Falls are serious. They are the second cause of unintentional injuries leading to death in the world. They can also cause permanent disability. As might be expected, seniors, especially women, incur the greatest number of falls. Aging people are less steady on their feet, and have other physical, cognitive, and sensory age-related changes that can make falling a more likely occurrence. Falls among those in this population can greatly interfere with mobility, quality of life, and independence. Additionally, many environments are not age friendly. Implementation of effective fall prevention strategies among seniors can save heartache in their limited years. These strategies can include having regular physical and eye examinations which can monitor existing medications and eyeglasses. It can also help to participate in an exercise program to maintain strength and stability, in addition to keeping households and outer doorways well lit. If you are a senior, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist regularly for examinations and other tips on preventing falls. 

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 Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. 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 Massapequa, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The big toe is often affected if an ingrown toenail develops. It is defined as the toenail growing into the skin instead of over it and can cause severe pain and discomfort. The medical term for an ingrown toenail is onychocryptosis, or unguis incarnates, and this condition may happen from wearing shoes that are too tight. It may also develop from genetic reasons or if the toenails are trimmed improperly. The noticeable symptoms can include tenderness surrounding the affected nail, and it may be red or ooze pus. An ingrown toenail can become a serious foot condition if an infection develops, and it is wise to seek prompt medical attention. Effective prevention methods include trimming the toenails straight across instead of in a curved fashion and wearing shoes that are made of breathable materials. The latter may also be helpful in preventing sweaty feet, which can lead to getting an ingrown toenail. If you have developed this painful condition, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can efficiently treat ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Part of maintaining proper foot health as a senior citizen is ensuring that any potential falls are prevented. This is because falls can cause foot conditions like fractured feet. Something you might consider doing to prevent falls is to think about how you can minimize your risk of falling when getting out of bed. For example, one might try to ensure that all necessary items on the nightstands are within easy reach. Namely, if you sleep with any water or reading materials on your bedside, you could try to make sure they are not too far out of reach. Additionally, one could possibly try to clear the floor area immediately next to the bed. Specifically, seniors could try to remove all of the cords and other debris cluttering the area. If you are a senior or are caring for one, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today to learn more about fall 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 Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. 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 Massapequa, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.