Items filtered by date: April 2022

Many people begin to develop balance problems as they age, putting them at a higher risk of falling. A few simple exercises can be done at home to improve health and mobility. (If you haven’t done any exercise in a while, it is always a good idea to check in with a health professional before embarking on any new program.) Just to be safe during these simple exercises, be sure to stand near a wall or chair, or keep a walking aid nearby before starting. It’s a good idea to start cautiously, building up the number of repetitions gradually to avoid injury. Heel-to-toe walk: Place the heel of your right foot directly in front of your left, looking straight ahead, and step down. Repeat 5 times. You may need to lightly touch the wall for stability. One-leg stand: Stand facing the wall, arms straight out in front, and lightly touch the wall in front of you. Lift one foot off the floor and hold for 5 -10 seconds. Repeat with the other foot. Do this 3 times. Sideways walking: Stand up straight with both feet together. Step out to the side with one foot, transfer your weight, and bring the other foot next to it. Repeat 10 steps. Then reverse direction. If you continue to experience balance problems, it may be a good idea to check in with a podiatrist for a complete biomechanical evaluation.

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 & Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio. 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 Gahanna, Newark, Columbus, and Lancaster, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Orthotics are shoe or heel inserts that can be custom made by a podiatrist if you are having foot, leg, or back pain. Orthotics are generally used to help correct foot abnormalities, ease pain in feet and ankles, and reduce the risk of injury. Continued heel and foot pain are customary complaints that are diagnosed and can lead to a trial use of orthotics. A podiatrist will usually examine your feet, ask you to walk and perform movements to look at how your feet and ankles are positioned and how the feet strike the ground, and possibly order further imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI to help them identify problem areas. Arthritis, lack of cushioning, bunions, bursitis, flat feet, and hammertoes are all examples of conditions that orthotics might help. Though you can buy over-the-counter foot pads, do home exercises, and/or try nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to try and help with pain and associated problems, you might be prescribed orthotics if these do not help. It is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for any issues that cause discomfort that might be related to your feet for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Gahanna, Newark, Columbus, and Lancaster, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Orthotics are shoe or heel inserts that can be custom made by a podiatrist if you are having foot, leg, or back pain. Orthotics are generally used to help correct foot abnormalities, ease pain in feet and ankles, and reduce the risk of injury. Continued heel and foot pain are customary complaints that are diagnosed and can lead to a trial use of orthotics. A podiatrist will usually examine your feet, ask you to walk and perform movements to look at how your feet and ankles are positioned and how the feet strike the ground, and possibly order further imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI to help them identify problem areas. Arthritis, lack of cushioning, bunions, bursitis, flat feet, and hammertoes are all examples of conditions that orthotics might help. Though you can buy over-the-counter foot pads, do home exercises, and/or try nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to try and help with pain and associated problems, you might be prescribed orthotics if these do not help. It is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for any issues that cause discomfort that might be related to your feet for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Gahanna, Newark, Columbus, and Lancaster, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pressure from tight shoes, obesity, growths in the feet, injuries, medical conditions, or nerve entrapment conditions can cause a nerve in your feet to become pinched. Typical symptoms of a pinched nerve include numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and/or foot pain that is burning, sharp, or aching. Your foot may even feel as though it has fallen asleep. These symptoms can occur at various locations in the foot such as on the bottom, in the heel, or in the ball of your foot. These sensations may even radiate to the arches or the toes, which may become noticeable when you walk, stand for prolonged periods, or exercise. You may find mild relief by changing your footwear, icing the affected area, refraining from activities that seem to irritate the pinched nerve, and massaging or immobilizing the area. If your symptoms do not improve, or actually worsen, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can perform a variety of tests and examine you to diagnose your condition, help determine its cause, and take appropriate action to treat it.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio. 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 Gahanna, Newark, Columbus, and Lancaster, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pressure from tight shoes, obesity, growths in the feet, injuries, medical conditions, or nerve entrapment conditions can cause a nerve in your feet to become pinched. Typical symptoms of a pinched nerve include numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and/or foot pain that is burning, sharp, or aching. Your foot may even feel as though it has fallen asleep. These symptoms can occur at various locations in the foot such as on the bottom, in the heel, or in the ball of your foot. These sensations may even radiate to the arches or the toes, which may become noticeable when you walk, stand for prolonged periods, or exercise. You may find mild relief by changing your footwear, icing the affected area, refraining from activities that seem to irritate the pinched nerve, and massaging or immobilizing the area. If your symptoms do not improve, or actually worsen, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can perform a variety of tests and examine you to diagnose your condition, help determine its cause, and take appropriate action to treat it.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio. 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 Gahanna, Newark, Columbus, and Lancaster, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When you are unable to lift your feet off the ground as you walk, causing a shuffling gait, you may have a condition known as foot drop. It can be the result of muscle weakness or paralysis, which may be caused by a number of serious illnesses. Among them are multiple sclerosis, stroke or peripheral neuropathy. It also may be the result of injury to nerves in the legs. Because it is difficult to lift the foot high enough to clear the ground as you take a step, foot drop also can increase your risk of falling. Wearing a brace or an electric stimulation device are measures that can be taken to help reduce the symptoms. If you believe you have developed foot drop, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a full diagnosis and ongoing treatment plan.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Gahanna, Newark, Columbus, and Lancaster, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.