Osteoarthritis, or OA, is a degenerative joint disease that can increase the risk of falls, especially in older adults. When OA affects the feet, it leads to joint stiffness, pain, and limited mobility, which can make walking and balancing difficult. In the feet, OA commonly affects the ankles and toes, causing discomfort with every step and reducing stability. To prevent falls, people with osteoarthritis should focus on maintaining mobility and strengthening muscles surrounding the affected joints. Wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes and using custom orthotics can improve balance and reduce pain. A podiatrist can provide valuable care by fitting custom orthotics, recommending appropriate footwear, and guiding patients through foot-specific exercises that enhance stability and reduce the risk of falls. If you have osteoarthritis of the feet or ankles, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health care team for routine exams and help with falls prevention.
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 Richard DiBacco, DPM from Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc.. 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 one of our offices located in Erie and Meadville, PA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Heel pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life. Simple activities like walking can become incredibly uncomfortable or painful due to heel pain.
Don’t live with heel pain and get treated.
A broken ankle, or ankle fracture, occurs when one or more of the bones in the ankle joint break. The ankle is made up of three main bones, the tibia or shinbone, the fibula which is the outer bone of the lower leg, and the talus or foot bone. These fractures can happen due to various causes, including falls, sports injuries, or accidents. Symptoms of a broken ankle often include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. In some cases, you may even hear a popping or snapping sound at the time of injury. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to ensure proper healing and to avoid long-term complications. If you suspect you have a broken ankle, it is important to seek medical attention. It is suggested you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist to get the care you need to get back on your feet.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Richard DiBacco, DPM from Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
- Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
- Swelling around the area
- Bruising of the area
- Area appears to be deformed
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Erie and Meadville, PA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Plantar heel pain is a common injury among athletes, often caused by conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or heel spurs. The biomechanics of each sport can influence the risk. Runners face repetitive impact, while soccer players endure sudden changes in direction. Proper shoe gear is key as supportive footwear can help absorb shock and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. Additionally, the playing surface matters. Harder surfaces like concrete can worsen heel pain due to increased impact. A thorough evaluation can help differentiate between these injuries. Addressing biomechanics, footwear, and training practices is important for prevention and recovery, enabling athletes to return to their routines. If your heel pain persists or impedes your daily activities, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist. This foot doctor can assess your condition, provide tailored treatment options, and help you get back to your sport pain-free.
Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Richard DiBacco, DPM from Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc.. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Injuries
The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
- Broken Foot
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Stress Fractures
- Turf Toe
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.
Treatment
Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Erie and Meadville, PA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.