Items filtered by date: November 2024

Falling can significantly effect the feet, especially as people age. When an individual falls, the feet may suffer from sprains, fractures, or bruises. For older adults, the risk is heightened due to age-related changes in the feet. As one ages, the muscles and ligaments in the feet weaken, reducing balance and stability. The fat pads on the soles of the feet thin out, offering less cushioning and making the feet more vulnerable to injury upon impact. Additionally, conditions like arthritis, poor circulation, and reduced flexibility in aging feet can complicate recovery after a fall. Even minor injuries can cause lasting discomfort or difficulty walking. To protect the feet, it is important to wear supportive footwear, engage in balance-strengthening exercises, and ensure a safe living environment to prevent falls and reduce the risk of injury. If you have endured a foot injury from falling, it is suggested that you make an appointment 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 Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spurs are bony growths that can develop on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with plantar fasciitis. These spurs form as a result of prolonged stress and inflammation in the plantar fascia, which connects the heel to the toes. Symptoms of heel spurs can vary, but they commonly include sharp pain in the heel, particularly during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting. The pain may subside with movement but can return after standing or walking for extended periods. Individuals may also experience tenderness and swelling surrounding the heel area. While heel spurs themselves may not always cause pain, the associated conditions can lead to significant discomfort. If you have heel pain, it may be caused by a heel spur, and it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist. This type of doctor can accurately diagnose and treat heel spurs.

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 Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 our office located in Sheboygan, WI . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain and discomfort. This condition commonly affects the big toe and can result from various factors, including improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, or injury to the toe. Individuals with naturally curved toenails may also be more susceptible to developing this issue. Symptoms of an ingrown toenail include localized pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes pus drainage, indicating potential infection. As the condition worsens, walking and wearing shoes may become increasingly uncomfortable. Prompt attention to an ingrown toenail is important to alleviate pain and prevent further complications. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you seek prompt attention from a podiatrist who can treat this condition, perhaps involving surgery.

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 Steven Wolfington, DPM of Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Intoeing, commonly known as pigeon toes, is a condition where a child's feet turn inward instead of pointing straight ahead. This condition often appears in infants and young children and can involve one or both feet. In many cases, intoeing is due to natural variations in bone alignment and often improves as the child grows. For infants, the inward curve may be caused by a condition called metatarsus adductus, where the front part of the foot turns inward. As children get older, intoeing may be related to the twisting of the tibia, or shinbone, or the femur, or thighbone. While intoeing in children often resolves on its own without treatment, a podiatrist can evaluate the condition to determine if stretches, braces, or in rare cases, surgery may be required. Early consultation helps to ensure that your child's gait develops normally and prevents future complications. If your child is intoeing, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment options.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM of Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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