Practical Ways to Reduce the Risk of Falls

Staying steady on your feet becomes easier when you build habits that support balance, strength, and awareness. Choosing supportive shoes with slip resistant soles can make everyday movement more secure. Clearing walkways, improving lighting, and keeping frequently used items within easy reach also reduce chances of accidental missteps. Simple daily movements, such as rising slowly from a chair and pausing before walking, can help your body adjust and prevent sudden unsteadiness. Regular activity that strengthens the legs and feet improves stability over time, while paying attention to dizziness, vision changes, or medication effects can reveal issues that need attention. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, evaluate your gait, and recommend footwear or inserts that make each step more confident. If you are noticing increasing unsteadiness, recent near falls, or injuries to your feet or ankles from falling, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can treat foot and ankle injuries, and guide you on additional fall prevention tips.

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 Landon Bowerbank, DPM from Pioneer Foot and 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 Lehi, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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We Can Treat Your Foot or Ankle Pain

Foot or ankle pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life and can occur due to several different conditions. Pain can also be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition, which is why you should seek professional help as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your feet.

A Focused Mind May Help to Prevent Running Injuries

There are many people that enjoy running as a hobby, stress reliever, or possibly to accomplish a personal goal. Rehabilitation or extensive healing times may be avoided when proper techniques that can prevent running injuries are practiced. These can include developing a focused attitude, and increasing physical strength, which may help to increase stamina. Additionally, many people find it beneficial to follow a professional training program. The legs may feel better when a foam roller is used, which may help to protect the joints. If you would like more information about how running injuries can affect the feet and how to possibly prevent them, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM of Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

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Causes of Foot Corns

A foot corn is a thickened area of skin that forms in response to pressure or friction, usually on the toes or sides of the feet. Corns often develop from mechanical stress caused by ill-fitting shoes that rub against the skin or from abnormal foot structure that creates uneven pressure during walking. Symptoms include a hardened bump, tenderness, and pain while wearing shoes or standing for long periods of time. A podiatrist can identify the underlying cause, safely remove the corn, correct mechanical issues, and recommend proper footwear or custom inserts to prevent it from returning. Corns can be painful. If you have developed a painful corn, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention tips.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM of Pioneer Foot and Ankle. 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 Lehi, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Understanding Corns and Calluses

Outer Foot Pain Can Be an Avulsion Fracture

Pain on the outer side of the foot can sometimes signal an avulsion fracture, also called a pseudo Jones fracture. This type of injury affects the base of the fifth metatarsal, which is the long bone below the pinky toe. The fracture happens when a tendon pulls a small piece of bone away from its attachment. The injury can occur after a sudden twist, roll, or direct impact to the ankle or foot. People typically notice sharp pain, swelling, and tenderness near the outer edge of the foot, making walking or bearing weight difficult. Because this fracture can be mistaken for a sprain or a more serious type of fracture, an accurate diagnosis is important. A podiatrist can perform an exam, order X-rays, and recommend the best course of treatment, including immobilization or, in some cases, surgery. If you are experiencing outer foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM from Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot

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