September 2024

Falls among seniors are a significant concern, often resulting from a combination of factors. Common causes include muscle weakness, poor balance, vision problems, and environmental hazards like clutter or uneven floors. Medication side effects and medical conditions such as arthritis can also contribute to fall risk. To prevent falls, it is important to implement several practical strategies. Ensure the home environment is safe by removing trip hazards, installing grab bars, and improving lighting. Encourage regular exercise to enhance strength and balance like walking or specialized fall prevention classes. Regular eye exams and reviewing medications can also help address underlying issues. If you have injured your foot or ankle from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various conditions.

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 Dean Kim, DPM from Greater Texas Foot & Ankle Specialist. 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 Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sesamoiditis is a condition that causes pain beneath the base of the big toe. It is primarily due to inflammation or injury to the sesamoid bones, which are two small bones located under the first metatarsal head. Sesamoiditis is common among dancers, joggers, people with high-arched feet, or those who frequently wear high heels. The pain associated with sesamoiditis often intensifies during activities like walking, especially when barefoot or wearing certain shoes. It may be accompanied by swelling, warmth, or redness in the affected area. A podiatrist can diagnose sesamoiditis through a thorough examination of the foot, sometimes using imaging tests to rule out fractures or arthritis. Treatment typically involves reducing pressure on the sesamoid bones through the use of orthotics, offloading pads, or appropriately supportive footwear. If you are experiencing pain under the big toe, it is suggested that you schedi;e an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dean Kim, DPM of Greater Texas Foot & Ankle Specialist. 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 Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken toe, or toe fracture, occurs when one of the bones in the toe is cracked or shattered due to trauma or excessive stress. Common causes include stubbing the toe, dropping heavy objects on it, or repetitive pressure from ill-fitting shoes. Symptoms typically involve pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the toe. In some cases, the toe may appear deformed or misaligned. For mild relief, it is vital to rest the injured foot and avoid putting weight on it. Pain may be managed by taking mild pain relievers. Keeping the toe elevated and using a buddy tape technique, where the injured toe is taped to an adjacent toe for support, can also assist in recovery. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can make an accurate diagnosis and provide treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dean Kim, DPM from Greater Texas Foot & Ankle Specialist. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Working on your feet all day can lead to significant foot pain, especially for people in healthcare, retail, construction, and manufacturing. Standing for prolonged periods puts undue stress on your feet. It contributes to swelling, muscle tightness, and conditions such as plantar fasciitis. The type of surface you stand on, your posture, and even your footwear can all play roles in causing this discomfort. Over time, these factors may result in chronic pain that affects your ability to work and enjoy daily activities outside of work. Seeking the help of a podiatrist is important for addressing work-related foot pain. A podiatrist can evaluate your condition, recommend appropriate footwear, and provide custom orthotics or other treatments to relieve pain and prevent further injury. If you have foot pain related to standing at work, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dean Kim, DPM from Greater Texas Foot & Ankle Specialist. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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