Falls are a significant concern in assisted living facilities, particularly among the elderly. As people age, physical changes like muscle weakness, balance issues, and vision problems increase the likelihood of falls. Additionally, cognitive impairments, such as dementia, can lead to confusion and poor judgment, further raising the risk. Falls are prevalent in this population, often leading to serious physical injuries, such as fractures, and mental effects, like fear of falling, which can reduce mobility and independence. The environment in assisted living facilities, with unfamiliar layouts and communal living spaces, can also contribute to the risk of falls. Factors like wearing  improper footwear, clutter, inadequate lighting, and lack of assistive devices play a role as well. If you or a loved one is living in an assisted living facility and have fallen and sustained a foot or ankle injury, or if you want to know more about preventing falls in this environment, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for treatment and counsel.

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 Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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 Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Joint pain in the big toe can be caused by several conditions. One of the most frequent causes is gout, a type of arthritis resulting from a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint, leading to intense pain and swelling. Another common cause is bunions, where a bony bump forms at the base of the big toe, causing pain and misalignment. Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can also affect the big toe joint, causing stiffness and discomfort. Trauma or injuries, such as fractures or sprains, may contribute to joint pain as well. Identifying the underlying cause is vital for effective treatment, which may include medication, wearing proper footwear, and in some cases, surgical intervention. Pain in the big toe can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have developed this type of pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat toe pain. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM of Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Managing gout attacks involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatments to reduce uric acid levels and prevent flare-ups. Gout, once known as a disease of kings due to its association with rich foods and alcohol, is now widespread, affecting over eight million US adults. The rise in cases is also linked to obesity and high blood pressure. Gout is caused by uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to intense pain, redness and swelling, commonly in the big toe. Prevention strategies include losing weight, avoiding alcohol and high-purine foods like red meat and seafood, and incorporating low-fat dairy into your diet. Medications to lower uric acid levels are often necessary and regular use of them can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks. These measures can improve the quality of life and prevent long-term joint damage. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for help in managing it effectively.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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 Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in various parts of the foot can stem from diverse factors. Heel pain, often attributed to plantar fasciitis, results from inflammation of the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Arch pain may indicate issues like flat feet or overpronation, where the arch collapses excessively during walking or running. Pain in the ball of the foot could be due to conditions such as metatarsalgia, a result of excessive pressure on the ball of the foot. Additionally, toe pain may result from conditions like bunions, hammertoes, or ingrown toenails. Ankle pain can be caused by sprains, fractures, or Achilles tendon injuries. Contributing factors include overuse, improper footwear, structural abnormalities, and injuries. A diagnosis by a podiatrist is essential for determining the underlying cause of foot pain. If you have pain in your feet, it is strongly urged that you consult this type of doctor who can accurately diagnose and treat foot pain.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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 Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.