Connect With Us
Hardly anyone thinks about how to walk. After all, we’ve been doing it for years. However, it turns out that ankle flexion, which is one of the components of each step you take, can decrease with age. This loss means taking a shorter stride, landing with flat feet, and putting more space between the feet as you walk. The result is a side-to-side motion that could affect your balance and put you at risk of falling. And rather than transferring the weight from one foot to the other with each step, you end up performing more of a shuffle. This also forces you to look down as you walk, putting your body out of alignment and increasing the risk. An easy solution is to exercise your ankles as often as possible, while watching TV or anytime you are resting. Just push your ankle up and down several times on each foot. Another exercise is the heel press, which stretches the calf muscles and improves flexion of the ankles. Before undertaking any new exercise regime, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a podiatrist who can measure your ankle flexion and monitor your activity.
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 Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. 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 offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve, which runs through a canal near the heel and into the sole of the foot. When the posterior tibial nerve is compressed, symptoms such as foot and ankle pain, burning, tingling, and numbness can arise. This condition is typically treated through conservative methods. These include resting and icing the affected foot, taking over-the-counter pain medications, wearing orthotics, immobilizing the foot, physical therapy, and steroid injections. In severe cases where conservative treatments have failed, decompression surgery may be needed. To learn more about tarsal tunnel syndrome, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM of SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.
Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.
Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.
You probably have an ingrown toenail if the side of your toe turns red and sore and begins to swell. The main cause of this condition is that the nail pushes into the skin surrounding it and takes hold. One cause is wearing shoes that fit improperly, allowing little room in the toe box for your toes to move. Another cause is cutting toenails improperly. Nails that are rounded or trimmed down at the corners are at risk of becoming ingrown. The first way to avoid ingrown toenails is to cut your nails straight across. Second, try not to pick at your toenails or tear them off at the corners. Third, avoid wearing high heels with pointy toes and shoes that constrict your feet. If the affected toe swells and becomes filled with fluid or pus, it is likely infected. It is a good idea to seek immediate help from a podiatrist who can drain the area and treat it properly. If recurring ingrown toenails are a problem, it may be wise to make regular foot care appointments.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM of SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
During physical activity such as walking or running, the heel is designed to absorb the impact of your body weight. Because of this, heel pain can have a drastic or even debilitating effect on your everyday life. The leading cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toes, becomes partially torn or inflamed. Another common source of heel pain called heel spurs, takes place when calcium builds up under the heel and protrudes out. Heel bursitis may cause heel pain, and this develops when there is inflammation in the fluid-filled fibrous sac under the heel bone. Pain can also arise when the fat pad at the bottom of the heel, which protects the heel bone, wears down over time. There are many other possible sources of heel pain. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your heels, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM of SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. 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?
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 contact our offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Connect With Us