Wearing shoes that fit well and provide proper support can significantly reduce the risk of falls, especially as people age. When shopping for shoes, ensure they are the right length, with about a quarter of an inch extra space beyond your longest toe, allowing comfort without crowding. Choose shoes that close securely with laces or Velcro for a snug fit. This helps to accommodate natural foot swelling throughout the day. A supportive heel cup that stays in place and a wide, rounded heel enhance stability, offering more ground contact. Heel height should be no more than an inch for proper balance. Additionally, the shoe sole should have good traction without sticking to surfaces, and the toe area should be wide and deep enough for movement. Avoid shoes like floppy slippers with open heels or heavy footwear. If you have fallen recently and have sustained foot or ankle injuries, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, while guiding you on helpful tips on falls 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 Gerald Erskine, DPM from Seneca Family Footcare. 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 Ronceverte, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Vesicular athlete’s foot is a type of fungal infection that causes painful blisters that form along the arch or bottom of the foot. Vesicular athlete’s foot tends to develop suddenly, especially in people who wear tight, enclosed footwear for long hours, such as work boots. Blisters may appear in clusters, some intact and others already ruptured, and can cause pain when pressure is applied. Although some people notice improvement without care, untreated infections may continue to return. Vesicular athlete’s foot is often caused by a particular fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments like sweaty socks or damp shoes. Diagnosis usually involves examining a skin sample under a microscope to confirm a fungal infection. A podiatrist may also perform skin scrapings or cultures to identify the type of fungus and guide treatment. If you have recurring athlete's foot infections, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Gerald Erskine, DPM from Seneca Family Footcare. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Clubfoot is a deformity present at birth in which a baby’s foot points downward and turns inward, often making the foot appear short and twisted. Clubfoot, also known as talipes, affects the muscles, tendons, and bones of the foot and ankle. The tight Achilles tendon and shortened tissues on the inner side of the leg prevent the foot from moving into a normal position. In many cases, both feet are affected. Diagnosis is typically made shortly after birth, although some cases are identified before birth using prenatal imaging. A common approach to treatment is the Ponseti method, which uses a series of corrective plaster casts followed by minor surgery to release the tight tendon. After casting, the child often wears special bracing to help prevent recurrence. A podiatrist can assess the condition, recommend appropriate casting, and determine whether surgery is needed to achieve long-term correction. If your newborn has symptoms of clubfoot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Gerald Erskine, DPM of Seneca Family Footcare. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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