Preventing falls at work begins with choosing the right footwear that offers support, grip, and a secure fit to keep you steady throughout the day. Being aware of surfaces is also important because wet floors, uneven ground, or loose rugs can increase the risk of slipping. Keeping work areas clean and free of clutter helps create a safer environment and reduces hazards that may go unnoticed during a busy day. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend supportive shoes or custom orthotics, and address any pain or balance issues that may increase your risk of falling. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, 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 Dr. Tupper from Coshocton Foot Health Center. Our practitioner 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 Coshocton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot wounds can develop on the surface of the skin or beneath it and they range from minor injuries to serious medical concerns. External wounds affect the outer skin while internal wounds involve deeper tissues, such as muscles, tendons, or bone. Open wounds include cuts, abrasions, punctures, lacerations, and surgical wounds where the skin is broken. Closed wounds, such as bruises or hematomas, cause damage beneath intact skin. Because the feet carry body weight and have limited blood flow in some people healing can be slow. A podiatrist can identify the wound type, check for infection, and guide proper care. Early evaluation helps prevent complications and supports healthy healing and mobility. Prompt treatment is especially important for people with diabetes, circulation problems, or nerve changes that reduce feeling in the feet and balance. If you have any type of foot wound, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for care.

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. Tupper from Coshocton Foot Health Center. Our practitioner 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 Coshocton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many women experience foot problems during pregnancy due to hormonal and physical adjustments in the body. Increased levels of certain hormones loosen the ligaments. This allows the arches of the feet to flatten under the added weight, which can lead to pain or changes in alignment. The extra pressure on the feet can also cause swelling, known as edema, as fluid accumulates in the lower legs and ankles. This can make shoes feel tight or uncomfortable. A shifting center of gravity often alters posture and gait, placing additional strain on the feet and ankles. Some women notice their feet become longer or wider as a result of these changes. A podiatrist can evaluate changes in arch height, swelling, or pain, and recommend orthotics or supportive footwear to improve comfort and stability. If you have foot pain related to pregnancy, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Tupper from Coshocton Foot Health Center. Our practitioner will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Joint pain in the feet can arise because each foot contains 33 joints that absorb force with every step, from the ankle to the small joints in the toes. Stress from injury, structural changes, or repeated loading can irritate joint surfaces and surrounding tissue. Inflammation plays a role when arthritis develops, while noninflammatory causes include joint strain, alignment problems, or pressure from shoes that lack adequate support or frequent use of flip-flops. Cartilage thinning can allow bones to rub, leading to stiffness and reduced motion. Pain can also stem from bunions or capsulitis in the ball of the foot. A podiatrist can assess movement, identify the source of pain, and discuss surgery when needed. If you have foot joint pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Tupper from Coshocton Foot Health Center. Our practitioner 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 Coshocton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.