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There are various reasons why falling may occur. One reason may be a lack of awareness of surroundings, and this can happen from a lack of sleep. The general health of the body may also contribute to the act of falling, which may determine the reaction speed. Getting adequate sleep may enhance the ability to avoid a fall, in addition to having a healthy and strong body. This is especially true of the feet, which can propel the body to stand up after a fall and maintain balance. Effective fall prevention methods can include regular physical and eye examinations. This can be helpful in updating existing medications and eyeglasses. Taking supplements daily may possibly have a positive effect on the brain and nervous system, in addition to having increased awareness. If you would like more knowledge about fall prevention techniques, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you the correct information.

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 Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. 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 Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The bottom of the foot and the arch are common places to have foot pain. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including wearing shoes that do not fit correctly and standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day. It is important to manage the pain by implementing specific techniques. Some people find relief by wearing insoles that can provide cushioning, in addition to wearing shoes that have ample support. Obesity may be a cause for foot pain to develop, and losing weight may help to reduce pressure on the soles of the feet. Performing gentle stretches may help to relieve foot pain, which may benefit the overall body. It is wise to temporarily stop any type of activity that may have caused the pain, in addition to frequently elevating the affected foot. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer you the correct treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When a child breaks a bone in their toe, it is called a toe fracture. Such a fracture will often result in pain, redness, swelling, and bruising. It might be difficult to bend their toe or put weight on it. If a bone is protruding from the toe or bent at an abnormal angle, immediate medical care should be sought. An X-ray or MRI may be needed to properly diagnose a toe fracture and differentiate it from a possible sprain. If your child has sustained a toe fracture, the buddy taping method or splint may be used to support the toe in its correct position during healing. Buddy taping means taping the broken toe to the toe next to it. A walking boot, hard-soled shoe, or other supportive devices may also help your child move while their toe is undergoing healing. If you think your child may have a broken toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to have it examined, have necessary tests taken, and obtain treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Having high levels of uric acid in the blood may lead to developing a condition that is known as gout. It is a form of arthritis, and it can cause debilitating pain and discomfort. The affected toe can be swollen and red, and may consistently ache. Excess uric acid can happen from foods that are eaten that contain purines. These types of foods can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Gout generally affects the big toe, where the uric acid converts to crystals that lodge in the joints of the big toe. Effective prevention methods can consist of eating healthy foods and beginning a gentle exercise program. People who are overweight, have diabetes, or chronic kidney disease may be prone to experiencing gout attacks. Additionally, having high blood pressure or thyroid disease may also lead to developing gout. Many people can have one or multiple gout attacks. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective prevention methods and relief options.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pes planus is the medical term for the condition known as flat feet. Flat feet are also referred to as fallen arches and are common among infants and young children. Most babies are born with flat feet, and their arches begin to develop between the ages of 2 and 3. Studies show the most common type of flat feet is flexible flat feet. With this condition, the arch is visible when the foot is lifted and disappears when the foot is placed on the ground. An injury can also cause additional problems like posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, which generally occurs during adulthood. The tendons that support the arch can become weak and flat from a lack of adequate support. Flat feet can be caused by genetic reasons or possibly from existing medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy. If you have this foot condition, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options, which may include wearing custom-made orthotics.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An infants foot is made of soft, flexible cartilage, which gradually hardens as the baby develops and will be formed in the late teenage years. Most babies are born with flat feet, and the shape of the foot is often evident at approximately two years of age. The foot shape is important to consider when choosing the right shoes. If the big toe is the longest of all the toes, it is considered to be tapered. Conversely, a rounded foot shape consists of the second or third toe being the longest, and when the toes are the same length, this is considered to be a square foot shape. Children’s foot health may include having the toddler crawl and walk barefoot while indoors, this helps strengthen the entire foot. The toes can also become stronger as they grip the floor and stretch. When it is time for the first pair of shoes to be purchased, it is beneficial they are made of soft leather material, and have flexible soles. If you would like additional information about how to take proper care of your child's feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful information.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Corns on the feet are a relatively well-known affliction of the foot that occurs essentially when friction on the skin produces an area of hardened skin. There are many things that can make the onset of corns on the feet more likely for patients. For example, wearing shoes that fit too tightly can exacerbate friction and make corns more likely. Additionally, another risk factor that makes corns more likely is standing for too long. Although this might not immediately seem intuitive, individuals who stand for periods of time that are too long ultimately put continuous weight-bearing pressure on their feet. As a result, this pressure can lead to the hardening of skin on the feet. If you are someone who stands for a large percentage of the day, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment. A podiatrist is a foot specialist that can treat a wide range of different foot conditions.  

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot massage is a form of foot therapy, and many people enjoy having their feet massaged at the end of the day. The benefits include relaxation, and it may help to relieve muscle aches. Therapists who perform foot massages may start with a warm-up twist. This is done by placing the palms on the sides of the feet while pushing one side back and the other side forward. This is a helpful technique in preparing the feet to be further massaged. The arch can be massaged by holding the foot with one hand and rubbing the arch with the other. The heel and the ball of the foot can also be incorporated into this massage technique. Massaging the toes may help to increase flexibility, and this is accomplished by holding the heel of the foot with one hand while bending the toes back and forth with the other. If you would like additional information about the benefits of foot massage, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.