Research has shown the risk of falling among construction workers is greater than other professions. Many construction workers use tall ladders and climb on rooftops. There are prevention techniques that can be implemented that may help to reduce the risk of falling. These can include inspection of the work site on a daily basis, and proper clean up at the end of the day. Additionally, it is helpful for the employees to be aware of a fall protection program, and it is beneficial that the employer provides proper protective equipment. Many construction sites have guard rails in place that can help to prevent falling. Falling can affect the feet and ankles, and can hinder completing daily activities. If you would like additional information about how the feet can be harmed from falling, and to learn about proper prevention techniques, please consult 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 one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. 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.
Circulatory problems in the legs and feet can occur simply from sitting or standing in the same position for a prolonged time or not moving your toes enough. Unfortunately, this can lead to blood clots or deep vein thrombosis – two possibly fatal conditions. Poor blood circulation can also result from thickened arteries caused by age, family history, diabetes, or high cholesterol. A healthy diet and regular exercise (including wiggling your toes and rotating your ankles daily) are the best things you can do to improve your chances of good blood flow to your lower extremities. Signs that you may be suffering from poor circulation can include numbness, tingling, pain in your feet, cold toes or fingers, and/or pale or blue-tinged skin. If you suspect you have poor circulation, speak to a podiatrist about solutions and treatment available.
While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:
Numbness
Tingling
Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
Pain
Muscle Cramps
Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
Many women enjoy wearing high heels, despite the pain they may cause. This can be a result of how the foot lies in the shoe, which may gradually cause pain and discomfort. When high heels are frequently worn, muscle balance surrounding the ankle joint may be negatively affected. Additionally, the tendon that connects the muscle to the bone may become strained, and the Achilles tendon can become shorter. Patients who wear high heels for several years often experience pain in their calves when they wear flat shoes. Women who understand the potential problems that can develop from wearing this type of shoe may choose a shoe with a thicker heel. This can provide the balance that is needed to complete daily activities. Performing stretching exercises can help strengthen the feet and toes, as well as help reduce the risk of injury from wearing high heels. If you would like more information about what type of high heels are best for your feet, please ask a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.
High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal. Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?
Ankle Joints
Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
Balls of the Feet
Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.
What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?
Corns
Calluses
Hammertoe
Bunions
Morton’s Neuroma
Plantar Fasciitis
How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available.
Ankle pain may also be caused by various forms of arthritis within the ankle joint, such as osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, Reiter syndrome, or even septic arthritis — which is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Ankle sprains are one of the most common sources of ankle pain. They occur when the ligaments that bind and support the ankle bones become stretched beyond their limit or even tear. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve — within the tarsal tunnel on the inside of the ankle — becomes compressed. Ankle tendonitis can occur when a tendon that connect muscles to bones in the ankle becomes irritated, swollen, and painful. Even poor circulation can lead to pain and discoloration in the feet and ankles. No matter the cause of your ankle pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to have your condition diagnosed properly and treated accordingly.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
Ankle sprains
Broken ankles
Achilles tendinitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Stress fractures
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
