If you need a more accessible version of this website, click this button on the right.Switch to Accessible Site

October 2020

Monday, 26 October 2020 00:00

Methods That Can Help to Prevent Falling

Once a person falls, they have an increased risk of falling again. This can be caused by a fear of falling, and may prevent daily activities from being accomplished. Painful foot conditions may develop from falling, and it is beneficial to implement safety techniques in the household. These can include installing grab bars in the shower and toilet areas, and improving lighting in the living environment. Additionally, it is suggested that regular eye an hearing exams be completed yearly. An effective falls prevention technique can also consist of engaging in a routine exercise program, which can help to strengthen the body. If you would like more information about how falling can affect the feet along with successful prevention methods, please consult 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 Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. 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 Killeen, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Falls Prevention
Monday, 19 October 2020 00:00

What Happens During a Lisfranc Injury?

The five metatarsal bones, plus the tendons and ligaments that create the arch at the top of the foot and connect the midfoot to the forefoot, are known as the Lisfranc joint complex. These ligaments and tendons can be sprained, or the metatarsal bones can be fractured, resulting in what is known as a “Lisfranc Injury.” Because the Lisfranc joint transfers force through the toes and allows pushing off, most injuries to this area involve upward, downward, or twisting forces to the foot. Lisfranc injuries are common in sports like football, when the foot is stepped on, twisted while pointing, or stepped on while facing down. Most Lisfranc injuries require 6 weeks of avoiding weight-bearing activities, followed by rehab. Surgery may be necessary as well. If you believe that you have suffered a Lisfranc injury, it is important to consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible. This will allow for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Read more about Sports Related Foot And Ankle Injuries
Thursday, 15 October 2020 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Monday, 12 October 2020 00:00

Obesity and Foot Pain in Older Adults

Obesity is a growing public health problem around the world. Being obese is detrimental to one’s overall health and can affect many different parts of the body, including the feet. Men who are severely obese, which is characterized by having a body mass index (BMI) number over 35, are at a higher risk for foot pain and hammertoes. Women who have a BMI over 25 are at a higher risk of experiencing foot pain. Because the feet carry the weight of the entire body every day, the more weight the feet have to carry, the greater the potential risk of developing foot pain. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

Read more about Obesity and the Feet
Monday, 05 October 2020 00:00

How Do Stress Fractures Occur?

Stress fractures are small hairline fractures that usually occur due to the foot no longer being able to handle the load being placed on it. This is a common result of overuse and repetitive motion, and leads to an increased risk of stress fractures for athletes such as runners, soccer players and dancers. Those who suffer from health problems such as osteoporosis or an abnormal gait are also at a higher risk for developing a stress fracture. While stress fractures can happen in any bone in the foot, they most commonly occur in 3 places: the metatarsal bones (near the mid foot), the calcaneus bone (or heel bone), or the navicular bone (top of the foot). Common symptoms of a stress fracture include tenderness, pain deep in the foot, weakness, intermittent pain, changes in foot biomechanics, sharp pain, swelling and bruising. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to consult with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Read more about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Connect with us