Items filtered by date: August 2024

Falls are a significant concern in assisted living facilities, particularly among the elderly. As people age, physical changes like muscle weakness, balance issues, and vision problems increase the likelihood of falls. Additionally, cognitive impairments, such as dementia, can lead to confusion and poor judgment, further raising the risk. Falls are prevalent in this population, often leading to serious physical injuries, such as fractures, and mental effects, like fear of falling, which can reduce mobility and independence. The environment in assisted living facilities, with unfamiliar layouts and communal living spaces, can also contribute to the risk of falls. Factors like wearing  improper footwear, clutter, inadequate lighting, and lack of assistive devices play a role as well. If you or a loved one is living in an assisted living facility and have fallen and sustained a foot or ankle injury, or if you want to know more about preventing falls in this environment, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for treatment and counsel.

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 James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. 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 Safford, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Football players are particularly prone to ankle and foot injuries due to the sport’s high-impact nature and frequent lateral movements. Common injuries include sprains, where ligaments are stretched or torn, often from sudden changes in direction or contact. Fractures, such as those of the metatarsals or the ankle bones, occur from direct impacts or severe twists. Tendon injuries, like Achilles tendinitis, also pose a risk due to repetitive strain. Symptoms of these injuries typically include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area. Prevention strategies include wearing appropriate footwear with good support, incorporating strengthening exercises into training, and practicing proper techniques to reduce the risk of injury. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury while playing football, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for treatment, and offer you effective injury prevention techniques.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact James P. Huish, DPM of Arizona. Our doctor 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 office located in Safford, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people overlook their toes until they experience discomfort, but your toes and toenails can offer significant insights into your overall health. They may reveal signs of infections, side effects from medications, physical trauma, and autoimmune disorders. Toe pain can also point to chemical exposure, diabetes, kidney or liver diseases, and even skin cancer. Health issues often become apparent first in the extremities. Changes such as tingling, burning, and numbness should not be ignored. Discoloration or alterations in nail shape also can be early indicators of conditions like anemia or melanoma. For example, spoon-shaped nails can point to anemia, while dark vertical bands on the toenail might indicate melanoma. Cold or blue toes can be a sign of heart disease, and painful, inflamed toe joints could suggest arthritis. Regular visits to a podiatrist can help to detect these signs early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing more severe health issues. If you are experiencing toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact James P. Huish, DPM of Arizona. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Safford, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic limb salvage refers to medical efforts aimed at preventing amputation of limbs affected by complications of diabetes, such as neuropathy and peripheral artery disease. These conditions diminish sensation and blood flow to the extremities, increasing the risk of foot ulcers and infections that can lead to tissue damage and, in severe cases, amputation. Causes of diabetic limb salvage efforts include poor circulation, nerve damage, and impaired wound healing due to prolonged high blood sugar levels. Management involves regular foot exams, meticulous foot care, and maintaining optimal blood glucose levels. Treatment may include debridement of infected tissue, antibiotics, and advanced wound care techniques to promote healing. If you have diabetes, and serious foot conditions have occurred as a result, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition, which may include diabetic foot salvage.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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