Items filtered by date: November 2024

Falling can significantly effect the feet, especially as people age. When an individual falls, the feet may suffer from sprains, fractures, or bruises. For older adults, the risk is heightened due to age-related changes in the feet. As one ages, the muscles and ligaments in the feet weaken, reducing balance and stability. The fat pads on the soles of the feet thin out, offering less cushioning and making the feet more vulnerable to injury upon impact. Additionally, conditions like arthritis, poor circulation, and reduced flexibility in aging feet can complicate recovery after a fall. Even minor injuries can cause lasting discomfort or difficulty walking. To protect the feet, it is important to wear supportive footwear, engage in balance-strengthening exercises, and ensure a safe living environment to prevent falls and reduce the risk of injury. If you have endured a foot injury from falling, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 Highlands Foot and Ankle. 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 Waco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain while walking is a common issue that can stem from various causes. One of the most prevalent reasons is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Overuse from excessive walking or running can also contribute to heel pain, particularly in individuals who do high-impact activities. Other factors include wearing improper footwear, which may lack support or cushioning, and conditions like Achilles tendinitis or heel spurs. To find relief, it is important to rest and reduce activity levels, allowing the heel to heal. Stretching exercises for the calves and plantar fascia can improve flexibility. Additionally, using supportive footwear or custom orthotics can provide the necessary support. Heel pain can cause difficulty in completing daily tasks, and it is suggested that a podiatrist is consulted who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Highlands Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Orthotics play a critical role in managing foot and ankle disorders, especially as part of conservative treatment. Typically, non-surgical approaches are preferred before considering more invasive procedures. Orthotics are customized to address specific foot problems, ranging from congenital disorders to injuries and overuse conditions. For congenital issues, orthotics can help correct alignment and support normal foot function. In sports-related injuries, orthotics may provide added stability, relieve pressure, and enhance biomechanics to prevent further injury. For overuse disorders, such as plantar fasciitis or tendonitis, orthotics are designed to reduce strain and promote healing by redistributing weight and absorbing shock. By tailoring orthotics to the individual’s unique foot structure and needs, podiatrists can effectively address pain, improve function, and prevent further damage. This offers patients a conservative, yet impactful, treatment option for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. If you have a foot condition and want to know if custom orthotics can help you, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and professional opinion.

Custom orthotics are specialized shoe inserts created to support and align the feet according to each person’s unique structure and walking pattern. They are an effective way to relieve foot discomfort caused by conditions such as flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel pain. When the natural alignment of the foot is off balance, it can lead to pressure points, strain, and pain that affect how a person stands, walks, and moves. Orthotics work by redistributing weight evenly and supporting the arch to reduce stress on the muscles, tendons, and joints of the feet and lower legs.

Foot discomfort can develop for many reasons, including wearing improper footwear, long hours of standing, repetitive motion, or underlying structural problems. Over time, this discomfort can extend beyond the feet, contributing to knee, hip, or lower back pain. Custom orthotics help correct these issues by improving alignment and promoting more efficient movement. They are made using precise measurements and imaging to ensure the best fit for each patient, providing targeted support and cushioning where it is needed most.

Unlike generic insoles, custom orthotics are durable, medically designed, and tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply seeking better comfort and stability, orthotics can make a noticeable difference in how your feet feel throughout the day.

If you are experiencing persistent foot discomfort or fatigue, it may be time to have your feet evaluated by a podiatrist. Call our office today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Waco, TX . 

Ankle pain when walking can have several causes, ranging from injury to underlying medical conditions. Common injuries like sprains or strains occur when ligaments or muscles in the ankle are overstretched or torn, often from twisting or rolling the ankle. Ankle bruising, fractures, or breaks can also result in significant discomfort, especially when weight is placed on the joint. Conditions such as osteoarthritis and gout can lead to chronic ankle pain. Osteoarthritis pain is the result of cartilage breakdown between the bones, while gout is inflammation caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the ankle joint. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of ankle pain and offer appropriate treatment options. If you experience ankle pain when you walk, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Highlands Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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