November 2022

Falling can happen to people of all ages, and it is not just limited to seniors. There could be existing medical reasons why people may fall, including muscle weakness, difficulty in walking, and poor balance. The feet are often affected when a fall happens, and it can result in a broken toe or foot. Additionally, there are environmental factors which can cause an individual to fall. When fall prevention methods are practiced, the risk of falling may be greatly reduced. These can include improving lighting in the living area, removing worn rugs from the steps, and ridding existing clutter from the floors. People who have had previous falls may refrain from completing daily activities for fear of falling again. This may be alleviated as the body becomes stronger when a gentle exercise program is performed. Additionally, having regular physical and eye examinations are beneficial in updating existing medications and eyeglasses. Many people find it helpful to install grab bars in the shower and toilet area which help to provide stability. If you would like to know more about effective fall prevention techniques, please confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with accurate information.

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 Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington. 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 one of our offices located in Kirkland, Everett, and Renton, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has indicated that wearing high heels is one of the most common reasons that women develop foot pain. Many women choose to wear high heels, despite knowing unwanted foot conditions may arise and could cause the need for lower heels. A bunion is a bony growth that forms on the side of the big toe which can result from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. High heels often fall into this category and bunions may be prevented by wearing shoes that have more room. Additionally, the calf may become painful which may be a gradual Achilles tendon injury developing. This tendon may become shortened when high heels are frequently worn and relief may be found when the calf muscles are stretched. High heels may cause permanent damage to the feet so it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist if you would like more information about tips on how to possibly avoid this.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Kirkland, Everett, and Renton, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Standing for the majority of the day can wreak havoc on the entire body, specifically the feet.  The restaurant business, hospital employees, and retail positions are careers that often fall into this category. There are methods that can protect the feet during the work day. These can include resting the feet as often as possible, and stretching them while standing can help to keep the muscles and joints flexible. Many people choose to stand on a stress mat, which is constructed of rubber materials that can help to cushion the feet while standing. Additionally, it is beneficial to wear shoes that are comfortable and fit correctly, and this may reduce the risk of developing specific foot conditions. These can include corns, bunions, and heel problems that can range from heel spurs to plantar fasciitis. Soaking the feet in warm water after the work day will help to relax the muscles, and provide an overall good feeling to the body. If you would like to know more about how to protect your feet while working, please speak with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful tips.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Kirkland, Everett, and Renton, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition that affects the nerves between the metatarsal bones in the foot. These are long bones, and there are affected nerves lying in between the bones. The pain that is associated with this condition feels like a burning sensation, or maybe a numbing and tingling feeling. If prompt medical attention is not sought, the pain can become unbearable, and walking may be difficult. This can be a result of irritated or compressed nerves, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary for repairing or removal of these nerves.  A common cause of Morton’s neuroma can come from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. High heels can fall into this category, and it is suggested to refrain from wearing these types of shoes. They can gradually be replaced by wearing a lower heel, and this may help to accelerate the healing process. Morton’s neuroma is considered to be one of the most painful foot conditions, and if you have developed symptoms that may indicate this ailment, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Kirkland, Everett, and Renton, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Throbbing pain in one or more toenails can make running an uncomfortable exercise. If your toenail turns black, blue, or gray after a long run, it can be a sign of bleeding underneath the nail. This condition is known as a subungual hematoma, more commonly as runner’s toe. If the toenail raises from the nail bed, it is likely to fall off, but eventually, a new nail will grow to replace it. The main reason for black toenails is the continued rubbing of the toe against the inside of the shoe. This is frequently the result of running downhill or wearing running shoes that don’t fit properly. Taking a break from running, and avoiding downhill terrain are suggested as ways to treat runner’s toe. If swelling and pain persist, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist for an examination. One possible treatment is to drain the fluid beneath the nail by drilling a hole in it, a procedure called trephination. Your podiatrist can suggest the proper treatment to get you back to running.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Kirkland, Everett, and Renton, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.