Falling has the potential of causing serious injuries, especially in older adults. This may happen for a variety of reasons, including poor vision, wearing shoes that do not fit properly, or taking certain medications. It may be beneficial to incorporate an exercise practice into your daily routine, as this can help to improve balance and flexibility. Research has indicated that it is important to have regular medical examinations that include reviewing existing medications, as this may be helpful in preventing unnecessary falls. There are household changes that can be implemented, which can help reduce the risk of falling. These can consist of improved lighting, installing grab bars in the bathroom and shower areas, and removing any carpeting that may be loose. Please consult with a podiatrist to learn more about how falling can affect the feet.

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 Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. 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 our office located in Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has indicated there are millions of people worldwide who have diabetes. Many of these patients will develop wounds on the feet, which may lead to foot ulcers. It is important to treat these wounds promptly, as this may prevent serious foot conditions from developing. Wound healing may be accelerated when the damaged tissue is removed, and this can be accomplished from a variety of methods. When the correct dressing is applied, the wound can heal and drain properly. Many patients find it necessary to keep pressure off the foot, and this can be accomplished by wearing a boot or a removable cast walker. If you would like additional information on how to care for foot wounds, it is strongly suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.

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 Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. 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 contact our office located in Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Has your child been complaining of pain, swelling, or redness in one or both heels? Is your child very active, especially in sports such as basketball and soccer? Sever’s disease is a swelling and irritation of the growth plate in the heel. It is not actually a disease, but a heel injury. Sever’s disease happens during the growth spurt of puberty. During the growth spurt, your child’s heel bone grows faster than the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in their legs. While the best treatment is rest, your doctor may also recommend the following: ice packs on the heel every 1-2 hours for 15 minutes, gel cups or supportive shoe inserts, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen for pain relief. If your child is complaining of heel pain, please contact your local podiatrist.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

People with flat feet, also known as fallen arches, have either no arch in their foot or just one that is very low. This can cause discomfort, lead to pain elsewhere in the body, as well as be an indicator to an underlying disorder. The majority of people that will experience flat feet will not show any signs of it. Some causes of flat feet include arthritis, foot or ankle injuries, weak arches and genetic factors, as it is possible for flat feet to pass from parents to their children. There are different treatments for flat feet, such as wearing an ankle brace to reduce inflammation, using fitted insoles and orthotics, or obtaining custom-designed arch supports to relieve pressure on the arch. It is advised that people who have recently developed flat feet, have pain in the feet and ankles, or have symptoms that don’t improve with supported shoes, see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. 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 our office located in Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.