Elderly Americans are at an increased risk of falling than younger Americans. Falls are a leading cause of injury among the elderly, therefore it is important for older persons to know how to prevent them in the first place. Staying active through exercising is an excellent way to stay flexible, mobile, and strong. There are exercise groups all over the country that help older people stay in shape. Make sure to clear any debris from the floor that can make tripping more likely. Lighting is another important aspect in preventing falls in the home. Installing night lights that turn on automatically in and near the restroom can help prevent falls during late-night bathroom trips. Going to routine check-ups with a doctor is advised as well, and it is important to ask if any prescribed medications can cause drowsiness or lightheadedness. Finally, have one’s eyes and hearing checked regularly to help maintain alertness. Falls pose a unique risk to older citizens, and knowing how to prevent them can make all the difference.

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 Kutchback Podiatry. 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 The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Podiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the foot and ankle. Officially known as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), podiatrists have the knowledge and ability to diagnose and treat any foot ailment. This includes minor ones such as toenail fungus, cracked heels, and heel pain, to more major problems such as an Achilles tendon rupture or a broken foot. They can also provide items such as custom-made orthotics to help give your feet proper support and keep them aligned. For those with diabetes, it is highly recommended to see a podiatrist. Diabetics generally have reduced blood flow and neuropathy in the foot, which in their worst cases can lead to infected ulcers and an increased risk of amputation. If you are experiencing any pain or have any foot abnormalities, it is important to see a podiatrist.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Kutchback Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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

Our feet are an important part of our bodies and require good care to keep us going. Here are some common foot ailments and ways to treat them. A bunion, or the misalignment of the big toe, can be worsened by improper footwear, such as high heels or poorly fitted shoes. To prevent this, wear well-fitted and supportive shoes that provide ample toe space. Calluses and corns are caused by repeated friction on an area, which results in the buildup of hard skin. Preventing friction is the best way to stop both, so wearing quality socks and shoes that don’t rub up against the skin are best. If you do develop calluses or corns, it is recommended to see a podiatrist. Sometimes, viruses can enter the skin on our feet through tiny cuts or scrapes and cause verrucas, or plantar warts. Plantar warts are contagious, so it is recommended to see a podiatrist who can treat them. If you use public showers, wear shower shoes to prevent catching viruses and fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot. Ingrown toenails can occur if pressure is put on the nail or if the nails are cut too short. Athlete’s foot and fungal nails are both caused by fungi. While there are over-the-counter ointments that you can buy, podiatrists can prescribe better options. Finally flat feet, which are caused by fallen arches, can be taken care of with custom-made orthotics from a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Kutchback Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Avoiding injuries when running is important and can make your running experience more enjoyable. For new runners, start slowly and avoid pushing yourself too hard; the key is to gradually build yourself up. Before and after a run, stretch to loosen muscles and prevent strain. Strength training can also build muscle and durability; just be sure to rest one day before running or training again. A sign that you may be pushing yourself too much is if you cannot talk in complete sentences when running; if so, you may want to slow down. Keeping a good diet to replace lost calories and vitamins, hydrating plenty, and getting enough sleep will keep your body from quickly getting fatigued. If you do feel pain, stop running. If the pain resides in your feet, take it easy and rest. If the pain doesn’t go away, you may want to see a podiatrist for a diagnosis.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Kutchback Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

A major problem among those who suffer from diabetes is poor blood circulation and nerve damage. This can lead to diabetics developing foot ulcers that don’t heal properly or quickly. In more severe cases in which the wound has become infected, this can lead to amputation. The first step is to keep the diabetes in check by observing blood glucose levels and staying healthy. Inspecting the foot daily is important because nerve damage can prevent a diabetic from realizing they have an ulcer. Foot inspections can help diabetics discover a wound early so they can alert a podiatrist. If there is a wound, diabetics should wash the wound with saline or clean water. Applying an antibiotic ointment and covering with a bandage is also important. However these solutions are only temporary, and you should see a podiatrist if you have a foot ulcer.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Kutchback Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Summer is the most popular time of the year to go outside and become more active. While exercising is beneficial in order to get your body in shape, you are also becoming more susceptible to running injuries. Ankle sprains, stress fractures, and heel pain can all be preventable injuries if you take precautions before jumping into your workout routine. Unsurprisingly, one of the most common sources of running injuries happens to be improper footwear. You should always make sure that the shoes you buy provide enough support for your feet, and are made from a breathable material. Buying shoes that are made for the type of activity you will be performing can also help in avoiding injury. For example, you should buy running shoes if you want to go for a run, and walking shoes if you plan on walking.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Kutchback Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Our feet tend to be at their most vulnerable state during the summer months, when we use them the most. It is essential that you take care of your feet, so that you are free to be able to enjoy your summer activities without experiencing any pain. One of the most crucial tips for taking care of your feet is to not walk around barefoot. Walking without shoes will make you more prone to getting sunburn, athlete’s foot, and other injuries. You should also make sure you are wearing proper footwear that is comfortable and supportive. Sandals and flip-flops may be the most trendy footwear choices, but they do not offer optimum protection for your feet. Lastly, you should also seek medical attention for any problems you may have with your feet. Any untreated foot problem you are experiencing can easily progress into something much worse if you don’t seek treatment for it.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Kutchback Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Many runners often complain about feeling pain in their heel, and the pain is usually caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. A 2012 study revealed that 1 in 10 people will develop plantar fasciitis in his or her lifetime, and many of these people will belong to the athletic community. If you are suffering from heel pain, it is important that you understand why it is happening so that you know how to treat it. One of the most common causes for heel pain is wearing old, worn-out running shoes. You should always make sure to replace your sneakers after every 500 miles of running. Another cause may be failing to stretch before you work out. It is crucial that you stretch your feet if you want to prevent and relieve any sort of heel pain.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Kutchback Podiatry. 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 The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.