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Education and Falls Prevention

Monday, 25 June 2018

Recent research has shown that falls are the leading cause of injuries for people who are 65 and older. This may often result in fractures occurring in various parts of the body, typically resulting in pain and discomfort. Elderly people may benefit from the help of caretakers who may be able to provide education about how to prevent falling. It’s important to inquire about the status of their last vision appointment, and this may determine if aging eyes may be a factor in unnecessary falling. Additionally, many elderly people have difficulty in keeping track of medications that need to be taken, and regular discussions of proper dosages should be adhered to. The efficiency of certain medications may change over time, and side effects may develop, which can lead to falling. It may be helpful to walk through the house to ensure there is adequate lighting, in addition to installing bars in the shower and toilet areas. These practices may allow elderly people to enjoy their lives by diminishing the risk of falling.

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 Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. 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 Berkeley Heights, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Symptoms and Causes of Sesamoiditis

Monday, 18 June 2018

If an injury from overuse of the tendons in the foot should occur, it may be a condition known as sesamoiditis. The bones in the feet that are connected to the muscles are referred to as sesamoids, and the surrounding area may become inflamed and tender if an injury should happen. This is a condition that is commonly seen in athletes and ballet dancers, and may also develop as a result of wearing poorly fitting shoes or high heels. It’s important to obtain a proper diagnoses, and this can be accomplished by visiting a podiatrist who will check for tenderness around the ball of the foot. Treatment may begin with ceasing any activity that caused sesamoiditis. Research has shown the importance of keeping pressure off the sole of the foot in addition to elevating the affected foot. If extra cushioning is needed, please consult with a podiatrist for information about custom-made orthotics.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Janet Leicht of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

Sudden increase in activity
Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

Basic Steps for Everyday Foot Care

Monday, 11 June 2018

It’s common for many people to overlook their feet until they begin to experience pain and discomfort. Research has shown it’s beneficial for the body to engage in daily foot care. There are certain foot conditions that may develop as a result of not paying attention to any symptoms that may develop. These may lead to serious foot ailments including cracked skin, fungal infections or ingrown toenails. One of the first steps that may be implemented in maintaining healthy feet is to make sure the shoes that are worn fit properly. The optimum time to try shoes on is later in the day, when the feet are at their largest. Additional ways of keeping the feet strong is to learn and practice stretching exercises designed specifically for the ankles and feet. This may aid in the muscles, tendons and ligaments becoming stronger which may alleviate general foot discomfort.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Monday, 04 June 2018

An ingrown toenail is an uncomfortable foot condition that occurs when the corners of the nail grow into the skin. Evidence of this ailment may include redness, swelling and tenderness. The toenail may often become infected if treatment doesn't commence as soon as symptoms appear. Severe pain often accompanies ingrown toenails and may affect the skin surrounding the infected toenail. People who do not trim their toenails properly and wear shoes that are too tight are likely to develop ingrown toenails. Research has shown that soaking the nail in warm salt water followed by thoroughly drying the feet may aid in the healing process of ingrown toenails. If you have medical conditions such as diabetes or a loss of feeling that is often associated with neuropathy, it’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist about how to treat ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Janet Leicht of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

Improper toenail trimming
Genetics
Improper shoe fitting
Injury from pedicures or nail picking
Abnormal gait
Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

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