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April 2023

Tuesday, 25 April 2023 00:00

How to Prevent Falls

Falls prevention is particularly important for the elderly population, who are more apt to suffer from fall-related injuries. Performing regular stretching and strengthening exercises are methods that can help to maintain balance. Ensuring loose carpets are adhered to the floor, halls are cleared of obstacles, and floors are dry,  can help to avoiding falling at home. It is beneficial for medications to be checked for side effects that may cause dizziness or fatigue. Having eyesight regularly checked and updating prescription eyeglasses will keep vision issues under control. Routinely going to the doctor for examinations can help with staying ahead of current or emerging health conditions, which may possibly lead to falling. For example, if blood pressure is low or arthritic joints are inflamed, falls are more likely to occur. If you have had previous falls, and sustained an injury to your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can help you in all of these areas, and guide you toward effective fall prevention techniques.

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 Jeannette Velazquez, DPM from Bare Foot Care Specialist. 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 Flowery Branch, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 18 April 2023 00:00

Contagious Athlete’s Foot

Atheltes’ foot is a common foot condition that may recur if prompt treatment is not received. It is considered to be a fungal infection, and is contagious. The fungus that causes this uncomfortable ailment lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, such as public swimming pools, shower room floors, and similar areas. Common symptoms of athlete’s foot can include itchiness between the toes, flaky skin, and small blisters may develop in severe cases. Temporary relief may be found when the feet are washed and dried, followed by applying an appropriate cream or powder. This will unlikely bring lasting results, and permanent relief can be obtained from a podiatrist who can prescribe correct medication. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult with this type of doctor who can offer you the treatment that is needed.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Jeannette Velazquez, DPM from Bare Foot Care Specialist. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

 

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 11 April 2023 00:00

Facts About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an auto-immune disease that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. The feet, which contain multiple joints, are often affected by this inflammatory condition. The immune system, instead of protecting the joints, sends antibodies into the lining of the joints causing the tissue surrounding the joint to become inflamed. This results in damage to the bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Many people are affected by RA, but most develop it between the ages of 40 and 50. Women are three times more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis than men, largely due to hormonal differences. Also, it affects many people who smoke or have a genetic tendency toward the disease. RA causes throbbing and aching pain, and may induce fatigue and fever along with a loss of appetite. Rheumatoid arthritis is not curable, but measures may be taken to reduce the symptoms. If you think you may have RA that is affecting your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment options. 

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Jeannette Velazquez, DPM of Bare Foot Care Specialist. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

  • Swelling and pain in the feet
  • Stiffness in the feet
  • Pain on the ball or sole of feet
  • Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 04 April 2023 00:00

Various Causes of Ankle Pain

The ankle joint is a complex structure involving bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves that work together to help you walk, stand, run, and jump. When any one of these elements becomes injured, you may experience mild, moderate, or severe ankle pain, depending on the cause. When the ankle becomes stiff, making it difficult to walk, the pain usually involves a sprain, a strain, or an inflamed tendon. Such stiffness may also be caused by arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis. A swollen ankle can be caused by several conditions, including arthritis, blood clots, or pregnancy. Heart and kidney disease can also result in a buildup of fluid in the ankles. A crunching or grinding sound in the ankle, termed crepitus, is most commonly caused by a bone spur or by hardened or brittle ligaments. This is often the result of arthritis and is more common among seniors. General weakness or instability in the ankles may be caused by overuse or from a previous injury. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer treatment options. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Jeannette Velazquez, DPM from Bare Foot Care Specialist. 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 tendinitis
  • 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 Flowery Branch, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Published in Blog
Monday, 03 April 2023 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Published in Blog
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