March 2023

Sometimes when a senior citizen suffers a fall, it can be due to diminished strength in the feet. The fall can, in turn, further negatively affect the health of the senior’s feet. Many falls commonly take place in outdoor spaces. There are several things that a senior citizen might consider implementing to prevent falls from taking place in outdoor spaces. For example, a senior can ensure that their front steps or steps to a patio are even and not broken or loose. Additionally, a senior can be sure to turn on outdoor lighting fixtures after dark when going on the porch or patio to increase visibility. Lastly, during the winter, a senior might even consider using ice melt products in certain outdoor areas to combat slippery ice. If you are a senior citizen, or are caring for one, it is highly recommended that you reach out to a podiatrist for an appointment to learn more about fall prevention. 

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.

There are many different reasons why stretching the feet is an important part of one’s daily health routine. Performing stretches on the feet can improve mobility, flexibility, and resilience. This can essentially make the feet better able to manage exercise routines and physical activity. One important stretch that you might consider performing on your feet is known as a foam roller ankle stretch. This stretch can be performed in a seated position with one foot at a time being rested on a half foam roller. One then repeatedly tilts the roller upwards and downwards to feel the stretch in the feet. Perform this stretch on both feet. As a result of performing this stretch, the ankles will experience more movement and flexibility. If you are someone that is looking to strengthen their feet, it is suggested that you reach out to a podiatrist today. Podiatrists are foot specialists who can help answer any questions you might have and provide treatment.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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.

The cuboid bone is located near the heel and toward the outside of the foot. The foot condition known as cuboid syndrome may happen when the surrounding joints and ligaments become injured or move out of place. This can be a common injury among certain types of athletes, such as ballet dancers, or it may happen from suddenly twisting the ankle by falling. Existing conditions can make some prone to developing cuboid syndrome. These can include obesity and previously breaking a bone that is connected to the cuboid bone. Additionally, having various types of arthritis or osteoporosis can lead to getting cuboid syndrome. Relief is often found when the offending activity is temporarily stopped and the foot is frequently elevated. Effective prevention methods may come from adequately warming up and cooling down before and after a workout, and cross training may help to rest the feet. If you have pain in the outside of your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

Gout is one common affliction of the foot that can impact many different patients of all different backgrounds. Gout is technically a type of arthritis. It occurs when uric acid essentially builds up around the bones in the feet. Importantly, there are many different things that might trigger gout or a gout flare-up. For instance, many particular kinds of foods may have this effect. Interestingly, certain medications can also have this effect on gout. This is because certain kinds of medications can ultimately increase one’s uric acid. In particular, low-dose aspirin might have this effect. Also, other kinds of medications that could put one at an increased risk of developing gout include immunosuppressant drugs and drugs that are used to treat tuberculosis. If you are someone who might struggle with gout, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.