Items filtered by date: July 2023

Every year about one quarter of older adults experience a fall, which is the leading cause of injury in people aged 65 and above. Specific physical changes, including muscle weakness, balance problems, and declining vision, can contribute to the risk of falling. As one ages, navigating stairs, curbs, and loose carpeting can become increasingly difficult. In addition, chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes can negatively affect balance, coordination, and stability. Additionally, some medications commonly taken by seniors, such as blood pressure or other ailments, can cause dizziness or drowsiness that further increases the risk of falling. Balance and strength training exercises, tai chi, and yoga are a few options seniors have that may help to decrease the likelihood of a fall. Flexibility training exercises to increase the range of motion and reduce stiffness can help improve reaction times. Using an assistive device, such as a walker or cane, is another way to help seniors become more stable on their feet. For further information about the prevention of falls, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

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 Kent DiNucci, DPM from Ankle and Foot Clinic . 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 Omaha, NE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Aging takes a toll on the body, including the feet. Given all that the feet do for us in our lifetimes and what they endure, it is no surprise that problems occur. From general wear and tear to structural changes, several factors contribute to the impact of aging on our feet. The natural slowdown of cell turnover and collagen production can result in thinner skin, including the fatty layer that provides cushioning on the soles and heels of the feet, which can make walking and standing uncomfortable. The erosion of cartilage between joints and inflammation of the bursa and tendons increases with age, and this can cause reduced flexibility in the feet and discomfort. Various types of arthritis can affect the joints, bones, and tendons in the feet, toes, and ankles, causing pain and stiffness. Dry skin, particularly on the soles of their feet can lead to cracked heels and calluses. Hormonal changes related to aging can cause toenails to thicken and become brittle, making them harder to maintain and increasing the risk of nail-related problems. Furthermore, circulation problems become more common as we age. Edema, characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the feet and ankles, may occur due to compromised blood circulation. This can lead to discomfort, swelling, and a higher susceptibility to infections. To deal with age-related foot issues, it is suggested that seniors visit a podiatrist as part of their healthcare routine. A podiatrist can examine the feet, identify issues, and provide appropriate treatment and guidance for maintaining foot health.

If you need your feet checked, contact Kent DiNucci, DPM of Ankle and Foot Clinic . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Omaha, NE . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Nearly everyone experiences foot pain at some point in life, and the number of causes is enormous. Foot pain may be caused simply by the way you walk, the way your feet are structured, or the shoes you wear. It can be a result of overuse in a sports-related activity or from landing wrong when you jump. Having either flat feet or high arches are other potential causes of foot pain. Corns on the feet, usually from friction with the inside of the shoes you wear, and calluses that result from other foot problems are common causes. A bone deformity, such as bunions or hammertoes, may affect your gait and cause pain in the joints of the toes and the ball of the foot. Wearing high heels or shoes with a narrow toe box can cause pain in the ball of the foot as a result of a shift in body weight. Overtraining, common among runners, can result in tears in ligaments, especially the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot. If you are experiencing foot pain and are unsure of the cause, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine your feet, diagnose the cause, and suggest treatment options. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Kent DiNucci, DPM from Ankle and Foot Clinic . 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 Omaha, NE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

For anyone who has suffered from swollen ankles, you know how uncomfortable this can be. Such swelling can make it hard to walk, and the skin on the ankle may feel tight and stretched. Swelling of the ankles can result from a variety of things including injury, like a broken leg or sprained ankle, inflammation, and fluid retention. Ankles are a common lower extremity to experience swelling because of the accumulation of fluids in the body and gravity. Those more likely to experience swelling in their ankles include seniors, those who are overweight, and those who spend a prolonged time on their feet or in hot weather. Pregnant women are another group of people who are prone to ankle swelling because of their natural fluid retention, pressure on veins from the extra weight they are carrying, and a fluctuation of hormones. Swollen ankles are typically temporary, and resting and elevating the feet can resolve the problem. However, if the swelling is from an underlying health condition, like diabetes, a blood clot, heart failure, or even a problem with high blood pressure during pregnancy, it can be a more serious situation requiring immediate medical care. If you are experiencing swelling in your ankles and it is causing you persistent or worsening pain, or if you have other symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to understand what is underlying the swelling and obtain treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Kent DiNucci, DPM from Ankle and Foot Clinic . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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