August 2024

Preventing falls, especially in older adults, is essential for maintaining health and independence. As people age, factors such as muscle weakness, balance issues, and certain medical conditions can increase the likelihood of falls. Certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce this risk. Regular exercise that focuses on strength, balance, and endurance is a key factor in preventing falls. Strengthening the core and legs improves stability, while activities like tai chi and yoga enhance balance. Further, ensuring that your home is free of hazards, like loose rugs or poor lighting, can create a safer environment. A podiatrist plays a vital role in fall prevention by assessing and addressing foot-related issues, which are often overlooked but critical for maintaining proper gait and balance. Custom orthotics, footwear recommendations, and treatment for any underlying foot problems can help reduce the risk of falls in older adults. If you have endured a foot injury from falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment and fall prevention strategies.

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 Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. 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 Baytown, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

For swimmers, maintaining flexible ankles is essential for efficient kicking and overall performance. Key stretches to incorporate into your routine include the inchworm stretch, which involves standing, bending to touch your toes, and then walking your hands forward into a plank position before walking them back. This stretch enhances both ankle flexibility and core strength. Heel raises are another effective exercise, and are done by rising onto the balls of the feet and slowly lowering back down, strengthening and stretching the calf muscles and ankles. Resistance stretches, using a resistance band, involve flexing and pointing your toes against the band’s resistance to build strength and flexibility. Integrating these stretches into your training can improve your ankle mobility, contributing to a more powerful and efficient swim session. If you have ankle pain or have sprained your ankle and would like to resume swimming, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective tips on ankle protection.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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

Hammertoes are a deformity where one or more smaller toes bend downward at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like appearance. This condition often results from an imbalance in the muscles and tendons that control toe movement, which can cause the toes to curl and become rigid. Common causes include wearing poorly fitting shoes that squeeze the toes or having a high foot arch that contributes to muscle imbalance. Risk factors also include genetic predisposition, conditions such as arthritis, and prolonged periods of standing or walking. Addressing hammertoes typically involves wearing well-fitting, supportive footwear, using orthotic devices, and performing exercises to stretch and strengthen the toes. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. If you notice signs of a hammertoe developing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment strategies.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Gout is a form of arthritis resulting in severe pain that can happen suddenly, along with swelling, and tenderness in joints, and often starts with the big toe. This condition occurs when urate crystals accumulate in the joints due to high levels of uric acid in the blood. The pain typically peaks within a few hours and can be accompanied by warmth and redness around the affected joint. Gout attacks can occur suddenly, often waking individuals from sleep with intense discomfort. Recurrent gout episodes can lead to joint damage and deformities, if left untreated. Besides the big toe, gout can affect other joints such as ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. Managing gout involves lifestyle changes like reducing purine-rich foods and alcohol consumption, along with medications to lower uric acid levels and prevent future attacks. If you have excruciating pain in your big toe, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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