Items filtered by date: September 2024

Preventing falls for kids involves attention to both home and playground safety. At home, ensure windows have secure screens or safety locks to prevent accidental falls from high places. On playgrounds, choose equipment with soft surfaces like mulch or rubber to cushion falls and reduce injury risk. Additionally, secure kids properly in high chairs, car seats, and strollers to prevent slips and tumbles. Always supervise children closely during playtime and ensure they use age-appropriate equipment designed for their skill level. Regularly inspecting and maintaining playground equipment and ensuring home environments are free of hazards will help create safer spaces for children to play and explore. The feet can be seriously hurt from falling. If this has happened to your child, please consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer additional fall prevention tips.

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 one of our podiatrists from Premier Ankle & Foot Specialists. Our doctors 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 offices located in South York, West York, and East York, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Using a cane properly is vital for maintaining balance and mobility, especially when recovering from foot or ankle injuries or after surgery. Selecting the right cane is important, and the choice typically depends on how much support you require. A cane should be held in the hand opposite your weaker leg to provide optimal stability. When walking, advance the cane and your weaker leg simultaneously. This allows the cane to absorb some of the pressure. Ensure the cane is adjusted to your height, with the handle level with your wrist and your elbow slightly bent. For additional safety, always plant the cane firmly on the ground before putting your weight on it. Be mindful of your surroundings to avoid tripping hazards, but try to look forward when you walk. Proper technique for using a cane is essential to prevent strain and further injury. If you foot conditions that require using a cane, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Premier Ankle & Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in South York, West York, and East York, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Custom orthotics can be an essential part of treatment for both acute and long-term foot injuries, including bone fractures, soft tissue damage, and issues arising from neurological changes. These devices provide targeted support to stabilize the foot, promoting proper healing and reducing strain on injured areas. Podiatrists assess each patient’s unique needs, considering factors like injury type, foot structure, and movement patterns, to design orthotics that offer optimal support. The materials used in custom orthotics, such as EVA foam, carbon fiber, or thermoplastic, are chosen based on the patient’s specific requirements. In addition to wearing orthotics, incorporating targeted stretching exercises, balance work, and gait training can further enhance recovery. These complementary therapies improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and correct abnormal foot mechanics, making custom orthotics a valuable tool in both acute injury recovery and long-term foot health management. If you have sustained an acute or long-term foot injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether custom orthotics can aid in your healing.

Custom orthotics and shoe inserts are not just for cushioning the soles; they are about supporting the foundation of our body - our feet. The advantages extend far beyond immediate relief from discomfort. These personalized solutions, that Our doctors can prescribe, can significantly impact a person’s posture, alleviate pain in various parts of the body, and even enhance athletic performance.

As we lace up our shoes each day, having the right support can make a world of difference. Custom orthotics are like tailored suites for our feet, offering a bespoke solution to address our unique biomechanical needs. They provide stability where it is lacking, correct imbalances, and ensure that every step is a confident and pain-free one. 

Custom orthotics and shoe inserts offer long-term health benefits. By addressing issues such as overpronation or underpronation, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, etc. orthotics can help prevent injuries and mitigate the progression of existing conditions. It’s an investment not just in the present, but in the future health of your feet and consequently, your overall well-being. 

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in South York, West York, and East York, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain during running can arise from various causes, often linked to improper footwear or faulty running techniques. One common issue is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, causing heel pain. Another frequent cause is metatarsalgia, which involves pain in the ball of the foot due to excessive pressure or improper shoe support. Running with worn-out or ill-fitting shoes can worsen these conditions by failing to provide adequate cushioning and support. Overuse injuries, such as stress fractures, may also contribute to foot pain, particularly if the runner increases intensity too quickly. Ensuring proper footwear, incorporating appropriate warm-up exercises, and gradually increasing mileage can help prevent and alleviate these common foot pain issues while running. If you have persistent foot pain or have injured your foot while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Premier Ankle & Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in South York, West York, and East York, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Metatarsal stress fractures are common injuries among athletes, particularly those engaged in high-impact sports like running, basketball, dance, and soccer. These fractures occur when repetitive stress is placed on the long bones of the foot, called metatarsals, leading to tiny cracks that can develop into more serious injuries if not addressed. The fifth metatarsal is particularly prone to stress fractures due to the unique forces it endures during physical activity. Athletes are at greater risk because of the constant and repetitive strain their feet experience during training and competition. Symptoms include localized pain and swelling, which can worsen with continued activity. A podiatrist uses techniques such as activity modification, orthotics, and sometimes immobilization to promote healing. Early intervention by a podiatrist can prevent complications and ensure a quicker return to sports. If you have foot pain after physical activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if you have metatarsal stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Premier Ankle & Foot Specialists. Our doctors 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 offices located in South York, West York, and East York, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.