Staying healthy and fit as you age will help you avoid falling. This is particularly important for people with diabetes, whose balance can be compromised from complications such as peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), hypoglycemia, diabetic retinopathy (vision problems), as well as joint pain, and osteoporosis (bone damage). If you are experiencing balance issues or pain that is affecting your mobility, consult with a podiatrist who may be able to prescribe diabetic shoes and/or custom orthotics that will offer better support and alignment, to help you walk better. You can also discuss the possibility of improving your balance by strengthening your muscles and maintaining bone density with various gentle forms of exercise and physical therapy. Your podiatrist can also offer various forms of treatment to help relieve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

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. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. 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 Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spurs, or “enthesophytes,” develop on the heel of the foot. There are two types of heel spurs associated with different heel problems. One type of heel spur is called a Plantar Spur. It is linked to a problem called “Heel Spur Syndrome” and is a bone spur that develops on the bottom of the heel, on the sole of the foot where the plantar fascia (a band of fibrous tissue that stretches along the bottom of the foot) connects to the heel bone. People who have plantar fasciitis are prone to developing these kinds of spurs, which are the bone’s response to stress from straining foot muscles and ligaments, overstretching the plantar fascia, or repeated tearing of the thin lining of the heel bone. They are also associated with age, obesity, and osteoarthritis. Heel spurs are less likely to feel painful. The other type of heel spur is a Dorsal Spur and is connected to a problem called “Insertional Achilles Tendonitis,” a condition where a bone spur develops at the back of the heel, where the Achilles tendon fits into the bone. If you notice a bony protrusion on the heel of your foot or have pain in this area, it is best to consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and recommend proper treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Wilson, NC . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

The most common symptom of hammertoe is when the toe(s) bends or curls downward instead of pointing forward. This deformity can occur as a result of having arthritis, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from a toe injury. Patients can develop this condition from genetic factors or from having corns or bunions. Hammertoe can cause difficulty in walking, and it may cause pain when the toes are wiggled. A proper diagnosis is necessary in determining the severity of the condition. This is accomplished by performing a physical examination or by having an X-ray taken. Mild relief may be found when a protective covering is worn over the affected toe. Additionally, surgery may be necessary if the toe is unable to move. Surgery can be successful in restoring full range of motion, realigning the tendons and joints, and to remove the injured or deformed bone. If you have a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer proper treatment solutions.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell of InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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