September 2020

Falls are the number one cause of injury and hospital visits due to trauma for people ages 65 and older. Various factors can increase one’s risk of falling including past falls, tripping, and falling hazards in the home and community, chronic diseases, taking multiple medications, having poor vision, balance problems, memory problems, depression, and behaviors like rushing. Problems with the feet and ankles, such as difficulty walking, weakness, or loss of sensation in the lower limbs, and wearing improper footwear can all increase the risk of falling as well. If you have foot or ankle issues, it is important to seek medical care from a podiatrist, who can diagnose and treat your condition and reduce your risk of falling.

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 Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. 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 Olympia Fields, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People who are interested in helping patients with abnormalities of the foot and ankle may want to pursue a career in podiatry. Doctors in this specialized field treat conditions that include hammertoe, bunions, and plantar fasciitis. Mandatory schooling consists of completing a four-year undergraduate degree pertaining to medicine. Afterwards, a course is started in podiatric college, which will take four years to complete. The qualified student achieves the title of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, and then a residency that generally takes three years to complete can begin. Podiatrists have the choice to begin an independent practice, become part of a group practice, or may start a career working in hospitals. Research has indicated that podiatry is a fast growing field of medicine, and it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can help you to determine if this is a correct career choice for you.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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

If the bottom of your feet are experiencing pain, it could be because you’ve developed plantar warts. A common symptom of plantar warts is experiencing tenderness when putting pressure on the soles of your feet, or feeling a discomfort or pain while walking. Plantar warts appear as circular, flat, depressed spots that can appear yellow-ish in color and may have a black dot at their centers. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. This virus thrives in warm, moist environments such as swimming pools and locker rooms, so it’s important to wear proper footwear in these locations to help with preventing its spread. For more information on how to treat plantar warts, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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