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July 2022

Tuesday, 26 July 2022 00:00

Prevent Falls With Specific Exercises

Suffering from a fall as a senior citizen is no joke. As an individual ages, they become more prone to tumbling and tripping both inside and outside of their home. These falls can be life-threatening and may occur on staircases or hard, dangerous surfaces. Although falls may happen for any number of reasons, the health of a senior’s feet can be an influential factor. Therefore, one way to prevent falls from occurring in senior citizens is to strengthen the feet by practicing several simple exercises. These exercises can improve the strength in the senior’s feet muscles and increase balance. One such exercise is known as leg extensions and can be performed by repeatedly extending and raising one leg at a time while sitting in a chair. You can alternate the legs after each extension. The purpose of this exercise is to increase strength and agility in the leg muscles. If stretching seems boring or unappealing, a senior might also try to improve the strength of their feet by walking, practicing tai chi, or performing simple movements in the pool. If you are a senior who is concerned about their likelihood of suffering from a fall, you can contact a podiatrist for more information about strength-building exercises.

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. Glen Robison from AZ Foot & Ankle. 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 offices located in Mesa and Globe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Falls Prevention

It is normal for the feet to flatten and become wider as the aging process occurs. As the fatty padding gradually wears down, the joints and bones of the feet are more susceptible to basic wear and tear. Range of motion and balance may be negatively affected, and injuries can happen more frequently. Foot care for the elderly can start with washing and drying the feet thoroughly every day, and this may be helpful in preventing bacterial, fungal , and viral infections. This is generally followed by applying a good moisturizer on the feet, which may help to prevent cracked heels from developing. Many people wear cotton socks after this, and this can help to lock in the moisture. When the toenails are properly trimmed, conditions that can include ingrown toenails may be avoided. Many elderly people are confined to a bed or chair for the majority of the day, and bedsores on the heels may develop as a result of this. This can be remedied by raising the heels in the air, which is known as “floating the heels’.  There are additional ways that can help elderly patients take proper care of their feet, and it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist to learn about these methods.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Glen Robison from AZ Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Read more about Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Tuesday, 12 July 2022 00:00

Children’s Ankle Sprains and Sports

Ankle sprains are quite common in active children, especially those who participate in sports. A sprain occurs when one or more of the tough, fibrous bands of tissue (ligaments) that hold the ankle bones together get overly stretched. Making sudden changes in direction or rolling the foot over while playing sports can sometimes cause the ankle ligaments to stretch beyond their limits and become sprained. Properly warming up the feet and ankles prior to playing sports can sometimes help to avoid an ankle sprain from occurring. Symptoms of an ankle sprain typically include various degrees of pain (depending on how intense the sprain is), swelling, bruising, and—in severe cases—an inability to put weight on the affected foot. Receiving proper care for an ankle sprain is important, as an improperly healed sprain may lead to further sprains and even chronic ankle weakness. If your child has sprained their ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for your child to be evaluated and treated properly.  

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Glen Robison of AZ Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy
Saturday, 09 July 2022 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Tuesday, 05 July 2022 00:00

Mandatory Education for Podiatrists

Podiatrists have the letters DPM following their name after they have completed all required education. It is an abbreviation for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and these types of specialists treat ailments of the foot and ankle. Their mandatory education consists of completing four years of college to obtain a bachelor's degree, followed by four years of training in a podiatric college. A hospital residency is next for continued education where studies involve intense training on feet, ankles, and the conditions associated with them. The entire length of school is a minimum of seven years and may be followed by pursuing a fellowship. If you have a specific foot condition that needs treatment it is beneficial to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and offer correct treatment techniques rather than an MD who does not specialize in the feet. If this is a career choice you may be considering, visiting with a podiatrist is a good opportunity to decide if this is a desired field of medicine for you.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Dr. Glen Robison from AZ Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

  • Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
  • Use innovative methods to treat conditions
  • Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
  • Correct walking patterns and balance
  • Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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

 

Read more about What is a Podiatrist?
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