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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.

Falls Prevention Tips for Seniors

Falls are a leading cause of injury among seniors and often result from changes in balance, muscle strength, vision, or hearing. Chronic conditions and medication side effects can also affect coordination and stability. Additionally, household hazards like loose rugs or poor lighting increase the risk. Preventing falls starts with wearing supportive, non-slip shoes, improving home lighting, and engaging in exercises that build strength and balance. Regular foot care also plays an important role in stability and confidence while walking. A podiatrist can evaluate foot health, recommend proper footwear, and address pain or mobility issues that contribute to falls. If you have fallen and have injured your foot or ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional falls prevention tips.

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. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. 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 one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Falls Prevention

Women’s Perspective on Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma, a painful condition affecting the nerves in the foot, is notably prevalent among women. This ailment, characterized by a thickening of the tissue around the nerves leading to the toes, often manifests between the third and fourth toes. Women, who frequently wear high-heeled shoes or shoes with a narrow toe box, are more susceptible to the compression and irritation that contribute to Morton's neuroma. The pressure exerted on the forefoot, coupled with the repetitive stress from wearing such footwear, can exacerbate the condition. Additionally, activities that involve footwear with tight toe spaces, such as ballet or certain athletic pursuits, may increase the risk. Recognizing the connection between footwear choices, lifestyle, and the development of Morton's neuroma is vital for women. Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition that is treated by podiatrists. If you have pain between the third and fourth toes, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher of Texas. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Morton's Neuroma

Foot Biomechanics in the Elderly

As people age, changes in foot biomechanics can lead to discomfort and reduced mobility. Soft tissue stiffness, decreased range of motion, and decreased strength often contribute to foot pain and difficulty performing weight bearing activities. These changes can impair balance and increase the risk of falls, affecting overall independence and quality of life. A podiatrist can evaluate gait, recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and suggest exercises to improve strength and flexibility. If you are a senior and have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on keeping your feet healthy, strong, and capable of supporting an active lifestyle at any age.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about The Importance of Biomechanics in Podiatry

Reasons and Risk Factors for Ankle Sprains

An ankle sprain is an injury that occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear, often causing pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Common causes include twisting the ankle during sports, stepping on uneven surfaces, or sudden impact. Risk factors include previous ankle injuries, weak muscles, wearing improper footwear, and participation in high-impact activities. Symptoms may involve bruising, instability, stiffness, or a popping sensation at the time of injury. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the sprain, provide treatment such as bracing and exercises to restore strength and prevent recurrence. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Three Grades of Ankle Sprains


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