Items filtered by date: May 2021

The aging process can make seniors more prone to falling, as well as cause damage to their feet. This can be the result of a loss of cushioning in the feet and bones that may have become brittle. Additionally, many elderly people can feel a loss of independence, and falling one time can invoke fear of completing daily activities. There are methods that can be implemented which can make it safer for seniors to move about. These can consist of installing grab bars in the shower and toilet areas, and removing worn rugs and other tripping hazards from the living area. Furthermore, it can help to improve lighting in the household. Many seniors find it helps to have regular physical examinations, which are necessary in order to monitor existing medications. If you have questions about how falling can affect the feet, please ask 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 Alex Yanovskiy, DPM from Illinois Foot & Ankle 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 Des Plaines , IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Did you know that up to 39% of college football players endure ankle sprains? The statistics are not much better for high school football players - they account for 24% of all ankle sprains seen among high school athletes. An ankle sprain occurs when one or more ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. This causes symptoms such as bruising, pain, swelling, tenderness, inflammation, and an inability to bear weight on the affected foot. If not allotted the proper time to rest and recover, the ankle sprain may become recurrent and lead to chronic ankle instability. Football players can take extra precautions to prevent ankle sprains by warming up prior to practicing or playing, wearing proper footwear that supports the ankles, and by resting when feeling fatigued. For more information about preventing ankle sprains, please consult with a podiatrist.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Alex Yanovskiy, DPM of Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Plantar fasciitis is the most common source of heel pain and is the result of inflammation or a strain of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot by running along the bottom of the foot and connecting the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis can have a variety of causes. Patients who are obese or have gained weight are susceptible to plantar fasciitis due to the stress the extra weight puts ont the feet. Long distance runners are at a higher risk of developing this condition because of the extreme shock to the heel. Other issues that can lead to plantar fasciitis include a tight Achilles tendon, shoes that don’t fit correctly, a sudden increase in exercise, active jobs, or structural foot problems like flat feet. If you are suffering from heel pain, and you are unsure of the source, a podiatrist will be able to help diagnose and treat your heel pain.

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 Alex Yanovskiy, DPM from Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor 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 office located in Des Plaines , IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

While the feet have a variety of functions, issues with the feet can also indicate issues in a variety of other parts of the body. Because of this, podiatrists can often be the first doctors to notice an issue. For example, feet that are too cold, or are blue in color, can indicate circulation problems in the rest of the body. Swollen feet can sometimes indicate heart disease or high blood pressure. The toenails can also indicate a variety of issues. Changes in toenail color can be signs of issues in the lungs, heart, kidneys, or liver, and it can even be a sign of diabetes or an infection. If you are noticing any abnormalities in the feet, consult with a podiatrist to make sure there aren’t any underlying issues.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Alex Yanovskiy, DPM from Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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