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The feet and ankles are commonly affected during falls. Frequent foot injuries caused by falls can include strains, sprained ankles, fractured bones, or even torn Achilles tendons. Because pressure is still applied to the foot, even when casted, it is challenging to fully immobilize the foot and ankle, making the healing process somewhat slow. Such injuries can alter one’s enjoyment and quality of life, and lead to chronic pain. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury in a fall, contact a podiatrist who can correctly diagnose the problem and get you on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.

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 Dr. Edward D. Hutson from Easton, PA. . 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 offices located in Easton, and Northampton, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A stress fracture is considered to be a hairline fracture, and many people ignore the subtle pain that comes from it. It generally happens to people who have an active lifestyle, and interrupting their daily routine is needed to ensure proper healing. Runners who increase speed and mileage too quickly may be prone to getting a stress fracture, or it may happen from existing medical conditions. These can include osteoporosis, high arches, or flat feet. A stress fracture can occur in the metatarsals, which are what the bones are referred to in the toes. This is considered to be the most common type of stress fracture, and it happens as a result of pushing off while walking and running. Resting the affected foot is the first step in making a complete recovery, and wearing a protective boot or cast may be necessary in accelerating the healing process. If you have endured a stress fracture of the foot, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. Edward D. Hutson from Easton, PA. . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Easton, and Northampton, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Anyone who wants to care for their feet properly ought to know how the foot functions. Being familiar with the biomechanics of the feet can be greatly informative and beneficial. One important thing to know about the human foot is that it contains different kinds of muscles. There are two different primary kinds of muscles in the foot, the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles. Extrinsic muscles are responsible for movements such as the eversion, plantarflexion, and dorsiflexion of the foot. By contrast, the intrinsic muscles are found on the inside of the foot. This particular kind of foot muscle is responsible for what we call fine motor movements, such as the movement of individual digits, or toes. The muscles of the feet each serve important roles in supporting the feet and protecting them. For more information, contact a podiatrist today.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Edward D. Hutson from Easton, PA. . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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