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Houston
Pearland


June 2018

Monday, 25 June 2018 00:00

Education and Falls Prevention

Recent research has shown that falls are the leading cause of injuries for people who are 65 and older. This may often result in fractures occurring in various parts of the body, typically resulting in pain and discomfort. Elderly people may benefit from the help of caretakers who may be able to provide education about how to prevent falling. It’s important to inquire about the status of their last vision appointment, and this may determine if aging eyes may be a factor in unnecessary falling. Additionally, many elderly people have difficulty in keeping track of medications that need to be taken, and regular discussions of proper dosages should be adhered to. The efficiency of certain medications may change over time, and side effects may develop, which can lead to falling. It may be helpful to walk through the house to ensure there is adequate lighting, in addition to installing bars in the shower and toilet areas. These practices may allow elderly people to enjoy their lives by diminishing the risk of falling.

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. Linda D. Nachmani from Central Foot & Ankle Associates. 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 one of our offices located in Houston, and Pearland, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Monday, 18 June 2018 00:00

Diabetes and Foot Wounds

If you have diabetes, research has shown that minor cuts and scratches may take longer to heal than for non-diabetics. These types of seemingly insignificant wounds can result in serious infections if not treated promptly. One of the ways to alleviate this is to inspect the feet daily for any noticeable  cuts, blisters or swelling. For patients who have diabetic neuropathy there may be a loss of feeling in the feet, and unnoticed wounds may possibly result in foot ulcers, which may ultimately lead to amputation. It’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can perform a process referred to as debridement, which is how dead tissue can be removed. Many podiatrists may recommend staying off the feet whenever possible in addition to wearing a boot that may help to take pressure off any wounds while walking or standing. Daily changing of any bandages on the wounds may aid in proper healing. Ingesting a healthy diet and keeping sugar levels within your target range may promote accelerated healing for foot wounds.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Linda D. Nachmani from Central Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston, and Pearland, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Monday, 11 June 2018 00:00

Causes of Flat Feet

Flat feet or fallen arches is the name given to a condition where the arch is absent from the foot. This is evident when the foot lies completely flat while standing. The foot may roll inward, which is often referred to as over-pronation. In addition to the 26 bones that comprise the foot, there are muscles, ligaments and tendons which work together to allow movement to occur. Daily activities such as standing and walking are easily achieved when a normal arch is present. There are several reasons that contribute in the development of flat feet including damaged tendons, arthritis, or from the additional weight the feet endure from being obese. Pain may often be experienced in patients who have flat feet, and this may occur in any part of the foot. If you feel you may have flat feet, it’s advised to consult with a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Linda D. Nachmani from Central Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Houston, and Pearland, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 04 June 2018 00:00

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail is an uncomfortable foot condition that occurs when the corners of the nail grow into the skin. Evidence of this ailment may include redness, swelling and tenderness. The toenail may often become infected if treatment doesn't commence as soon as symptoms appear. Severe pain often accompanies ingrown toenails and may affect the skin surrounding the infected toenail. People who do not trim their toenails properly and wear shoes that are too tight are likely to develop ingrown toenails. Research has shown that soaking the nail in warm salt water followed by thoroughly drying the feet may aid in the healing process of ingrown toenails. If you have medical conditions such as diabetes or a loss of feeling that is often associated with neuropathy, it’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist about how to treat ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Linda D. Nachmani of Central Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston, and Pearland, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ingrown Toenail Care
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Review Central Foot & Ankle Associates, PA: podiatrist Linda D. Nachmani, DPM
Houston and Pearland TX Podiatry Practice