Research has shown millions of people fall every year, which could lead to disabilities or even death. Over the last 20 years the number of falls has increased more rapidly than any other type of injury, according to world health experts. It is beneficial to have programs in place that can teach balance and strength training to older individuals. Tai chi and yoga, which can fall into these categories, may improve overall health in addition to preventing falls. Many falls happen in the home, and installing grab bars in the toilet and shower areas may help to reduce these accidents. Additionally, it can help to replace worn rugs and improve lighting in the living areas. Falling can affect the feet, and it is crucial to avoid injuring the toes or feet. If you would like to learn more about effective fall prevention techniques, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist. 

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.

People may enjoy playing pickleball instead of tennis as it is less demanding on the body. It is wise to properly stretch the feet and ankles before engaging in this sport, which may help prevent chronic or acute injuries. Acute pain can be traumatic and is generally caused by a single event, such as falling and bracing the body with one hand. This may lead to incurring a broken wrist. Repeated stress over time may point to developing a chronic injury. An example of this can be reaching down to hit a low ball and repeating it several times throughout the match. A common injury people can get while playing pickleball can affect the Achilles tendon. This is located in the lower back of the leg and connects the heels to the calf muscles. This injury may be acute or chronic, and the Achilles tendon can become completely or partially torn. It is beneficial to stretch the heels and calf muscles before beginning to play pickleball, in addition to wearing proper shoes for this type of sport. If you would like more information about how the feet can be affected by a pickleball injury, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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 and ankle needs.

Babies are born with flat feet, but in a few years, this usually corrects itself. The arch begins to develop, and by the time they are 5 or 6 years old, most children have normal arches. Around 15-20 percent may have flexible flat feet by that age, which is generally painless and not considered to be a serious condition. However, in certain cases, a parent may want to pay attention to their child’s flat feet. First is if your child complains or demonstrates foot pain, and second is if one foot is flat and the other is not. Third is if the child’s feet seem to be getting flatter. And fourth is if the child has difficulty walking, running, or participating in sports. Treatment for problems of flat feet in children includes finding footwear that provides the necessary support. Other ways to treat a child’s flat feet are foot exercises that stretch and strengthen the feet, and wearing foot orthotics. Engaging in certain activities, such as hopping, swimming, and balance exercises, can also help. If you are concerned about how flat feet may be affecting your child, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a full examination. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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 and ankle needs.

There is no doubting what happens when a broken ankle occurs. This foot condition happens suddenly and is accompanied by extreme pain and discomfort. It is often difficult, if not impossible, to walk, and immediate medical attention is often sought for relief. The ankle is composed of three bones. The tibia is the large bone in the lower leg, referred to as the shinbone. The calf bone is called the fibula and is the smaller bone in the lower leg. The bone found between the heel bone, tibia, and fibula is known as the talus, and any of these bones can be fractured in the ankle. A diagnosis is often performed that can consist of having an X-ray taken, which successfully determines the severity of the injury. It is beneficial to keep weight off the foot as much as possible and wear a protective boot or cast. Many people use crutches to help provide mobility until the healing process has been completed. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can effectively treat this condition.

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

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

The overall health of the body can improve when frequent exercise is done. The feet are no exception, and stretching the feet may also help to protect the individual from injury. A good warm-up can be marching in place for several minutes, followed by performing specific foot exercises. While sitting in a chair with the feet flat on the floor, the ankle can be rotated in a clockwise direction for several seconds while the leg is lifted. This can be followed by circling the foot counterclockwise and repeating on the other foot. The bottom of the foot can be stretched by standing on the floor, while gently pressing the tops of the toes against the floor. This can help to strengthen the muscles in the top of the foot. The Achilles tendon controls the ability to point and flex the foot, and it is beneficial to properly warm this tendon up before running or jogging. This can be accomplished by standing on a step, and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. If you would like more information about effective stretches and exercises for the feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can provide you with useful knowledge.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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.

Plantar warts are essentially growths that can form on the soles of the feet due to contracting the human papillomavirus. Many patients who are trying to prevent the onset of plantar warts will ask podiatrists who can get plantar warts. The answer is that ultimately anyone can develop a plantar wart. However, certain types of people are more susceptible than others. For example, children attending school may be more susceptible than adults to developing plantar warts. Additionally, individuals living with weakened immune systems could be especially prone to developing plantar warts. This might include people with HIV and those on chemotherapy. If you are living with plantar warts, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today for treatment options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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 and ankle needs.