If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
Falls among seniors often stem from changes in the feet and ankles that reduce stability and increase the risk of losing balance. Weakness in foot muscles, arthritis in the toe joints, or stiffness in the ankles can limit mobility and make walking less secure. Nerve damage or reduced sensation in the feet can cause difficulty in feeling the ground, which may lead to tripping or stumbling. Poorly fitting footwear, such as shoes that lack adequate support or flip-flops, can also increase the likelihood of a fall. Injuries from falls include sprains, fractures, or torn ligaments, which can have long-lasting effects on mobility and independence. A podiatrist can evaluate gait, check for structural changes in the feet, recommend supportive footwear, and, if needed, suggest surgery to correct deformities that impair balance. If you are a senior who has fallen or is experiencing stability issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.
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 Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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:
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 Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, and usually occurs in three varieties called interdigital, moccasin, and vesicular. Interdigital athlete’s foot typically appears between the toes, causing itching, redness, peeling, and sometimes cracking or bleeding skin. Moccasin athlete’s foot affects the soles and sides of the feet, leading to dry, scaly, and thickened skin. Vesicular athlete’s foot is characterized by small, itchy blisters that may appear on the soles or insteps. Causes include walking barefoot in moist, communal areas, wearing damp socks, and poor foot hygiene. The infection can feel itchy, burning, or uncomfortable, and the affected skin may appear red, flaky, or cracked. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete’s foot through a physical examination and skin scrapings, if needed. Treatment may include antifungal creams, oral medications, and advice on prevention. To address symptoms effectively, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively treat athlete's foot.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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 Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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
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 our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Gout is a form of arthritis that often affects the feet, especially the big toe joint, where it can cause sudden and intense pain. Attacks of gout occur when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream and forms sharp crystals that settle in the joints of the toes, feet, or ankles. During such a flare, the affected area may become red, swollen, warm, and tender, making it difficult to walk or even tolerate the pressure of a shoe, sock, or bed sheet. Men are more likely to develop gout in middle age, while the risk in women increases after menopause, often due to changes in protective hormones. Factors that contribute to gout include decreased kidney clearance of uric acid, hereditary influences, and metabolic disorders. Repeated flares can lead to chronic joint damage and tophi, which are hard deposits of uric acid crystals surrounding the toes and ankles. A podiatrist can diagnose gout in the feet and provide treatment to protect joint health. If you are experiencing the symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for help in managing this painful condition.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
