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Research has indicated that elderly people may be more susceptible to falling in their living environments. This can lead to sprained or broken ankles, and it may be difficult to complete daily activities. It is important for caregivers to ensure their patients have regular vision and medical examinations, as this can be helpful in having clearer vision and feeling stable. There are methods that can be implemented which can help to reduce falling. These can include removing carpeting that is worn, replacing lighting with brighter bulbs, and installing grab bars in the bath and toilet area. Additionally, it may help to encourage the patient to incorporate a gentle exercise program into their daily routine, as this may be beneficial in maintaining strength. If you would like additional information about how the feet can be protected by preventing falling, 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 doctors from Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Excess levels of uric acid in the bloodstream may lead to a painful arthritic condition that is known as gout. These particular levels can become elevated as a result of eating foods that have large amounts of purines in them, which can include red meat and seafood. Additionally, foods that have a high sugar content may lead to the development of gout. Common symptoms that are often associated with this condition can include extreme pain on the side of the big toe, swelling, and difficulty walking. There may be existing factors that can lead to the development of gout. These factors can consist of genetic reasons, being overweight, or consuming excess alcohol. Mild relief may be found when anti-inflammatory medicine is taken. If you are routinely affected with gout, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our doctors from Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As your child's feet become stronger, it is important that the correct size shoes and socks are worn while walking outside. Research has indicated the importance of having your child's feet measured approximately every three months, as this can be helpful in determining the correct shoe size. The feet will typically become stronger while walking barefoot indoors, which can be a result of the toes grasping the floor. Many babies are born with flat feet, however the arch generally will develop during the teenage years. Additionally, it is common for many children to walk on their tip-toes, which can be indicative of an existing foot issue. If you would like more information about how to properly care for your child’s feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our doctors of Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are a few different types of running injuries that can occur. These often include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and the ankle can endure a fracture or sprain. The plantar fascia connects the toes to the heel, and may become inflamed if the patient frequently runs. This can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit correctly, and performing stretches that are designed to stretch the Achilles tendon before and after completing a run. If the ankle is twisted while running and becomes sprained, it may help to wrap an elastic bandage around it for additional support. This type of injury may be prevented by incorporating flexibility and strength training exercises into a daily workout routine. If you would like additional information about how to prevent running injuries, please consult with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors of Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.