Items filtered by date: Sunday, 04 May 2025
Risk Factors for Falling
As people age, the risk of a fall increases, but it should not be seen as inevitable. Falls can be caused by various factors, including weak muscles, poor balance, and dizziness. Foot problems like pain or deformities, and cognitive issues such as memory loss, and vision and hearing impairments, can also contribute to the risk of falls in seniors. Medications that induce drowsiness, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain bladder or bowel conditions can increase the likelihood of falling. Falls often result from an interaction of these factors, with a higher number of risk factors further elevating the potential for falls. In addition, falls can sometimes signal underlying health issues like constipation, infections, dehydration, or sudden confusion. A podiatrist can provide expert advice and interventions to address foot-related problems, improve balance, and reduce the risk of future falls. If instability causes you to lose your balance or fall frequently, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam and options for treatment.
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 Ramin Nadjafi, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Group. 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 Orlando, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
How Obesity Affects Your Feet
Gaining weight can happen suddenly and at any time. Usually you won’t notice the extra weight until your feet start hurting at the end of the day. This happens as your feet begin adjusting to carrying more weight. Foot swelling and pain are two of the biggest side effects of having gained weight.
Many foot-related problems can occur even after just putting on a few pounds. This includes the body ‘compensating’ by changing the way it moves. You may find yourself putting extra weight on the wrong parts of your feet and even leaning forward a bit. Your feet were designed to carry a healthy, normal body weight. Extra weight places undue stress on them.
Being overweight often causes the development of Type-2 diabetes, causing leg and foot pain. Older people who do not attempt to control their condition can even lose sensation and feeling in their legs and feet. This can lead to the development of small sores that can lead to serious infection.
Extra stress placed on the joints, tendons and muscles in the feet as a result of extra body weight may also cause heel spurs, or plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the foot tissue, causing stiffness and pain when walking and climbing stairs. This can usually be relieved by foot stretches and custom made orthotic shoe-inserts.
Problems in the feet triggered by obesity can be treated by paying special attention to footwear. Proper support shoes that allow for good circulation, especially in the arch and ankle, are vital. A podiatrist can help you find what sort of shoe is most suitable for your feet. They can also measure you for special orthotics if necessary.
It could also be high time to start losing weight in order to treat and prevent diabetes as well as other life threatening diseases. Some methods include yoga and water aerobics, which benefit your entire body without placing stress on your feet. Don’t risk losing your feet by losing interest in them. Take care of your feet and your body, as they deserve the very best.
How Being Overweight Affects the Feet
Studies show that carrying extra weight puts a significant amount of pressure on the feet, leading to various issues. For instance, overweight individuals are more likely to experience general foot pain and especially discomfort in the bottom of the heels when walking. Additionally, their feet might appear flatter, and they may have difficulty moving them as freely as they should. This is because extra weight can alter the foot's mechanics, causing it to roll inward more during walking. Furthermore, it is important to note that it is not just about the overall weight but also where the body stores fat. Excess fat, particularly around the feet, can increase foot pain. A podiatrist can offer personalized strategies to alleviate discomfort and improve foot function. If you are experiencing foot problems that may be connected to your weight, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for help.
Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Ramin Nadjafi, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Obesity and Your Feet
Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.
Problems & Complications
Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.
Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.
Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Orlando, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Heel Pain in the Morning?
Heel pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life. Simple activities like walking can become incredibly uncomfortable or painful due to heel pain.
Don’t live with heel pain and get treated.
Ingrown Toenail Care
An ingrown toenail is a nail that has curved downward and grows into the skin. This typically occurs at the nail borders, or the sides of the nail. As a result, pain, redness, swelling, and warmth may occur in the toe. If a break in the skin forms due to the ingrown nail, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area; this is typically characterized by a foul odor and drainage.
Ingrown toenails have multiple reasons for developing. In many instances, the condition is a result of genetics and is inherited. The most common cause, however, is improper trimming; cutting the toenails too short forces the skin beside the nail to fold over. An ingrown toenail can also develop due to trauma, such as stubbing the toe, having an object fall on the toe, or participating in activities that involve repeated kicking or running. Wearing shoes that are too tight or too short can also cause ingrown toenails.
Treatment for an ingrown toenail varies between patients and the severity of the condition. Milder cases that don’t involve infection or other medical conditions can benefit from soaking the feet in room-temperature water and gently massaging the side of the nail. In most cases, however, it is best to see your podiatrist for thorough and proper treatment. After examining your toe, your podiatrist may prescribe oral antibiotics to clear the infection if one is present. Surgical removal of either a portion of the nail or the entire nail may also be considered. In some cases, complete removal or destruction of the nail root may be required. Most patients who undergo nail surgery experience minimal pain afterward and can return to normal activity the following day.
Ingrown toenails can be prevented with proper nail trimming and by avoiding improper-fitting shoes. When cutting the toenails, be sure that you are cutting in a straight line and avoid cutting them too short. Shoes should not be too short or tight in the toe box.
