It is beneficial for elderly people to get routine medical examinations throughout the year. This may be helpful in preventing falling episodes, which can be a common occurrence among seniors. Existing medication can be reviewed, in addition to ensuring the legs maintain the strength that is needed to complete daily activities. Performing a gentle exercise and stretching routine may help the body to become stronger, and this often helps to increase flexibility. Additionally, the living environment may have to be readjusted. This can include improving the lighting, removing torn rugs, and installing grab bars in the shower and toilet area. It is important to know how falling may impact the feet, and if you would like more information about how to prevent falling, please schedule 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 Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. 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 offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Severe pain in the big toe is a common symptom of gout. It is a form of arthritis that attacks the joints in the toes, and additional signs of this condition can include swelling and redness. The risk of getting gout may be increased by having existing medical ailments that can include diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Outside influences may consist of genetic factors, eating foods that have high purine levels, and drinking excess alcohol. Gout attacks may be prevented by eating healthy foods, and incorporating a gentle exercise program into your daily routine. It is important to drink plenty of water daily, as this may help to lower uric acid levels that can cause gout. If you are afflicted with gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The uncomfortable foot condition that is known as a hammertoe is considered to be a foot deformity. It can occur from genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. The joints in the middle toes are typically affected, and can bend downward, which may resemble a hammer. Some patients have calluses that develop on top of the toes, and this may be a result of the toes rubbing against the top of the shoe. It may be beneficial to cease wearing pointed shoes such as high heels. Additionally, mild relief may be found when a protective pad is worn on the impacted toe. Severe hammertoes may cause pain and discomfort, and surgery may be a viable option to permanently straighten the toes. If you are afflicted with a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can guide you toward the treatment that is best for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin of Florida. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

One common cause of heel pain is a foot condition known as a heel spur. With this condition, it’s common to notice redness and swelling around the affected heel. A heel spur is defined as a bone growth found in the heel, and it’s typically diagnosed by having an x-ray performed. The pain felt with this condition is usually noticed when one is walking, running, jogging, or partaking in other physical activities. To help ease the discomfort of this condition, it may be beneficial to rest the affected foot and to apply a cold compress on the heel. If you’re experiencing extreme pain in your heel, it’s important to get a professional diagnosis. It’s suggested that you speak with a podiatrist to help advise you on a proper treatment plan.

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 Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor 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 offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.