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August 2023

Tuesday, 29 August 2023 00:00

Tips for Preventing Falls Among the Elderly

Falling presents a significant threat to the well-being of older adults, often leading to severe injuries, hospitalization, and sometimes death. With age, the risk of falling can increase as a result of health issues such as arthritis, muscle weakness, and poor balance. Tips for preventing falls can start with evaluating prescription medications that may affect balance. It is beneficial to create a safer home environment by keeping pathways clear of cords and removing loose carpets or rugs. Installing additional lighting in dim areas and staircases, and placing nightlights in key locations are effective fall prevention techniques. Additional methods can consist of decluttering living spaces, especially around stairs and narrow passageways, and installing handrails on both sides of steps, indoors and outdoors. Put grab bars near the toilet and bathtub, and use non-slip mats in the bathroom. Choose shoes with secure soles and proper back support, avoiding loose slippers or socks. A podiatrist can aid in the prevention of falls through assessments of balance, strength, and walking gait. For more information, it is suggested that you make an appointment with this type of doctor who can guide you toward living in a safe environment.

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. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. 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 one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 22 August 2023 00:00

Dealing With Neuropathic Foot Ulcers

Neuropathic foot ulcers, commonly occurring in individuals with conditions like diabetes or spinal cord injuries, pose significant challenges to foot health. Ulcers form at the site of wounds that won’t heal, causing redness, pain, and inflammation. Treating neuropathic foot ulcers involves several strategies to ensure successful healing and avoid complications. Wound care is essential, involving regular cleansing, dead tissue removal, and proper dressing application to help prevent infections. Specialized shoes or casts can minimize pressure and enhance the healing process. Medications, such as antibiotics and analgesics, can aid in pain control, ward off infection, and accelerate wound healing. Proper management of underlying medical conditions, like diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, also helps to prevent neuropathic ulcers. Lifestyle modifications, including quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and performing regular exercises, are other ways to reduce risk. A vigilant foot care routine, control of blood sugar levels, and safeguarding the feet against injuries are three important preventative factors. For help with foot ulcers, it is suggested that you make regular appointments with a podiatrist who is trained to deal with this condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 15 August 2023 00:00

Heel Pain in Growing Kids

Sever's disease is a common condition that causes heel pain in children experiencing growth spurts. It primarily affects active kids involved in sports and physical activities. This condition occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress and tension on the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the bone. As children grow, the bones often grow faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, leading to this painful condition. Sever's disease usually affects children and young teenagers between the ages of 8 to 14 years old. The treatment for Sever's disease focuses on relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Rest, and avoiding activities that aggravate the condition are the primary treatment measures. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises may help improve flexibility and reduce stress on the affected area. In some cases, heel pads or orthotic shoe inserts may be recommended to provide additional support and cushioning. If the pain persists or worsens, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for proper evaluation and guidance on managing Sever's disease effectively.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

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Friday, 11 August 2023 00:00

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

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Much attention is placed on finding the proper running shoes for your feet and the type of running you will be doing. However, finding the right socks can be equally important to avoid discomfort and injury while running. The right running socks can help to prevent blisters, pad the feet, offer support, and wick away moisture. Running socks have certain attributes that normal socks don’t have. First, they are seamless, which can help to eliminate the rubbing and friction that encourages the formation of blisters. Second, while wearing running socks may not be the same as having insoles, many will contain a compression band that adds support and improves the fit. Third, many running socks also include cushioning for the ball of the foot and the heel. Finally, double-layer socks absorb the friction between the layers rather than on the skin. For more help with this and other ways to prevent running injuries, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Jonathan Kletz of Texas Foot Works. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Many people experience some kind of foot, toe, heel, or ankle pain for which they may require medical assistance. A podiatrist is a foot doctor who is educated and trained to examine, diagnose, and treat such problems as plantar fasciitis, bunions, gout, and sports-related injuries. This type of doctor can also help with issues that persist or worsen, including ingrown toenails, corns and calluses, athlete’s foot, blisters, and cracked heels. A podiatrist is specially trained to help patients deal with foot problems caused by diabetes, such as peripheral neuropathy and peripheral artery disease. These conditions can lead to serious problems, such as foot ulcers, and regular checkups with a podiatrist are essential. Podiatrists also help patients with biomechanical foot problems, such as overpronation and flat feet, by providing custom orthotic devices that fit precisely to the shape of the foot. In addition, they can deal with ankle sprains, stress fractures, and broken bones. A podiatrist is also able to give guidance on the right type of shoes to wear to address the foot problems you may be experiencing. If you need help with any foot-related issue, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

  • Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
  • Use innovative methods to treat conditions
  • Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
  • Correct walking patterns and balance
  • Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

 

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