Items filtered by date: January 2025

Tuesday, 28 January 2025 00:00

Shower Falls Prevention Tips

Preventing falls in the shower is essential to protect your feet and ankles from injury. Start by ensuring the shower floor is slip-resistant. Use non-slip mats or adhesive strips to improve traction. Installing grab bars inside and outside the shower provides extra stability, especially when entering or exiting. A sturdy shower chair can be helpful for those with balance concerns or limited mobility. Use a handheld showerhead to reduce movement and maintain control while washing. Keep soap and toiletries within easy reach to avoid overextending or bending awkwardly. Good lighting in the bathroom also helps prevent missteps. Regularly inspect the shower area for hazards, such as loose tiles or leaking water. Wearing shower-safe, non-slip footwear adds another layer of safety. If you experience a fall or suspect a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you promptly see a podiatrist for evaluation and care.

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 APEX Foot & Ankle Center. 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.  

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

Read more about Falls Prevention
Tuesday, 21 January 2025 00:00

Circulation Problems and the Feet

Circulation problems in the feet occur when blood flow to the feet, toes, or ankles is restricted due to narrowed arteries. Poor circulation is often the result of atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the blood vessels. A result of poor circulation is peripheral arterial disease, or PAD. Patients with PAD may experience symptoms like numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or cramping in the feet or lower legs during activity. Additional signs include cool, pale skin, hair loss on the feet, slow-healing sores, and a diminished pulse. People with diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a history of smoking are at increased risk of developing PAD. A podiatrist can assess your circulation issues through non-invasive tests, such as the ankle-brachial index, or ABI, or a Doppler ultrasound to determine blood flow and identify any blockages. Timely diagnosis and treatment by a podiatrist can help reduce symptoms and prevent complications, like non-healing foot wounds or infections. If you have circulation problems in the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

  • Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
  • Numbness or cramping in the legs 
  • Skin discoloration
  • Slower nail & hair growth
  • Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

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. 

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

Read more about Causes Symptoms and Treatment for Poor Circulation in the Feet

Wearing worn-out running shoes can lead to foot, toe, and ankle problems as a result of inadequate support and cushioning. Over time, the foam and tread in running shoes degrades, reducing their ability to absorb shock and stabilize the foot. This can increase pressure on the arches, contribute to overpronation or underpronation, and lead to conditions like arch pain or Achilles tendon discomfort. Signs of wear include new foot pain, flattened midsoles, or uneven tread patterns. For runners with flat feet or for those who overpronate, worn out shoes can aggravate these structural issues, increasing the risk of foot and other injuries. Experts suggest that active runners replace their shoes every 300 to 500 miles, or approximately every six months. A podiatrist can assess a runner’s foot alignment, gait, and running habits to help them choose appropriate footwear and reduce injury risks. If you are experiencing foot pain after running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Read more about How to Prevent Running Injuries
Tuesday, 07 January 2025 00:00

Understanding Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is a common condition that causes thickened, discolored, and brittle nails. It typically begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail and can spread, making the nail appear distorted. The main cause of toenail fungus is fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments like sweaty socks, damp shoes, or public areas such as swimming pools or showers. Sharing personal items, like nail clippers or towels, can also increase the risk of infection. Treatment for toenail fungus often includes antifungal medications, either topical or oral, to clear the infection. In some cases, a podiatrist may recommend laser treatment or, in severe instances, partial removal of the affected nail. Because toenail fungus can be persistent and difficult to treat on your own, visiting a podiatrist ensures proper diagnosis and effective treatment. If you are dealing with toenail fungus, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

  • Warped or oddly shaped nails
  • Yellowish nails
  • Loose/separated nail
  • Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
  • Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

 

Read more about Toenail Fungus
Sunday, 05 January 2025 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

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

Connect With Us

Advanced Podiatric Procedures & Services in the Fort Myers, FL 33908 and Naples, FL 34109 areas as well as in The Shell Point Retirement Community