Items filtered by date: December 2022

The feet and ankles are commonly affected during falls. Frequent foot injuries caused by falls can include strains, sprained ankles, fractured bones, or even torn Achilles tendons. Because pressure is still applied to the foot, even when casted, it is challenging to fully immobilize the foot and ankle, making the healing process somewhat slow. Such injuries can alter one’s enjoyment and quality of life, and lead to chronic pain. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury in a fall, contact a podiatrist who can correctly diagnose the problem and get you on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.

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 Paul A. Santangelo, DPM from Illinois. 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 offices located in Niles and Rockford, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Every time you press your foot down on the accelerator of the car, nine muscles in your ankle, foot, and leg are used to accomplish this task. Additionally, very time you stand on tiptoe to reach something on a high shelf, you need these same muscles to help you to accomplish that. Dancers and many athletes, such as basketball and soccer players, depend on plantar flexion to extend their feet. This action is called flexing the muscles, and an injury to any of the muscles involved can make it painful and difficult to extend the foot. Ankle sprains and fractures are the main conditions that inhibit plantar flexion. When the ankle bones and muscles are injured, the result is swelling that reduces the range of motion. Three actions can help to prevent these types of injuries. First, it is beneficial to wear shoes that fit properly, and avoiding high heels which do not support the ankle. Secondly, perform exercises that strengthen those muscles in the legs, ankles, and feet which support plantar flexion. And lastly, consult a podiatrist who can provide you with tips on how to preserve ankle strength and support. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Paul A. Santangelo, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor 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 Niles and Rockford, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a deformity that is usually found in the second toe. It is caused by an imbalance of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to make the toe straight. The result is that the middle joint of the toe raises up to form a peak, while the tip of the toe curls under. The type of shoes you wear, foot structure, and genetics all can contribute to the formation of a hammertoe. Women who wear high heels with pointy toes and children who wear shoes that are too short for their feet are more at risk of developing a hammertoe. Some people are simply born that way. Pain from a hammertoe occurs when the raised joint rubs against the inside of the top of the shoe. A corn or callus can develop, which may affect the gait and can increase pain in other parts of the foot and the body.  A podiatrist can give you options for treating a hammertoe. Devices called hammertoe regulators can be custom fitted to help straighten the toe. Gentle exercises, such as picking up a towel with your toes can stretch and straighten the small muscles of the feet. In severe cases, surgery can be performed to permanently straighten the toe. For details on treatment options, please consult a podiatrist. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Paul A. Santangelo, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

As an individual gets older they can become more susceptible to suffering from a detrimental fall. This might be caused by weakened foot muscles or neglect of caring for the feet. While senior citizens may experience falls in their homes or out shopping, seniors can also suffer falls at nursing care facilities too. It is estimated that approximately half of all elderly individuals in a long-term care environment fall each year. This is particularly helpful to be aware of because if you have a loved one in a long-term care facility, you might consider helping them take steps to care for and strengthen their feet so that they do not suffer a similar fate. Contact a podiatrist today for more information about preventing falls among seniors. 

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 Paul A. Santangelo, DPM from Illinois. 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 offices located in Niles and Rockford, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.