Items filtered by date: April 2025
Heel Pain Can Be Treated!
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
How to Choose the Right Walking Aid
Walking aids can help patients with foot, toe, or ankle conditions by improving stability and decreasing the risk of falling. Canes, including single-point and quad canes, provide support for those with mild to moderate balance issues or weakness. Crutches are useful for keeping weight off an injured foot or ankle, but require upper body strength. Walkers offer greater support and are beneficial for patients with significant balance concerns. Rollators, which have wheels and hand brakes, allow for easier movement while preventing a sudden loss of balance. Additionally, knee walkers help patients recovering from ankle injuries or surgery by enabling mobility without placing weight on the affected limb. Choosing the wrong walking aid, or using one that is not properly adjusted, can add to instability. A podiatrist can assess your foot and ankle condition, determine whether a walking aid is needed, and recommend the most appropriate option to improve stability and prevent falling. If you need a walking aid to help with balance issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for advice.
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 Patrick Bruton, DPM from Big Country foot and Ankle. 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 Abilene, and Brownwood, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
