Falls can have a major impact on health, especially for older adults. A fall can lead to broken bones, reduced mobility, and a loss of confidence while walking. Many falls are linked to foot pain, poor balance, or changes in the way a person walks. Arthritis, reduced feeling in the feet, and foot deformities can make it harder to stay steady on uneven surfaces. Wearing shoes that fit properly and provide good support also plays an important role in maintaining balance. Shoes that are too loose or shoes that lack proper support can increase the risk of losing footing. Painful conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and heel pain also can change walking patterns and increase the chance of a fall.

A podiatrist can identify foot problems that affect balance before they lead to a serious injury. The examination includes checking foot structure, joint movement, and circulation. The podiatrist also evaluates the way the patient stands and walks because changes in gait can affect stability. Gait is the body's walking pattern. The evaluation also looks for reduced feeling in the feet, painful calluses, and other conditions that interfere with safe movement. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before foot problems become more severe. Regular foot examinations are especially important for older adults because age-related changes can increase the risk of falls.

Professional foot care helps improve comfort, stability, and confidence while walking. A podiatrist can recommend custom orthotics to improve foot alignment and distribute pressure more evenly across the feet. Care also includes treatment for bunions, fungal nail infections, and ingrown toenails that affect balance and mobility. The podiatrist can recommend shoes that fit properly and provide good support for everyday activities. Routine follow-up visits help monitor changes in foot health and reduce the risk of falls caused by painful foot conditions. If you have symptoms of foot pain, balance problems, or other foot conditions that increase your risk of falls, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors 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 Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetes can affect the feet in ways that are easy to overlook until a serious problem develops. High blood sugar can damage nerves, reducing the ability to feel pain, heat, or injuries. This means a small cut or blister can go unnoticed. Diabetes can also reduce blood flow to the feet, making such wounds slower to heal and increasing the risk of infection. In such cases, a foot ulcer can develop. Even a minor injury from bumping the foot, stepping on a sharp object, or wearing shoes that do not fit properly can cause a foot ulcer. This open sore can become severe without prompt treatment. Because these injuries are not always painful, regular foot examinations by a podiatrist are an important part of protecting foot health.

A podiatrist carefully checks the skin, circulation, and nerve function to identify early warning signs. The examination also focuses on pressure points, changes in foot shape, and areas of irritation that increase the chance of skin breakdown. Professional care includes treating calluses, trimming thick toenails, and managing developing wounds in ways that encourage healing. A podiatrist can also recommend shoes that fit properly and provide better protection against rubbing and pressure. Early diagnosis and treatment can help lower the risk of infection, hospitalization, and surgery.

Regular visits with a podiatrist play an important role in preventing diabetic foot complications. Professional evaluations help detect changes that patients cannot always see or feel because of reduced sensation. Prompt treatment of small wounds and pressure-related skin problems can prevent them from becoming dangerous ulcers. Education provided by a podiatrist also helps patients understand why proper shoe fit and routine foot evaluations are essential for protecting mobility. Delaying care allows a small problem to become much more difficult to treat. If you have symptoms of a foot ulcer resulting from diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete's foot is a fungal skin infection that usually begins between the toes. A fungus is a tiny living organism that grows best in warm, damp environments. The infection can spread to other parts of the foot, and, in some cases, to the toenails. Symptoms include itching, burning, and peeling skin. Some people also develop redness, cracking, or small blisters. The skin can become sore and uncomfortable while walking, especially when the infection worsens. Because several skin conditions have similar symptoms, an accurate diagnosis is important. A podiatrist carefully examines the affected skin and determines whether another condition is causing the problem. In some cases, a small skin sample is examined to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.

Athlete's foot spreads through direct contact with the fungus or by touching contaminated surfaces. Places like locker rooms, public showers, and swimming pool areas can increase the chance of exposure. The infection is also more likely to develop when feet remain warm and moist for long periods. Wearing shoes that lack proper support can increase pressure on irritated skin, making walking more uncomfortable, although these shoes do not cause the infection itself. Without proper treatment, athlete's foot can spread to other areas of the foot or lead to bacterial infections. A bacterial infection develops when harmful bacteria enter cracked skin, causing increased redness, swelling, and pain.

A podiatrist provides treatment based on the severity and location of the infection. Care includes confirming the diagnosis, prescribing medications to eliminate the fungus, and monitoring the skin as it heals. If the infection has spread to the toenails or becomes persistent, additional treatment helps prevent further damage. Prompt care also lowers the risk of complications and reduces the chance of the infection returning. Professional podiatric treatment helps restore healthy skin and allows people to return to normal daily activities with greater comfort and confidence. If you have symptoms of athlete's foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment tips, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many diabetic foot ulcers develop because nerve damage reduces feeling in the feet. This condition, known as neuropathy, makes it harder to notice pain, irritation, or injury. As a result, a person may continue putting pressure on an ulcer without realizing it. Offloading is an important part of treating diabetic foot ulcers. Offloading means reducing pressure on the area of the foot where an ulcer has developed. When too much pressure continues to affect a wound while walking, healing becomes much more difficult. A podiatrist can evaluate the location and severity of the wound and determine the most effective offloading approach to improve healing.

Several offloading methods are available depending on the ulcer's location and the patient's needs. A knee-high walking device is often used because it helps spread weight more evenly across the foot. Some devices are designed so they cannot be removed by the patient, which helps ensure consistent protection of the ulcer. Removable devices are another option for patients who cannot tolerate a non-removable device. Certain ulcers on the toes, heel, or other parts of the foot require different forms of pressure relief. A podiatrist carefully selects the most appropriate device based on the wound, foot structure, and overall health of the patient.

Successful treatment of diabetic foot ulcers involves more than covering the wound. Reducing pressure helps improve blood flow to the area and creates a better environment for healing. A podiatrist monitors the ulcer regularly and adjusts treatment as healing progresses. In some cases, surgery becomes necessary when non-surgical offloading methods do not provide enough relief from pressure. Early treatment is important because untreated ulcers can become infected and lead to serious complications. Proper offloading remains one of the most effective ways to promote healing and reduce the risk of additional tissue damage. If you have developed diabetic foot ulcers, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

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 one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.