Items filtered by date: December 2024

Seniors are at a higher risk of falling due to various factors, including weakened muscles, reduced balance, and impaired vision. As people age, muscle mass naturally decreases, which can lead to a lack of stability. Poor vision, whether from cataracts or other age-related conditions, makes it harder to detect obstacles in the environment, increasing the chance of tripping. Certain medications can also cause dizziness or weakness, further contributing to falls. To prevent falls, seniors should engage in regular exercise to improve strength and balance. Wearing supportive, non-slip footwear is essential for reducing slips, and ensuring the home is free of obstacles, such as loose rugs or clutter, can minimize hazards. Proper lighting in hallways and bathrooms, along with grab bars in key areas, will help make the environment safer. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury from falling, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and educate you on fall prevention methods.

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 Yvonne Umezurike, DPM from Umez Podiatry. 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 Baltimore, MD and Washington DC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Incorporating yoga foot stretches into your daily routine can greatly improve flexibility, strength, and overall foot health. One simple stretch involves sitting on the floor and stretching your legs out in front of you. Reach for your toes, gently pulling them back toward your body to stretch the soles and calves. Another effective stretch is the downward-facing dog, which lengthens the hamstrings, calves, and arches of the feet. For a more targeted stretch, try the toe stretch, where you kneel and gently stretch your toes by placing your feet flat on the floor and sitting back onto your heels. Lastly, the seated foot stretch involves sitting with one leg crossed over the other and using your hands to gently pull the toes back, stretching the top of the foot. If you have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional effective foot stretches.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Yvonne Umezurike, DPM from Umez Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, MD and Washington DC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blisters on the feet are small, fluid-filled pockets that form beneath the outer layer of skin, often caused by friction or pressure. These painful lesions can occur from wearing ill-fitting shoes or repetitive movements during activities. Blisters on the feet are typically filled with clear fluid, though blood-filled blisters can develop if a nearby blood vessel is damaged. While small blisters often heal on their own when kept clean and covered, larger or infected blisters require attention, particularly if accompanied by redness, warmth, or drainage. Popping a blister is not recommended as it can lead to infection and further complications. A podiatrist can provide safe and sterile treatment to treat the blister, reduce pain and prevent infection. This foot doctor can also assess your footwear and recommend methods to minimize friction to prevent future blister formation. If you have a painful blister that will not heal, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Yvonne Umezurike, DPM of Umez Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, MD and Washington DC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to intense pain and inflammation. This condition typically affects the big toe but can involve other joints as well. Uric acid is a waste product that the body normally eliminates, but when it accumulates in excessive amounts, it can form sharp crystals that irritate the surrounding tissues. Podiatrists treat gout by first diagnosing the condition through physical exams and sometimes tests to measure uric acid levels. Treatment often involves medications to reduce uric acid levels, manage pain, and decrease inflammation. Podiatrists may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments and weight management, to help prevent future flare-ups. Wearing supportive footwear and custom orthotics can also assist in alleviating pressure on the affected joints, promoting healing and comfort. If you have had one or more bouts of gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat and manage this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Yvonne Umezurike, DPM from Umez Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, MD and Washington DC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of the nail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. This can happen on any toe but is most common on the big toe. Ingrown toenails can develop at the side or tip of the nail, with inner side ingrown toenails being more common. The primary causes include improper nail trimming, such as cutting nails too short or rounding the corners, wearing tight shoes, injury to the toe, or having naturally curved nails. Infections may also develop if left untreated, leading to pus, increased pain, and swelling. Treatment typically involves soaking the foot, applying antibiotics, and, in severe cases, surgically removing part of the nail. A podiatrist can provide expert care by gently removing the ingrown portion of the nail, offering pain relief, and advising on proper nail care to prevent recurrence. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment and relief.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Yvonne Umezurike, DPM of Umez Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, MD and Washington DC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.