Fall prevention is important because a sudden slip or trip can cause more than a bruise. Falls may lead to foot and ankle injuries, including sprains and tendon strains. Pain, swelling, and difficulty walking are common symptoms after an injury. Keeping walking areas clear and well lit can make a meaningful difference.

Foot problems after a fall can range from soreness to injuries requiring medical attention. A twisted ankle can stretch ligaments, while a hard landing may fracture a bone. Workers may be vulnerable when floors are wet or cluttered. Employers should provide safe, clean environments for workers and address hazards promptly. Guard rails and sturdy railing should be available near stairs, ramps, and other areas where extra support is needed.

Preventing falls starts with practical safety habits. Wear properly-fitted shoes with supportive soles and avoid slippery surfaces whenever possible. Keep walkways free from cords, boxes, and other obstacles. Use guard rails when climbing stairs and hold the railing for added stability. Workers should follow workplace safety procedures and report unsafe conditions. Regular foot care can also help people recognize pain or weakness that could affect balance. A careful approach can help prevent avoidable falls and protect healthy movement at home or work. Planning ahead can also help reduce stress and prevent rushed movements every day.

If you fall and injure your foot or ankle, a podiatrist can evaluate the injury and determine appropriate treatment. The examination may include checking swelling, tenderness, and the ability to bear weight. X-rays may be recommended when a fracture is suspected. Treatment can include immobilization or supportive footwear based on the injury. Follow-up visits help monitor healing. If you have incurred a foot or ankle injury from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate 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 James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. 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 office located in Safford and Sierra Vista, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe pain can make standing, walking, and other daily activities uncomfortable. Pain can develop after an injury or a change in normal activity. Foot and toe problems can cause pain, stiffness, or swelling. Changes in sensation can also occur. A toe injury can happen after a fall or direct impact. Repeated pressure from certain activities can also irritate the toes. Wearing shoes that do not fit properly can contribute to discomfort by placing added pressure on sensitive areas of the foot.

The location and type of toe pain can provide useful clues about its cause. Pain around the big-toe joint can be related to joint problems or irritation from pressure. Swelling can develop after an injury and make movement difficult. Some patients notice numbness or tingling along with pain. Changes in skin color or temperature can also occur with certain foot problems. Pain can affect the way a person walks, which can place extra stress on other areas of the foot. Persistent symptoms deserve evaluation, especially when pain limits normal movement or becomes more severe.

A podiatrist can evaluate toe pain by examining the painful area and checking how the toes and foot move. The evaluation can include questions about recent injuries, activity changes, and when symptoms began. A podiatrist can also assess shoes to determine whether their fit is contributing to pressure or discomfort. Treatment depends on the cause of the pain and the structures involved. A podiatrist can address problems affecting the joints, nails, or surrounding tissues and recommend treatment that supports comfortable movement. Early evaluation can help prevent a minor problem from becoming more difficult to manage. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact James P. Huish, DPM of Arizona. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Safford and Sierra Vista, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot color changes can sometimes provide an important clue about circulation and underlying health conditions. Systemic sclerosis, also called scleroderma, is a chronic autoimmune condition that can cause changes in the skin and connective tissues. It can also affect blood vessels, particularly those supplying the fingers and toes. People with systemic sclerosis may notice that their feet or toes change color when exposed to cold temperatures or during periods of stress. The skin may appear pale, blue, or purple, as blood flow changes. These episodes can occur with other symptoms, such as cold feet, numbness, or discomfort.

One common circulation-related symptom associated with systemic sclerosis is Raynaud phenomenon. During an episode, blood vessels in the toes can narrow temporarily, reducing blood flow and causing the affected area to become pale or bluish. As circulation returns, the toes may become red and feel warm, uncomfortable, or tingly. Foot color changes can also have many other causes, so they should not automatically be assumed to be related to systemic sclerosis. A professional evaluation can help identify the reason for the change.

Risk factors for circulation problems associated with systemic sclerosis include having the condition itself, repeated exposure to cold, and vascular involvement. Symptoms that deserve attention include persistent color changes, unusual coldness, and tingling. In more serious cases, reduced blood flow can contribute to ulcers or tissue damage. A podiatrist can examine the feet for changes in skin condition, temperature, and areas of pressure. 

Foot color changes should not be ignored, particularly when they are new, persistent, painful, or accompanied by wounds. Early evaluation can help identify circulation concerns and reduce the risk of complications. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include protecting the feet from cold, addressing pressure areas, and providing appropriate footwear. If you have unexplained foot color changes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective management solutions.

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 James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. Our doctors 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 contact our office located in Safford and Sierra Vista, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain while walking can make simple activities feel difficult. The ankle supports the body and helps the foot move with each step, so pain in this area can affect balance and movement. Ankle pain can develop after an injury, but it can also have other causes. Sprains, tendon issues, and problems involving the bones or joints can all contribute to ankle discomfort. Pain may occur on one or both sides of the ankle and can range from mild soreness to sharp or severe discomfort. Swelling, stiffness, or difficulty putting weight on the foot can also occur. A podiatrist can examine the ankle and determine what could be causing the pain.

A podiatrist can assess the ankle by checking its movement, strength, and areas of tenderness. The examination helps determine whether the pain is related to an injury, a tendon, or another part of the foot and ankle. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms. Care can include protecting the affected area, reducing stress on the ankle, and using treatment designed to improve movement and function. A podiatrist can also assess how foot structure and walking patterns affect the ankle. This can be helpful when pain continues or returns after activity. 

Ankle pain while walking should receive prompt attention when it is severe, or makes it difficult to put weight on the foot. Significant swelling, a change in the shape of the ankle, or severe pain after an injury can also require careful evaluation. A podiatrist can determine whether imaging tests or additional treatment is appropriate based on the findings. Identifying the cause of ankle pain can help guide care and reduce the chance of continued problems with movement. An evaluation is also useful when ankle pain continues without a clear injury. If you have  ankle pain while walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Safford and Sierra Vista, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.