reviewing existing medications. Additionally, it may be necessary to alter living conditions by replacing worn rugs, improving lighting, and installing grab bars in the shower and toilet areas. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly, as this may help to reduce the number of falls. Slippery surfaces that can include hardwood floors can be minimized when rugs are used. Falling can affect the feet and can negatively impact everyday activities. If you would like more information about how to prevent falling, please schedule an appointment 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 Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. 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 Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Because we depend on our feet to get us around all day long, it’s really a problem when they begin to hurt. Sometimes it is a temporary pain, mainly from fatigue or shoes that do not give enough support. But if pain lingers or grows more intense, it is time to look for a cause. The top three causes of foot pain are bunions, ingrown toenails and plantar fasciitis. Other causes include arthritis, stress fractures and athlete’s foot. Bunions are caused primarily by improper footwear, especially high heels with pointy toes or shoes that are too small. This can cause a malformation of the big toe and lead to extreme discomfort. Ingrown toenails are also caused by footwear that is too tight, along with  toenails that are improperly cut. The nail grows into the skin and can become inflamed, infected and painful. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the muscles under the foot become tight, usually from repetitive use, putting pressure on the heels. Exercises can help to relieve this painful condition. For any foot problems that become exceedingly painful, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. 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.

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

A bursa sac is a fluid-filled membrane that cushions and reduces friction between bones and tendons, as well as between muscles and joints. There are bursae throughout the body. The bursa sac at the back of the foot (behind the ankle) is meant to cushion and reduce friction between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone. By not warming up properly, doing repetitive movements with your ankle, or overusing the heel during physical activities, you may cause this bursa to become irritated. This condition, known as bursitis of the heel, can also be brought on by certain forms of arthritis or direct impact injuries. Symptoms may include heel pain, inflammation, stiffness, redness and warmth in the bursa area, as well as decreased motion in the ankle. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is wise to make an appointment with a podiatrist. This form of bursitis can be treated with various conservative therapies such as resting, icing, therapeutic ultrasound, anti-inflammatory medicine, physical therapy, custom orthotics, and changes in footwear.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Andrew Katz, DPM of Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions are an acquired foot deformity where a misalignment in the bones of the big toe causes a protrusion to form on the outside of the foot at the toe’s joint. This forces the toe to angle toward the other toes rather than pointing straight ahead. Bunionettes, also known as tailor bunions, form on the outside of the pinky toe. Both bunions and bunionettes can cause pain, swelling, and soreness. Bunions that go untreated may lead to limited range of movement and will not get better on their own. Wearing proper footwear with lower heels, a rounded toe box and plenty of room for the toes can help you avoid getting a bunion or bunionette, although the shape of your feet, heredity, and certain medical conditions can also be contributing factors. If you have a bunion or bunionette, it's a good idea to seek the professional care of a podiatrist for treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Andrew Katz, DPM of Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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