Statistics show that falls among seniors are the leading cause of death from injury in that age group. For this reason, preventing falls in older adults is imperative. Start with safety-proofing the home. Remove scatter rugs and clear pathways. Improve lighting and remove long wires that can easily be tripped over. Install grab bars and use non-skid mats in bathrooms. Doing exercises to improve balance also can help prevent falls. Wearing shoes with non-slip soles and avoiding walking barefoot are two more preventative measures. Some medication has side effects that cause dizziness or changes to blood pressure, so it is a good idea to discuss alternatives. Having regular vision checkups is important to make sure prescriptions are up to date. Seniors who are frail or have mobility issues may wish to use a device, such as a walker, walking stick, or cane, to keep them upright, especially at night. For more information on methods that may help to prevent falling, it is suggested that older adults and their families seek the counsel of 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.

The foot condition that is known as tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by repetitive pressure. The tibial nerve is affected by this ailment and is located inside the tarsal tunnel. There are various reasons why this nerve can become irritated. People who have severely flat feet may have ankle pain, possibly indicating tarsal tunnel syndrome has developed. Additionally, inflammation from medical conditions, such as arthritis or diabetes, may lead to getting tarsal tunnel syndrome. People who are born with certain foot deformities may experience this condition as well and are generally under the care of a podiatrist. Additional symptoms that are associated with tarsal tunnel syndrome can consist of pain in the Achilles tendon area, swollen ankles, or a feeling of warmth when touched. If you have this condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment options.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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 and ankle needs.

A hammertoe is a deformity that is usually found in the second toe when the middle joint rises upward and the tip of the toe bends downward. It is so named because the resulting toe resembles the shape of a claw hammer. While some people are genetically predisposed to the formation of a hammertoe, in many cases the main cause is improper footwear. Wearing shoes that are short, narrow, and too tight can contribute to hammertoe formation. When the toe is forced into a bent position, the muscles and tendons in that toe shorten. Women are more at risk of hammertoe because they are more likely to wear high heels with pointed, low, and narrow toe boxes. Children who wear shoes that are too small for them are also at greater risk. Other causes of hammertoe include Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and rheumatoid arthritis. If you have a hammertoe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist, who is a foot doctor that is trained to deal with such maladies and can suggest appropriate treatment options.  

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.

Osteoarthritis, or OA, can affect the base of the big toe and cause significant pain. This type of arthritis occurs when joints wear down, and bones become exposed and rub against each other. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and a limited range of motion. Walking may become difficult, and neuropathy can develop as OA of the big toe worsens. As with many other foot conditions, pain with big toe arthritis is often worse after periods of inactivity. Sometimes a reactive bone process can happen with OA, where the body will attempt to repair itself by growing more bone. Bony protrusions, called spurs, can then grow on the joint, which heightens pain, causes the toe to stiffen, and can lead to a visible bump or callus on the toe. If you suffer from OA of the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist, who can provide options for relief.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin of Florida. 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 offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.