May 2019

Seniors are at great risk of falls, and falls may lead to injuries and complications. One of the best ways to prevent these falls is to examine the health of your own feet. Doctors recommend a few tips to assure your feet are healthy. First, do not ignore pain. You may have a condition that is treatable. Next, check for bumps, lumps or changes. You can additionally perform simple stretching exercises to strengthen feet and ankles, as well as wear padding in comfortable shoes. These simple tasks may protect you from unnecessary, and potentially dangerous, falls. Be sure to consult a podiatrist if you notice any changes, issues or pain in the foot and ankle area.

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 podiatrists from Family Foot Care. 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 Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The bones in the toes help to maintain stability and balance while walking. If the toe is stubbed or a heavy object is dropped on one of the toes, it may become broken. There are noticeable symptoms that appear when the toe is broken. These often include severe pain, swelling, and possible bruising. Additionally, many patients experience throbbing, and the toe may look red. Stress fractures are small breaks in the bones, and can be caused by frequently participating in running activities. This may gradually weaken the bones in the toes, and may cause a fracture.  Mild relief may be found when the foot is elevated, and this can help in reducing any existing swelling. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested to seek counsel with a podiatrist who can suggest the best treatment for you.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Toenail fungus is a fairly common condition that starts with a visible white or yellow spot under the tip of the toenail. If the fungal infection worsens the toenail may become discolored and thicken, then begin to crumble. Symptoms of progressing toenail fungus are thickened nails, whitish to yellow-brown discoloration, brittleness, distorted in shape, darkened color, and foul smell. Some toenail fungus is mild and doesn’t necessarily require treatment, but if it becomes painful or you notice some of the previously mentioned symptoms then it is a good idea to take steps toward getting rid of the fungus. Toenail fungus can affect just one nail, or it can affect multiple nails on the foot. If you think you may have toenail fungus, then it is recommended you speak with a podiatrist in order to receive the proper treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.