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How Foot Function Affects Pain and Balance in Older Adults

As people age, even small changes in foot function can influence how they walk, stand, and maintain balance. Reduced flexibility, muscle weakness, or loss of sensation in the feet can make it harder to adjust to uneven surfaces, often leading to discomfort or instability. Chronic foot pain, whether from arthritis, deformities, or circulation issues, can cause people to alter their gait, which further increases the risk of falls. Wearing supportive footwear and targeted foot-strengthening exercises can improve stability and reduce pressure on painful joints. Podiatrists play an important role in assessing balance, identifying biomechanical problems, and recommending custom orthotics or footwear designed to restore comfort and mobility. If foot pain or unsteadiness is affecting your daily confidence, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for personalized evaluation and fall-prevention strategies.

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 Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. 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 Moriches and Shirley, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated. This condition often develops from repetitive strain, tight calf muscles, flat feet, high arches, or wearing unsupportive shoes. Symptoms include sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning, tenderness, and stiffness after activity. Additionally, risk factors include increased activity levels, prolonged standing, aging, and excess weight. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, provide custom treatment plans, and offer support through therapies, footwear guidance, and targeted exercises to reduce pain. If heel pain is disrupting your routine, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

 

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It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Overuse Foot Injuries in Young Athletes

Overuse injuries in young athletes often affect the growing bones and soft tissues of the feet and ankles. Repetitive stress from activities like running and jumping, or wearing shoes that lack adequate support can irritate the growth plates. These are areas of developing cartilage located near the ends of bones. Sever’s disease, which causes heel pain, or navicular stress from strain along the midfoot often occurs in active children. These injuries can lead to limping, swelling, and tenderness that interfere with walking or sports participation. Because their growth plates are still open, the risk of long-term problems increases if these injuries are not properly managed. A podiatrist can evaluate the foot structure, identify overuse patterns, and recommend orthotics, footwear adjustments, or other remedies to relieve strain and protect developing bones. If your active child shows signs of foot or ankle pain after sports activity, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

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When Swollen Feet Signal a Bigger Problem

Swollen feet, also known as edema, occur when excess fluid builds up in the tissues of the lower legs and feet. This condition may develop gradually or appear suddenly, causing discomfort, tightness, and a heavy or throbbing sensation. The skin may look shiny, stretched, or discolored, and pressing on the swollen area might leave a noticeable indentation. Common causes include prolonged standing or sitting, injury, and certain medications. Underlying medical conditions, such as vein disease, heart issues, or kidney problems, are other factors. A podiatrist can help determine the cause of swelling through a detailed examination, medical history review, and diagnostic tests. Treatment may include compression therapy, footwear changes, exercises to improve circulation, and lifestyle adjustments. In some cases, additional medical evaluation may be necessary to rule out serious health concerns. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to identify the cause of your swollen feet and find effective relief.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

  • Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
  • Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
  • Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
  • Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
  • Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Moriches and Shirley, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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