Many people have a difficult time recovering from falls that have occurred. Their feet may have become affected, and it may be overwhelming to complete daily activities. There are specific methods that can be implemented that may help to reduce the risk of falling. These can include removing worn rugs from the living environment, installing grab bars in the shower and toilet areas, and it may help to improve existing lighting. Additionally, it is beneficial to have current medication checked by having routine physical and eye examinations performed. Many patients find they may fall less often when the proper shoes are worn. If you would like more information about how possible foot conditions may be avoided by using fall prevention techniques, please confer with a podiatrist.

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 Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. 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 offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and Midtown, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing the right shoes can play a huge role in the health of your feet. When shopping for new shoes, there are several things that you can do to ensure that you buy the best shoes for your feet. It is recommended that you shop for shoes in person rather than online, so that you can try on shoes, making sure that they fit well and leave room for the toes to move freely in. In a brick and mortar store, you will also be able to ask a salesperson to measure your feet to find out your exact shoe size. Many people wear the wrong size shoes because they are unaware that their feet have changed with age. It is also suggested that you try on shoes in the afternoon when the feet are at their largest. When you find a pair of shoes that are comfortable and fit properly, you may want to feel the inside of the shoe for tags, seams, or other materials that could potentially irritate your foot. You may also want to inspect the soles to make sure that they are thick enough to cushion and protect your feet. For more tips on buying the right shoes for you, consult with a podiatrist today.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and Midtown, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Limb salvage, also known as limb sparing surgery, is a medical approach that focuses on preserving a patient’s limb rather than resorting to limb loss. In podiatry, it is especially important for individuals with diabetes who may develop severe infections, ulcers, or poor circulation in their feet. Risk factors include uncontrolled blood sugar, neuropathy, vascular disease, and delayed wound healing. Limb salvage is often necessary when conservative treatments fail, and the goal is to maintain mobility and quality of life while preventing further complications. A podiatrist plays a crucial role in early detection, wound care, surgical intervention, and ongoing management. If you have diabetes and have developed foot wounds that will not heal, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist for treatment.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and Midtown, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle fractures can vary in severity and type. Five common forms include chip fractures, transverse fractures, oblique fractures, vertical fractures, and comminuted fractures. Chip fractures involve a small piece of bone breaking off, often due to twisting injuries. Transverse fractures are horizontal breaks, usually from direct impact. Oblique fractures have an angled break, typically from a combination of twisting and force. Vertical fractures extend lengthwise and are often seen with high-impact trauma. Comminuted fractures occur when the bone shatters into multiple pieces. Symptoms of all types include severe pain, swelling, bruising, inability to bear weight, and visible deformity. The ankle may feel unstable or numb, depending on nerve involvement. A podiatrist can diagnose the type of fracture through physical examination and imaging, such as X-rays or CT scans. Treatment may involve immobilization, casting, or surgery in more complex cases. To ensure proper healing and avoid complications, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. 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 offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and Midtown, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.