Items filtered by date: December 2021

More than one in three people age 65 and older fall each year. Many factors that can lead to a fall at home, and some of the most common are muscle weakness, loose throw rugs on the floor, numbness in the feet, and unsafe footwear, such as backless shoes and high heels. With a few preventative measures implemented, you can reduce the chances of falling and maintain an active life as a senior. Staying physically active is especially important as one ages. Regular exercise improves muscle strength and can help keep your joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible. Stand up slowly after lying down or sitting for a prolonged period of time. Use a cane or walker as needed to aid in balance. Wear shoes or slippers with non-skid soles that fully support the feet. If you feel that you have an increased risk for falls, or are planning a new exercise regime, please consult a podiatrist for more information on prevention and various treatment options.

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 Gabe Rodriguez, DPM from Sioux Falls Foot Specialist. 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 Sioux Falls, SD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people who have diabetes also end up developing foot problems. The best way to avoid them is to control blood sugar levels everyday, which can help to keep nerve and blood vessel damage from increasing. There are also several ways to help avoid foot sores and infection. Check the feet each day, looking for cuts, redness and changes to the skin and toenails. Wash the feet daily and be sure to dry them thoroughly to avoid buildup of moisture. Put your feet up as much as possible, and wriggle the toes and circle the feet. Avoid wearing tight socks that can restrict circulation to the feet. If you notice sores or blisters that won’t heal, if the skin is red, warm and painful, or if you start to notice an odor emanating from the feet, it would be wise to consult a podiatrist as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Gabe Rodriguez, DPM from Sioux Falls Foot Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

If your toenails are discolored, thickened, smell bad, or look deformed, you may have developed a fungal infection. This condition affects about 10 percent of the general population, but it is far more prevalent in seniors, especially those who are 70 or older. This is because nails become drier and more brittle as we age. Poor circulation and a weakened immune system can also be contributing factors. In addition, if you have injured a nail or have diabetes or psoriasis, you may have an increased risk for developing a fungal infection. It is possible to catch a fungal infection through contact with another person, or even from your own body. Sometimes Athlete’s foot, another common fungal infection usually found between the toes, can spread to the toenails as well. If you notice that your toenails are brittle, crumbling, or ragged, it is wise to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive proper treatment and to prevent the fungus from spreading further.

For more information about treatment, contact Gabe Rodriguez, DPM of Sioux Falls Foot Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Sioux Falls, SD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

If you have sharp pain in the area of the foot between the third and fourth toes, you may have Morton's neuroma. Symptoms include feeling a stabbing, burning pain and experiencing numbness or tingling. For many people, non-surgical treatment can ease these symptoms. Probably the most common cause of Morton's neuroma is ill-fitting shoes that have high heels, pointy toes, and are too tight. These can cause nerve damage and subsequent pain. Simply changing to wider, more comfortable shoes with increased cushioning will likely reduce pain. High impact sports, especially running, are another common cause of Morton’s neuroma. It’s a good idea to rest the feet until the nerves recover before continuing such activity. Orthotic inserts in your shoes can help alleviate symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid or anesthetic injections are more-advanced treatments. Finally, surgical intervention may be indicated in severe cases. This procedure can remove some surrounding tissue or parts of the nerve, helping to widen the inflamed area and relieve pressure that causes pain. For more information on treatment for Morton’s neuroma, please consult a podiatrist who can help you determine the best course of action.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Gabe Rodriguez, DPM of Sioux Falls Foot Specialist. Our doctor 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 our office located in Sioux Falls, SD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a painful type of arthritis that occurs due to high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. It frequently affects the joints of the feet, particularly in the big toe. A gout flareup can be extremely painful, swollen, red, and warm. Gout is thought to be at least partially hereditary, but co-occurring medical conditions and certain lifestyle factors can also trigger a gout attack. People who have a history of heart failure, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes are at an increased risk of gout. People who are obese, take diuretic medications, drink alcohol, consume sugary foods and beverages, or eat foods rich in purines, such as red meat and certain types of seafood, are also at risk. If you have suffered a gout attack, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for treatment and prevention strategies. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Gabe Rodriguez, DPM from Sioux Falls Foot Specialist. 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 office located in Sioux Falls, SD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.