Items filtered by date: November 2017

Researchers have recently examined data and found that elderly persons who engaged in exercise programs were 49 percent less likely to have an injury caused by a fall. In addition to this impressive result, those who partook in exercise programs and vision exams had 83 percent lower odds of an injury resulting from a fall. Those who took vitamin supplements and had geriatric assessments in addition to exercise programs and vision exams had 88 percent lower odds. This data helps to show that not only did these steps help prevent falls, they also reduced the impact of an injury from a fall.

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 Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. 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 Somerset, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Typically Sever’s disease occurs in children between the ages of 8 and 12 years old. It occurs when the heel has not completed growing and becomes injured. The heel is less flexible as the tendons and muscles become tight. Activities that include running and jumping are common culprits when it comes to this injury. If you notice your child limping after engaging in physical activity, there might be a chance that they could have the disorder. In addition to this, a tendency to tiptoe may be noticed. Treatment includes stopping or cutting back any activity that may have caused the pain. Stretching the hamstrings and calf muscles as well as the back of the leg can be useful in managing this condition. Long-term problems have not been linked to Sever’s disease, however a podiatrist may be consulted if the heel pain does not improve with treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

Autumn is a lovely time of the year but can present some difficulties for runners. While generally not a dangerous time to run, there are some tips one should consider to help prevent running injuries in the fall. Avoid ground that is covered in leaves. This is important, as leaves can be wet and make slips more likely. Furthermore, leaves can also cover up holes in the ground, mud, or other obstacles that can cause you to fall or hurt your foot or ankle. Another tip is to wear brighter or more contrasting colors if you run alongside a road or woodlands. This will keep you visible to drivers. Regardless of whenever or wherever you run, staying alert of your surroundings and following some basic safety tips can monumentally help prevent any running injuries.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

While most people have experienced cold feet at some point in their life, some experience it during times when the weather isn’t necessarily cold. This can be due to poor blood circulation, which in itself can be caused by a number of conditions. Some of these conditions can include anemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and peripheral vascular disease, among others. If your feet are cold frequently or have been cold for a long time, it is strongly recommended to see a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition. The podiatrist may have to utilize several tests to determine the exact cause. Once a cause is found, treatment will vary depending upon the condition.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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