The reality of a senior being susceptible to enduring a fall or tumble is serious and nothing to take lightly. Often, as an individual gets older, they might be unwilling to admit the growing likelihood of this kind of occurrence. However, a caretaker or loved one is capable of making a senior aware of this risk by having a simple conversation. Initiating productive conversations with a senior about the reality of enduring a fall can help make the senior more aware of ways to prevent such an injury from happening. For example, having these discussions with seniors can perhaps encourage them to take better care of the health of their feet, making foot care a more important part of their life. After initiating this dialogue with a senior, they also might be more mindful of how they can increase their foot's strength. Contact a podiatrist today if you have any questions or concerns about falls prevention.

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 Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. 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 one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are numerous tendons, muscles, ligaments, and bones that are in each foot, and enduring an injury can cause foot pain. Discomfort that is felt on top of the foot may indicate that a stress fracture has occurred, or it may be gout, an arthritic condition. Additionally, It may indicate a bone infection has developed, which is known as osteomyelitis. These can be serious conditions, and it is suggested that a medical professional be consulted for evaluation and treatment. Some patients have foot pain as a result of the shoes that are worn, or from improperly warming up and cooling down before and after running. It is important for people who participate in sporting activities to increase speed and distance gradually, and this can allow the feet to become stronger. Foot pain can happen from falling, and practicing fall prevention techniques may help to prevent this. If you have foot pain for any reason, please contact a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat foot and ankle pain.

 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Research has shown that approximately 75% of the population worldwide spends their working day on their feet. These jobs can range from retail workers to assembly line and restaurant employees, and many of these people endure unwanted foot conditions. Additionally, muscle fatigue can lead to having heel and arch problems. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition among people who stand for the majority of the day. This occurs as a result of an inflamed plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the toes to the heels. Foot pain can lead to reduced productivity, and it is suggested that short breaks be taken as often as possible to elevate and rest the feet. It is beneficial to frequently shift positions, and wearing shoes that fit correctly will help tired muscles. If you stand during the day while working, please confer with a podiatrist who can inform you about coping methods that may help to reduce and avoid foot pain.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

The Achilles tendon connects the heel with the two large muscles of the calf, allowing the bending and flexing of the feet. As the largest tendon in the body, the Achilles tendon has the duty of raising the foot for walking, running, and other activities. In short, it is a workhorse. As a result, it is prone to overuse injuries. One of the main causes of Achilles tendonitis is overuse. This condition is especially prevalent among runners and other athletes who may do too much, too soon. Symptoms include inflammation, a crackling sound when the ankle is moved, swelling, and pain when walking uphill or climbing the stairs. In the acute form of Achilles tendonitis sudden pain, swelling, and difficulty walking will occur. With chronic Achilles tendonitis, symptoms like pain and difficulty walking may develop more slowly. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms at the back of the heel, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist at your earliest convenience. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.