Falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries and can have serious consequences, especially for the feet and ankles. Injuries from falls may include fractures, sprains, and long-term joint problems that affect mobility and quality of life. Preventing falls involves using proper safety equipment, maintaining clean and dry work areas, wearing slip resistant footwear, and following established safety protocols. A podiatrist can evaluate and treat foot and ankle injuries resulting from falls, provide guidance on supportive footwear, and recommend strategies to restore strength and balance. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury from falling, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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 our doctors from Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma. 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 Oklahoma City and Yukon, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain can interfere with daily activity and mobility. In many cases, heel pain develops from overuse, repetitive stress, or wearing footwear that lacks adequate support. Running on hard surfaces, sudden increases in activity, or tightness in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can also contribute to this type of pain. Injuries, such as a heel bone fracture from a fall or hard landing, may also be factors. Conditions including plantar fasciitis, bursitis, Achilles tendon inflammation, or the growth of bone spurs can further lead to tenderness, stiffness, and swelling at the heel. Pain may be felt under the heel, at the back of the heel, or along the Achilles tendon, depending on the underlying cause. A podiatrist can provide a full evaluation, offer proper treatment, and determine whether imaging or surgery may be needed. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact our doctors of Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Ankle injuries are among the most frequent problems faced by football players due to the fast pace, sudden direction changes, and physical contact involved in the game. These injuries often occur from twisting motions, tackles, or landing awkwardly after a jump. Risk factors include ankle instability, improper footwear, and playing on uneven surfaces. Prevention includes strengthening exercises, balance training, taping or bracing, and wearing supportive cleats. Despite precautions, injuries can still happen, and a podiatrist can provide expert evaluation, advanced treatments, and rehabilitation plans to restore function and prevent re-injury. If you have suffered an ankle injury playing football, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with our doctors from Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Oklahoma City and Yukon, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammer, claw, and mallet toes are toe deformities that affect the joints and can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty in walking. A hammertoe bends at the middle joint, a mallet toe affects the joint closest to the tip, and a claw toe involves abnormal bending at both the middle and end joints, often pointing downward. These conditions may be caused by wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, muscle imbalances, arthritis, trauma, or a genetic predisposition. Symptoms include curled or bent toes, pain while wearing shoes, corns or calluses on the tops or tips of toes, in addition to redness, swelling, and restricted movement. The affected toes may appear misshapen and feel stiff or sore, especially during activity. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition with a physical exam and possibly X-rays to assess joint damage or misalignment. Treatment may involve changing footwear, using custom orthotics, toe exercises, or, in more severe cases, surgery to realign the joints. If you have any of the above ailments, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat these conditions.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact our doctors of Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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