Preventing falls at home is essential for maintaining safety, especially for seniors or those with mobility challenges. You can take several steps to create a safer living environment. Begin by evaluating your home for potential hazards, paying close attention to loose rugs, clutter, and uneven surfaces. Ensure that walkways are clear, and keep frequently used items within easy reach. It is helpful to install handrails and grab bars in critical areas such as bathrooms and staircases that can provide essential support. Having adequate lighting is important so make sure that rooms and hallways are well-lit, with light switches easily accessible. Consider using non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen to reduce the risk of slipping. Furniture arrangement also plays a role, and it is beneficial to have it arranged in a style that can create clear pathways and ensure stability. Wearing supportive footwear with non-slip soles is essential, as it can greatly reduce the risk of falls. Additionally, staying physically active and maintaining muscle strength can improve balance and coordination, making falls less likely. Falling can greatly impact the feet, and it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can help you implement successful fall prevention strategies.

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 Brondon Foot and 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 our office located in Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout and rheumatoid arthritis, also known as RA, are two distinct medical conditions that can affect joints in the feet and ankles, and they can be differentiated based on various factors. Gout is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, usually due to an overproduction or under-excretion of uric acid. In contrast, RA is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own joints, leading to inflammation. The symptoms of gout and RA also vary. Gout typically presents with sudden and intense pain in one joint, often the big toe, along with redness and swelling. RA, on the other hand, typically affects multiple joints symmetrically and causes chronic pain, morning stiffness, and joint deformities over time. Laboratory tests can help distinguish between the two conditions. Elevated levels of uric acid in the blood or the presence of uric acid crystals in joint fluid are indicative of gout. RA is characterized by the presence of specific auto-antibodies, like rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies. If you have pain in your foot or ankle joints, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper testing and a diagnosis so that the right treatment can be administered.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. 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 office located in Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition that can be both persistent and aesthetically bothersome. Traditional treatments like topical antifungal medications or oral prescriptions have limitations, prompting the exploration of innovative solutions such as laser therapy. Laser treatment for toenail fungus involves directing concentrated light energy onto the affected nails, effectively targeting the fungal infection without causing damage to the surrounding tissues. The high-intensity light penetrates the nail bed, disrupting the fungal cells and inhibiting their growth. While this method does not promise instantaneous results and may require multiple sessions, it offers a non-invasive alternative with minimal side effects compared to some conventional medications. Laser therapy is gaining popularity for its potential to enhance the appearance of affected nails and address the root cause of the fungal infection. Consulting with a podiatrist can provide valuable insights into whether laser treatment is a suitable option for addressing toenail fungus and restoring healthier, clearer nails. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you confer with this type of doctor who can determine if this is a correct treatment option for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a common nail infection that can be both unsightly and uncomfortable. It typically occurs when fungal organisms, like dermatophytes, infiltrate the nail bed through small cuts or separations in the nail or surrounding skin. The symptoms of toenail fungus are recognizable. Infected nails often become discolored, appearing yellow, brown, or white, and they may thicken and become brittle. As the fungus progresses, the nails can become crumbly and ragged. In some cases, they may emit a foul odor. Other potential signs of toenail fungus include pain or discomfort, especially while wearing shoes. The infection can also spread to other nails or the surrounding skin, leading to additional fungal growth and irritation. If you have noticed the beginning signs of toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can promptly begin the appropriate treatment.

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 Brondon Foot and Ankle. 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 office located in Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.