As one ages, the repercussions of falling increase. Studies show that people over 65 years old fall at least once a year. Further, one out of five falls results in serious injury. It is commonly held that safety proofing in the home is essential in preventing falls. Other experts agree that keeping a positive attitude and not being afraid of falling is just as important. One of the main recommendations is to have a plan in place in case you do fall. Some people use medical alert devices or carry a phone with them at all times. Practice getting up from the floor in order to be more prepared if you should take a tumble. Changing the way you handle problems is another way to prevent falls. For instance, ask for help rather than get on a ladder to reach a top shelf. Removing hazards, such as loose wiring and scatter rugs from your home is also recommended. Have walking aids available for times when you feel less sure on your feet. Balance and strength exercises are a good way to keep your legs and feet under you. See a podiatrist for more information on ways to prevent falling.

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 Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. 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 New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has indicated that wearing high heels is one of the most common reasons that women develop foot pain. Many women choose to wear high heels, despite knowing unwanted foot conditions may arise and could cause the need for lower heels. A bunion is a bony growth that forms on the side of the big toe which can result from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. High heels often fall into this category and bunions may be prevented by wearing shoes that have more room. Additionally, the calf may become painful which may be a gradual Achilles tendon injury developing. This tendon may become shortened when high heels are frequently worn and relief may be found when the calf muscles are stretched. High heels may cause permanent damage to the feet so it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist if you would like more information about tips on how to possibly avoid this.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

An open wound on the foot can be painful. It is defined as a break or cut in the skin, and in most cases, is found on the surface of the skin. More serious wounds affect the deeper tissues of the foot, and this can spread to the tendons, muscles, and nerves. Minor cuts are often treated by cleaning the wound, followed by covering it with a protective bandage. Stitches may be necessary to accelerate the healing process, in addition to possibly using an adhesive glue. For more serious wounds, medical attention is often sought for relief. The wound may become dirty, and this is the term that is used when germs have entered the wound. This can lead to a possible infection, and recovery instructions must be strictly followed to prevent scarring. If you have a wound on your foot, it is urgently suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide the best treatment for the type of foot wound you have.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Os trigonum syndrome refers to pain in the back of the ankle bone (the talus), usually the result of overuse or trauma. The os trigonum is an extra bone that is connected to the talus by a band of fibrous tissue. It is congenital (present at birth) and In most cases, the extra bone fuses with the talus, causing no problems. Os trigonum syndrome is generally kicked off by an injury, such as a sprained ankle. It also may be caused by excessive downward pointing of the foot, and is common to dancers and soccer players. In such cases, the os trigonum gets caught between the ankle and heel bones, in a nutcracker-like effect, which induces pain. This can tear the fibrous tissue surrounding it and result in inflammation. Rest, ice and elevation are the first level of treatment, but injections of cortisone and taking anti-inflammatory medication may also be needed. The pain from os trigonum syndrome is often confused with Achilles tendonitis. Please see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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 New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.