Items filtered by date: June 2023

Elderly people who routinely practice building their strength and flexibility may decrease their chances of falling. Balance and confidence may become stronger from performing stretches and exercising, which may help to enhance the vestibular system. This is found in the inner ear and contributes to how well the body can balance. Having good balance is crucial in preventing falls, and this can help the bones, joints, and muscles in the feet to stay strong. Some effective activities and stretches can include playing ping pong, golf, learning tai chi, or taking up gardening. Making improvements in the household is also an effective fall prevention technique. These can consist of installing grab bars in the shower and toilet area and removing worn rugs from the living environment. Additionally, it is beneficial to have regular physical and eye examinations that can update existing medications and eyeglasses. If you would like more information about how having strong feet can help to prevent falling, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

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 Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. 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 West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Having a rash on the feet can occur for several reasons. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are common causes of rashes on the feet and often result in severe itching, blisters, and pain. They are caused by contact with an oily sap, called urushiol, that is found in some plants, possibly causing a rash to develop within 12 to 72 hours after contact. Some of these can clear up within three weeks. Treating any itching is suggested to prevent scratching and possible infection. If an individual has a serious reaction to these poisons, difficulty in breathing may ensue and it is critical to see a medical care provider as soon as possible. Prevention tips for poison rashes on the feet include wearing closed-toed shoes while outside in nature where the feet might possibly be exposed to troublesome plants. If one gets this type of rash, it will be less severe if washed with soap and water immediately and the clothes and shoes involved are disinfected. Since there are other causes of rashes on the feet and symptoms can be similar, if you have developed such a rash and you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to have your condition diagnosed and properly treated.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor 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 office located in West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People who frequently go to the gym understand the importance of exercising the muscles in their bodies. With this being noted, the feet are often neglected, and many people fail to properly stretch and exercise their feet. The muscles in the feet can be categorized into two different areas, and the intrinsic foot muscles can be referred to as the core of the feet. The arch is maintained by these muscles and can aid in shock absorption. Global muscles are typically larger, and the ankle is moved by these types of muscles, which are also responsible for pointing and flexing the toes. Common exercises to perform consists of picking up marbles with the toes. This stretch can engage both groups of muscles. A strengthening exercise for the toes can be done by spreading them out as far as possible, repeated several times. If you would like more information about how foot exercises can benefit the feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective foot stretches to perform.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Corns on the feet can develop as a result of excessive pressure from shoes and socks that are worn. A corn is a small, hardened area of skin that often forms on the side of the pinky toe but may also form on top of the toes. While corns are generally uncomfortable, relief may be found when the pressure is removed and better fitting socks and shoes are worn. If the corn is severe, it may be surgically removed, which is a minor procedure. Many people choose to use a protective pad that is worn over the corn, which may be helpful in temporarily reducing the amount of pain. Maintaining proper foot care may be beneficial in preventing corns from developing. This can consist of washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by using a pumice stone that can remove hard skin. This is a practice that can help people who see the beginning of a corn developing. If you have one or more corns on your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can treat it accordingly, and offer you additional prevention tips.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM of South Carolina. Our doctor 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 office located in West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.