Items filtered by date: December 2024

Falls are a significant concern for older adults, as they can lead to serious injuries and a decline in overall health. Several risk factors contribute to falls in this age group, including a fear of falling, which can limit mobility and lead to a decline in physical activity. Loss of strength and balance also increases the risk of falling, as muscles weaken with age. Poor vision, medications that cause dizziness, and environmental hazards such as slippery floors or poor lighting further elevate the risk. To prevent falls, older adults should engage in strength and balance exercises to maintain mobility and flexibility. Wearing proper footwear with a good grip can also help prevent slips. Removing hazards from the home, such as rugs or clutter, and installing grab bars in key areas can make the living environment safer. Regular eye exams and medication reviews are also important in reducing fall risks. If you have sustained a foot injury from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and treatment solutions, and guide you on successful 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 Summit Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Walking is an excellent way to stay healthy, improving heart health, boosting mood, and supporting weight management. However, your feet bear the impact of every step, so proper care is essential for a safe and comfortable walking routine. Start by choosing well-fitting footwear with good arch support, cushioning, and a roomy toe box. Replace shoes when they show signs of wear, as worn-out soles can lead to discomfort or injury. Pay attention to your feet after walking. Look for signs of blisters, redness, or pain, which may indicate improper footwear or overuse. Stretch your feet and calves regularly to maintain flexibility and avoid stiffness. Use moisture-wicking socks to prevent irritation and keep feet dry. If foot pain or issues develop, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist. They can address concerns and guide you toward a pain-free, enjoyable walking routine.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken toe can cause sudden pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. The toe may appear crooked or misaligned, and in some cases, you might hear a popping sound at the time of injury. Common causes of broken toes include dropping heavy objects on the foot, stubbing your toe, or sports-related accidents. Treatment for a broken toe often involves elevation to reduce swelling and pain. Depending on the severity of the fracture, your podiatrist may recommend buddy taping the toe or using a special shoe to protect it while it heals. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to realign the bones. While many broken toes can heal on their own, it is important to visit a podiatrist to ensure the injury is properly diagnosed and treated. Improper treatment can lead to long-term pain or deformity. If you think you may have a broken toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Capsulitis of the foot is an inflammation of the ligament-like capsule surrounding a joint, most commonly affecting the second toe at the ball of the foot. It occurs when excessive pressure or stress causes irritation, often due to improper footwear, abnormal foot mechanics, or activities that involve repetitive forefoot impact. People with high arches, flat feet, or a second toe longer than the big toe are more prone to developing capsulitis. Symptoms include pain under the ball of the foot, swelling, and a sensation of walking on a marble. The second toe may also appear elevated or shift out of alignment. Early treatment is important and includes wearing supportive footwear and avoiding high-impact activities. Surgery is rarely needed to correct the issue. If you have symptoms of capsulitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spur surgery may be recommended when chronic heel pain does not improve with non-surgical treatments. Heel spurs are bony outgrowths on the calcaneus, often linked to conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. Heel spur surgery aims to alleviate pain by removing the bone spur and addressing the underlying issue. Procedures vary based on the spur's location. Inferior spurs, which develop on the bottom of the heel, are often treated alongside plantar fasciitis release surgery. Posterior spurs, which occur near the Achilles tendon, require more complex techniques. Treatment may involve open surgery or less invasive endoscopic methods, with recovery typically taking several weeks to months. Risks include nerve damage, foot instability, or prolonged discomfort. A podiatrist can guide you through diagnosis, recommend the appropriate treatment, and support your recovery. If you are suffering from heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

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 Summit Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.