Experts have found that people with osteoarthritis, which affects three or four joints, are 75 percent more likely to fall. It is thought that lack of mobility, as the result of pain, causes muscles to weaken, affects the gait, and throws off your balance. Also, certain medications may affect your stability. Ways to help prevent falls at home include removing loose wires, small rugs, and other clutter from floors and walkways. Place non-skid mats and grab bars in showers and tubs. Improve lighting in hallways, and install handrails on staircases inside and out. Taking vitamin D may help to increase muscle strength and reduce fall risks if you are deficient. Finally, wear shoes that fit properly and have non-skid soles. Avoid high heels, slippers, and leather-soled shoes that can be slippery or affect your balance. For further guidance, please consult a podiatrist about specific measures that can be taken to keep you on your feet safely.
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. Stephan J. LaPointe from Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . 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:
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 Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A symptom of the foot condition known as plantar fasciitis is severe heel pain and it can make daily activities difficult to complete. The plantar fascia is found on the sole of the foot and it connects the heel to the toes. Many people have found the benefits of practicing specific foot stretches to help ease heel pain. A towel stretch is an effective exercise for the bottom of the foot. This is done by sitting on the floor, wrapping a towel around the sole of the foot, and gently flexing the foot towards the face. Some patients find it helpful to practice heel stretches. This is accomplished by standing on a step and lowering the heels one at a time until a mild stretch is felt. There are many exercises that can specifically help plantar fasciitis. If you would like more information, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively guide you toward proper treatment techniques.
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 Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe from Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor 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?
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
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 office located in Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
There are many people who suffer from the condition that is known as rheumatoid arthritis. The feet can become affected by this ailment which may lead to other foot conditions arising. Permanent relief may be found when foot surgery is performed. Rheumatoid arthritis may lead to the development of bunions. This produces a large, bony protrusion on the side of the big toe and may be the result of the toes shifting due to the arthritic disease. Bunion surgery involves cutting the affected bones in the foot and realigning them in a normal position. Additionally, arthritis may damage specific joints in the foot and a fusion may be needed that can help to reduce pain. There are many benefits to having foot surgery performed such as resuming normal functions of the feet, completing daily activities without pain, and wearing appropriate footwear. If you have chronic pain in your feet or you are afflicted with arthritis, please confer with a podiatrist who can determine if foot surgery is right for you.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe of Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
