Preventing falls begins with daily habits that support strength, balance, and safety. Maintaining physical activities helps improve muscle control and stability, making it easier to stay steady on your feet. Moving slowly gives your body time to adjust and reduces the chance of sudden slips. Using non-slip mats can make floors safer, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. A walking aid can provide extra support when needed, and using a proper step stool helps you reach higher areas with reduced risk. A podiatrist can evaluate foot and ankle concerns, recommend supportive footwear, and offer guidance to enhance balance and mobility. If you have injured your feet or ankles from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and guide you on 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 Podiatry Services . 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 Murrieta, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Recurrent ankle sprains often occur when the ligaments that support the ankle become weakened or overstretched from previous injuries. Each sprain can stretch these ligaments further, reducing stability and making the ankle more prone to rolling inward or outward during activity. The most frequently affected ligament is the anterior talofibular ligament, which helps keep the ankle from turning excessively. Symptoms of recurring ankle sprains include pain, swelling, tenderness, and a sense that the ankle gives way. Chronic ankle instability can develop if the ligaments and surrounding muscles lose their ability to properly stabilize the joint. A podiatrist can assess the degree of ligament damage and evaluate ankle alignment through physical examination and imaging. In some cases, surgery may be required to restore ligament strength and joint stability. If you have repeatedly sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Services . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Murrieta, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain is common in fibromyalgia patients, with studies finding it in more than half of those living with the condition. This type of foot pain can make even simple tasks difficult, since it affects every step a person takes. Many describe burning on the bottoms of their feet, sharp pain when stepping on small objects, or discomfort when shoes press on their toes. Some even feel pain just from resting their feet on the floor. The exact cause is not fully known, but several factors may contribute. The band of tissue that supports the arch can become irritated, leading to heel or arch pain. Nerves in the feet can also become overly sensitive, causing normal pressure to feel intense. In some cases, the joint beneath the ankle that controls side-to-side motion may not move properly, adding to strain. If you have foot pain as a result of fibromyalgia, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Services . Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Murrieta, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenails can turn black for a number of reasons, including injury as well as more serious health concerns. Repetitive pressure from shoes that do not fit correctly can cause bleeding beneath the nail, which looks black. A single blunt injury, such as dropping something heavy on the toe, may also lead to black discoloration. Infections, especially fungal infections, can cause debris buildup that darkens the nail. Pigmentation changes and certain medical conditions, like diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease, may also affect nail color. In rare cases, a black toenail may be linked to melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer that can appear beneath the nail bed. A podiatrist can determine the source, recommend treatment, and address underlying problems that may be affecting the toes. If you have a discolored toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Services . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Murrieta, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.