Falls are a leading cause of injury among seniors and often result from changes in balance, muscle strength, vision, or hearing. Chronic conditions and medication side effects can also affect coordination and stability. Additionally, household hazards like loose rugs or poor lighting increase the risk. Preventing falls starts with wearing supportive, non-slip shoes, improving home lighting, and engaging in exercises that build strength and balance. Regular foot care also plays an important role in stability and confidence while walking. A podiatrist can evaluate foot health, recommend proper footwear, and address pain or mobility issues that contribute to falls. If you have fallen and have injured your foot or ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional falls 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 Foot Doctors of Utica. 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 Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle pain while running can affect performance and increase the risk of injury, if not properly addressed. Choosing the right running shoes with good support and cushioning can help reduce stress on the joints. Learning proper running techniques, such as landing softly and maintaining good posture, helps prevent unnecessary strain. Additionally, stretching before and after running improves flexibility and reduces tightness in the muscles and tendons surrounding the ankle. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, gait, and footwear to identify the source of pain and create a personalized treatment or prevention plan. If you have ankle pain and enjoy running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, enabling you to return to running comfortably and safely.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions are a common foot deformity that develop when the tip of the big toe shifts toward the second toe, causing a bony bump to form on the side of the foot. This misalignment can be caused by inherited foot structure, wearing tight or narrow shoes, arthritis, or repeated stress on the joint. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing shoes. The area may feel sore to the touch and can become more painful with walking or standing for long periods. Over time, bunions may worsen and affect mobility. A podiatrist can diagnose a bunion through a physical examination and X-rays to assess the severity. Treatment options include footwear changes, custom orthotics, padding, and anti-inflammatory medications. In more severe cases, surgical correction may be necessary to realign the joint. Early intervention can relieve discomfort and prevent progression. To explore effective solutions for bunion pain and deformity, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.