Items filtered by date: May 2021

With one in four older Americans falling each year, these types of injuries are quite common among senior citizens. However, there are some preventative measures older adults can take to help reduce their risk of falling, including: having vision and hearing checked every year, removing tripping hazards and installing grab bars in the home, making sure side effects from prescribed medications do not increase risk of falling, and engaging in safe exercises that strengthen muscles and improve balance and flexibility. A podiatrist can also analyze and correct gait abnormalities, create custom orthotics, treat any foot or ankle conditions that may impede mobility, and make recommendations for proper footwear—all of which can help improve flexibility, balance and mobility.

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 Dr. Dushack from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Fort Myers and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Podiatrists are highly skilled physicians and surgeons that are experts in the feet, ankles, and related structures of the legs. They treat patients with all kinds of pain, discomfort, and reduced mobility in these areas including: general foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, broken or sprained bones, heel pain, biomechanical irregularities, reconstructive surgery, and serious medical complications due to diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and neurological diseases. Podiatrists may utilize the latest technologies such as digital imaging/ultrasound/gait analysis, laser and shockwave therapies, platelet-rich plasma injections, as well as custom orthotics and surgical interventions (when necessary). Their goal is to reduce their patient’s pain, restore mobility and balance, and get them back to their normal activities as soon and as safely as possible.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Dushack from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many children can develop blisters on their feet. They appear to be small areas that are filled with liquid, and this is the body’s natural defense in protecting raw skin. These bubbles will gradually drain as new skin grows in the damaged area. They are generally caused by excess friction that can happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Other causes can include sunburn, frostbite, or they can develop as a result of an allergic reaction to an insect bite. It is beneficial to protect the blister by covering it with a protective bandage, which may help to prevent it from draining prematurely. If the blister on your child’s foot becomes infected, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this ailment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Dushack of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Babies need extra care in preventing falling injuries. It is important to refrain from leaving your child sitting on a table, or lying in a crib with the sides down. Research has indicated it is beneficial to install sliding gates at both ends of the stairwells, with openings of an appropriate size. Many parents view a stationary activity center as a better choice for the child’s safety rather than a baby walker, coupled with adult supervision. When bed rails are installed as the child sleeps in their first bed, additional emotional and physical support may be provided. It can also be helpful to lock all doors that lead outside, as this may help to prevent falling down the steps. As the child gets older, it is important to ensure that playground areas have a soft surface beneath the slides. Feet can be negatively affected when falling occurs, and it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist  who can help offer you and your child fall prevention techniques.

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 Dr. Dushack from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Fort Myers and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.