Falling at home is a common concern for older adults, and a simple stumble can cause injury. A fall happens when balance, vision, or footing is disrupted. Common symptoms after a fall include pain, swelling, or bruising. Tenderness, difficulty walking, or reduced movement may also be common. Persistent discomfort deserves attention. Falls can result in sprains, fractures, or damage to the toes and midfoot.

Several factors can increase the risk of falling at home. Loose rugs, cluttered walkways, and stairs can create hazards. Weakness, vision problems, and medications may also contribute. Seniors can reduce these risks by keeping pathways clear and securing or removing loose rugs. Installing brighter lighting and sturdy handrails can make movement around the home safer. Wearing supportive, properly fitted shoes instead of walking in socks can also improve stability.

Fall-proofing the home is especially important in areas used every day. Keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid climbing or stretching. Use non-slip mats in areas where floors may become wet. A bathroom grab bar can provide additional support near the shower or toilet. After a fall, avoid putting weight on a painful foot or ankle. A podiatrist can examine the foot, check swelling and tenderness, and determine whether imaging is needed.

Treatment depends on the injury and its severity. A podiatrist may recommend rest, protective footwear, or temporary immobilization as needed. Bracing or supportive devices may help protect an injured area while it heals. A walking boot may protect a fracture while it heals. Follow-up visits can monitor healing and help determine when normal activity can safely resume and reduce the chance of another fall. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from falling at home, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief, treatment, and additional fall prevention tips.

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 VIP Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sports-related foot and ankle injuries can affect athletes at every level and interfere with training or competition. The foot and ankle absorb force, support body weight, and help the body change direction. Injuries can occur suddenly or develop from repeated stress. Ankle sprains are among the injuries seen in sports and can happen when the ankle rolls beyond its normal range. Stress fractures and Achilles tendon injuries can also affect active patients. Pain, swelling, and reduced movement can make it difficult to run or return to a sport safely.

The type of injury depends on the sport, playing surface, and demands placed on the foot or ankle. Repeated jumping and running places stress on bones and soft tissues. Quick changes in direction increase strain around the ankle. Some injuries involve ligaments, which are strong bands of tissue that connect bones. Others affect tendons, which connect muscles to bones. A careful evaluation is important because symptoms can overlap. What feels like a minor sprain can sometimes involve another structure or a more significant injury.

A podiatrist evaluates sports-related foot and ankle injuries by examining the painful area, movement, and stability. The exam also considers how the injury happened and which activities increase symptoms. Treatment depends on the injured structure and the severity of the problem. A podiatrist can provide immobilization or supportive devices when appropriate. Treatment can also include guided rehsabilitation exercises to restore strength and movement. A podiatrist also guides a safe return to activity and addresses factors that could increase the chance of another injury. If you have symptoms of a sports-related foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that develops on the foot of someone with diabetes. High blood sugar can damage nerves and reduce blood flow, making injuries harder to notice and take longer to heal. Symptoms  include redness, swelling, or an open wound. Some ulcers may cause little pain because diabetic neuropathy can reduce sensation. Early treatment is important because untreated ulcers can become infected and may lead to serious complications.

Common causes include repeated pressure, friction, minor injuries, and reduced sensation. Risk factors include diabetes, previous ulcers, and difficulty controlling blood sugar. A podiatrist may examine the ulcer, check circulation and sensation, and look for infection. Initial treatment may involve cleaning and dressing the wound, removing unhealthy tissue when appropriate, and reducing pressure. Treatment is tailored to the ulcer and the patient.

Offloading pressure is an important part of diabetic foot ulcer treatment. A total contact cast is a specialized cast that distributes pressure across the foot and lower leg while limiting weight-bearing stress on the ulcer. It can be especially useful for certain plantar ulcers when appropriate. Removable cast walkers are another option. They protect the foot while allowing the device to be removed for wound care and inspection. A podiatrist will determine which approach is safest, based on wound location and severity.

Regular follow-up helps monitor healing and reduce complications. A podiatrist may change dressings, reassess the wound, and recommend footwear that protects the foot after healing. Patients should also inspect their feet daily and avoid walking barefoot. Any new redness, drainage, or skin breakdown should receive prompt attention. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken ankle occurs when one or more bones surrounding the ankle joint crack. A twist, fall, or direct blow can cause this injury. The break can affect the fibula and tibia, which are the two lower-leg bones, either one or both. The bony bump on the ankle’s outside, called the lateral malleolus, or the bump on the inside, called the medial malleolus, also may be injured. The back edge of the tibia, called the posterior malleolus, may be fractured. 

Pain, swelling, and trouble putting weight on the injured foot can indicate a broken ankle. Bruising or a change in the ankle’s shape can occur. Because some small breaks feel like a severe sprain, symptoms alone cannot confirm the injury. A podiatrist examines the ankle, checks tender areas, and evaluates its stability. X-rays show whether a bone is broken and if so, whether the pieces remain lined up. These findings help the podiatrist decide if the fracture is stable or unstable. Prompt diagnosis matters because an unstable joint or poorly aligned bone can lead to lasting stiffness, weakness, or arthritis.

A podiatrist creates a treatment plan based on the fracture’s location, alignment, and stability. A stable break can be protected in a walking boot or cast while the bone heals. The podiatrist monitors healing with follow-up visits and imaging. An unstable fracture can require surgery to place the bone pieces into their correct position. Plates, screws, or pins may be used to hold them steady. After treatment, the podiatrist develops a plan for a safe return to standing, walking, and regular activities. Follow-up care helps identify poor alignment or delayed healing before further problems occur. Following weight-bearing limits and appointment schedules protects the healing ankle and lowers the chance of another injury. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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