Items filtered by date: November 2022

Tuesday, 29 November 2022 00:00

Falling Episodes May Be Prevented

Falling can happen to people of all ages, and it is not just limited to seniors. There could be existing medical reasons why people may fall, including muscle weakness, difficulty in walking, and poor balance. The feet are often affected when a fall happens, and it can result in a broken toe or foot. Additionally, there are environmental factors which can cause an individual to fall. When fall prevention methods are practiced, the risk of falling may be greatly reduced. These can include improving lighting in the living area, removing worn rugs from the steps, and ridding existing clutter from the floors. People who have had previous falls may refrain from completing daily activities for fear of falling again. This may be alleviated as the body becomes stronger when a gentle exercise program is performed. Additionally, having regular physical and eye examinations are beneficial in updating existing medications and eyeglasses. Many people find it helpful to install grab bars in the shower and toilet area which help to provide stability. If you would like to know more about effective fall prevention techniques, please confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with accurate information.

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 one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors 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 South Amboy and Edison, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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The cuboid bone is found below the ankle on the inside of the foot and can become forced out of alignment during an injury.  This is known as cuboid syndrome. Common symptoms can include swelling, pain, and inflammation in the ankle, and it can be difficult to walk. The pain from this condition is felt on the outside of the foot, and it may cause the toes to turn toward each other. The discomfort may gradually become worse when activities are pursued, and it can hurt to stand on tiptoes. Cuboid syndrome is diagnosed by having an X-ray taken, in addition to performing a physical examination. Research has indicated that it is beneficial to wear shoes that have adequate support, and enough room for the toes to move freely in. If you have pain in this part of your ankle and foot, it is strongly urged that you contact a podiatrist as quickly as possible so the correct treatment can begin. 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in South Amboy and Edison, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about All About Cuboid Syndrome
Saturday, 12 November 2022 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Tuesday, 08 November 2022 00:00

Tips for Healthy Trail Running

Most experts agree that running can improve your cardiovascular health, increase endurance, and boost mental well being. Experts have identified several ways to reap the rewards of trail running, which may involve uneven and sometimes unpredictable surfaces. The first thing to do is make sure you have footwear that is specifically designed for trail runs. These shoes provide the extra traction and specific cushioning needed as you may encounter rocks, tree roots, and streams. Second, your stride may need to be adjusted, which includes picking up your feet differently. While some road runners try to conserve energy by keeping their feet close to the ground, this can become a liability in trail running. Dirt can build up and actually slow the pace. Dehydration, muscle fatigue, glucose depletion, and inflammation can lead to injury. Fueling and hydrating before, during, and after runs is recommended. For more information on how to prevent injury while running, please consult a podiatrist. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

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Tuesday, 01 November 2022 00:00

Causes and Relief Tactics for Heel Spurs

Despite how small a heel spur can be, it is capable of causing severe pain and discomfort. It is defined as a bony protrusion that forms on the bottom of the heel, and can occur due to a heel injury. Additionally, it may occur from overuse while running, and this can cause the heel bone to undergo chronic stress. To compensate for this, the body’s natural defenses will form a bone that protrudes from the heel for protection. Many patients who have heel spurs experience little or no pain, and there are some people who have severe discomfort from a heel spur. This may be a result of an underlying condition that can affect the sole of the foot. An X-ray is often performed that can provide an accurate diagnosis, which can help to determine the severity of the heel spur. Mild relief may be found when lifestyle changes are implemented. These can include losing additional weight, wearing shoes that can accommodate the heel spur and are comfortable, and it may help to limit athletic activities. Surgery may be necessary for permanent relief. If you have developed a heel spur, please confer with a podiatrist who can help you to decide which treatment method is best for you.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in South Amboy and Edison, NJ . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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