Risk Factors for Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails, a common condition where the nail grows into the skin surrounding the toe, have a variety of risk factors. Trimming the toenails too short or rounding the edges of the nail can encourage the nail to grow into the skin rather than over it, so proper nail trimming is important. Wearing tight footwear and socks that squeeze the toes can also contribute to the problem by pushing the nail into the toe skin. Athletes and individuals who engage in activities that put repeated pressure on the toes are at an increased risk, as this pressure can cause the nail to grow incorrectly. While genetics do not usually play a major role in causing ingrown toenails, some people are predisposed to developing them because they are born with naturally curved or thick toenails. Also, poor foot hygiene and injury to the toenail area can increase the likelihood of developing an ingrown toenail. If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, or wish to know how to prevent ingrown toenails from occurring in the future, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Ramin Nadjafi, DPM of Advanced Podiatry Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
- Improper toenail trimming
- Genetics
- Improper shoe fitting
- Injury from pedicures or nail picking
- Abnormal gait
- Poor hygiene
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Orlando, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes can cause two problems that can potentially affect the feet: Diabetic neuropathy and Peripheral Vascular Disease. Diabetic neuropathy occurs when nerves in your legs and feet become damaged, which prevents you from feeling heat, cold, or pain. The problem with diabetic neuropathy is that a cut or sore on the foot may go unnoticed and the cut may eventually become infected. This condition is also a main cause of foot ulcers. Additionally, Peripheral vascular disease also affects blood flow in the body. Poor blood flow will cause sores and cuts to take longer to heal. Infections that don’t heal do to poor blood flow can potentially cause ulcers or gangrene.
There are certain foot problems that are more commonly found in people with diabetes such as Athlete’s foot, calluses, corns, blisters, bunions, foot ulcers, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts. These conditions can lead to infection and serious complications such as amputation. Fortunately, proper foot care can help prevent these foot problems before they progress into more serious complications.
Each day you should wash your feet in warm water with a mild soap. When you finish washing your feet, dry them carefully especially between your toes. You should also perform daily foot inspections to ensure you don’t have any redness, blisters, or calluses. Furthermore, if you are diabetic, you should always wear closed-toed shoes or slippers to protect your feet. Practicing these tips will help ensure that your feet are kept healthy and away from infection.
If you have diabetes, contact your podiatrist if you have any of the following symptoms on your feet: changes in skin color, corns or calluses, open sores that are slow to heal, unusual and persistent odor, or changes in skin temperature. Your podiatrist will do a thorough examination of your feet to help treat these problematic conditions.
Diabetic Foot Problems and Quality of Life
Diabetic foot problems pose significant challenges to an individual's quality of life due to their potential for severe complications. Diabetes can lead to neuropathy, reduced blood flow, and impaired wound healing, increasing the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and even amputations. These conditions often cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and decreased independence, impacting daily activities and overall well-being. Furthermore, managing diabetic foot problems requires rigorous self-care routines, frequent medical appointments, and lifestyle adjustments, which can be physically and emotionally demanding. The fear of potential complications and the burden of constant vigilance over foot health can contribute to anxiety, depression, and decreased social participation. Effective management strategies, including proper foot care, regular monitoring, and early intervention for any issues, are essential for preserving mobility and minimizing the impact of diabetic foot problems on quality of life. If you have diabetes and it has impacted your feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist for routine visits, in addition to receiving prompt treatment as needed.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Ramin Nadjafi, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Orlando, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Heel Pain
Heel pain can be difficult to deal with, especially if you do not know what the underlying cause is. If you ignore your heel pain, the pain can magnify and potentially develop into a chronic condition. Depending on the location of your heel pain, you have developed a specific condition.
One condition is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia, or the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. The pain from this condition is initially mild but can intensify as more steps are taken when you wake up in the morning. To treat this condition, medication will likely be necessary. Plantar fasciitis is often associated with heel spurs; both require rest and special stretching exercises.
There are various options your podiatrist may suggest for heel pain. Treatment options for heel pain typically include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which may reduce swelling and pain. Other options are physical therapy, athletic taping, and orthotics. In severe cases of heel pain, surgery may be required.
Preventing heel pain is possible. If you are looking to prevent heel pain from developing in the future, be sure to wear shoes that fit you properly and do not have worn down heels or soles. Be sure to warm up properly before participating in strenuous activities or sports that place a lot of a stress on the heels. If you are experiencing any form of heel pain, speak with your podiatrist to determine the underlying cause and receive the treatment you need.
Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is a primary cause of heel pain in adults. The pain stems from the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that spans the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. This condition typically results from repetitive strain and overstretching of the plantar fascia. It is often exacerbated wearing inadequate footwear, obesity, and activities that place excessive stress on the foot. The pain is usually most intense with the first few steps in the morning or after periods of rest. It stems from micro-tears and inflammation within this critical support structure of the foot. As the plantar fascia bears the brunt of every step's impact, its compromised state can significantly hinder mobility and quality of life. Effective management and treatment hinge on a comprehensive approach that may include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching exercises, and possibly orthotic support. If you are suffering from heel pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. This type of doctor has specialized knowledge of the foot and ankle, and can diagnose plantar fasciitis and offer personalized treatment solutions.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Ramin Nadjafi, DPM of Advanced Podiatry Group. 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 Orlando, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
