When a senior grows older, it is common for the strength in their feet to be diminished. As a result, they might be likely to fall due to this diminished strength, which might, in turn, further injure the feet. The grocery store is one such place in which a senior might be particularly susceptible to suffering a fall. For example, there might be fluids on the floor that could prove to be especially slippery. Also, it is possible that items and products might have fallen from the shelves, creating tripping hazards for seniors. It can be important to do all you can to prevent falling in the grocery store to protect your feet from injury. One important way to do this is to improve mobility and strength in the feet. If you are a senior, you might contact a podiatrist today for more information on how you can prevent falls and to receive treatment for any foot condition you might have. 

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 Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. 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 office located in Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The pain from the foot condition which is known as Morton’s neuroma is felt in the ball of the foot. Patients notice the sensation can feel like a pebble is in the shoe or sock and can be uncomfortable. A common reason why Morton’s neuroma may develop can be from frequently wearing high heels. The small narrow toe box generally does not provide adequate room for the toes to move freely and can cause the nerve that lies between the third and fourth toes to become compressed and irritated. People who participate in sports such as tennis, running, and racquetball also may be prone to developing this condition. In severe cases, there may be a tingling or numbing sensation under the toes, and a burning feeling may radiate to the ball of the foot. An MRI may be suggested, and this is often helpful in ruling out an existing lesion. If you have symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can help you with relief and treatment methods.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Heel spurs are often uncomfortable, and patients may benefit from performing certain types of stretches and exercises. These may help to lengthen the plantar fascia, which can reduce stress on the heel. Calf stretches can be effective in finding relief from heel spurs. This is done by standing on a step and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. The foot can be slowly rocked back and forth, which can help loosen the plantar fascia. An additional stretch for plantar fascia is done by sitting on the floor with the affected foot crossed over the opposite knee. This is followed by taking a towel or similar object, wrapping it around the sole of the foot, and stretching the foot towards the body. Heel spurs may be prevented by wearing shoes that fit correctly and by limiting time walking and standing on hard surfaces. If you have a heel spur, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment and prevention methods.

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 one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors 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 Brunswick, ME . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Bunions can be particularly difficult for runners to deal with, as the big toe absorbs a great deal of force with every step taken. Luckily, there are a few measures that a runner with bunions can practice to reduce the effect of having this toe deformity. A bunion develops when the bottom of the big toe juts outward and the top of the big toe is pushed inward toward the other toes. This shift in bone structure then affects other parts of the foot and can lead to metatarsal pain in the ball of the foot, blisters, corns, and other painful foot or toe problems. Rest, orthotics, and ice are some ways to alleviate the pain of runners with bunions. But bunion surgery is often the last resort. Recovery time can be up to three months, and wearing protective boots or some type of cast is often recommended. A podiatrist can offer a realistic time frame for recovery from bunion surgery and recommend a plan for getting back to running. If your bunions are making running more and more painful, please consult a podiatrist for treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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