The majority of hospitals implement fall prevention strategies. Studies suggest that falls may be overlooked, mainly because the patients are admitted for other reasons. If a fall occurs in the hospital, a promising recovery may take longer than expected. Patients may prefer to stay in bed as it may be safer than walking through corridors. However, mobility and strength can be increased when walking is done as often as possible. It is beneficial for hospitals to have employees learn how to protect patients from falling as each patient is unique. Some patients can fall as a result of mental status or from medications that put them at a higher risk for falls. Unanticipated falls can include people who suddenly experience a stroke or seizure, and different fall prevention protocols are often put in place. If you or a loved one would like to learn more fall prevention techniques, it is suggested that you reach out to a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful 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 Anthony Ricciardi Jr., DPM from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Nevada. 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 Las Vegas, Nevada . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis most commonly affecting the big toe that can show itself as redness, tenderness, swelling in joints, and severe pain. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a part of purines, an ingredient found in several foods. A process happens when uric acid crystals build up in joints. This condition can limit the range of movement, making it difficult to exercise or walk. Those most prone to gout include obese people, those with a genetic predisposition, and men. To help prevent gout, it is suggested to avoid alcohol, increase water intake, and reduce the consumption of sugary beverages, fish, and red meat. Gout is often diagnosed after an acute attack of symptoms, and a blood test can determine the levels of uric acid. A podiatrist can also perform other tests and provide treatment that will help relieve symptoms of gout. If you suffer from gout, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist today.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Anthony Ricciardi Jr., DPM from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Nevada. Our Doctor 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 our office located in Las Vegas, Nevada . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The feet are integral parts of the human body in their own right. However, the health of our feet can also tell us important things about our overall health and the health of other parts of our body. For example, the state of our feet can sometimes be an early warning sign for other health complications, such as heart disease. Specifically, pain in the muscles in the feet is sometimes associated with early signs of heart disease. This pain in the foot muscles might even travel up the calves and thighs. Besides foot pain, feelings of numbness in the feet when motionless might also indicate in some individuals a potential for experiencing heart disease. Additionally, swelling in the feet, which is also known as edema, can be associated with heart disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and want to learn more about what they might mean, contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Anthony Ricciardi Jr., DPM from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Nevada. Our Doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Athlete’s foot is a fairly well-known condition that reduces the health of the feet. It is spread in warm, moist environments, and is ultimately caused by a fungal infection. If you are a senior citizen or are caring for one, it is important to know that seniors might be more susceptible to athlete’s foot than the general public. There are several reasons for this. Most importantly, athlete’s foot can thrive in shoes and feet when they are not regularly cleaned and dried. Sometimes, certain senior citizens lack the mobility and flexibility to regularly clean and dry their own feet. As a result, the senior becomes even more susceptible to developing athlete’s foot. If you are a senior struggling with athlete’s foot, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Anthony Ricciardi Jr., DPM from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Nevada. Our Doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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