Items filtered by date: February 2024

In every workplace, the risk of falling is a significant concern that demands attention. Mitigating this risk requires a proactive approach and a commitment to safety from both employers and employees alike. First and foremost, maintaining a clean and clutter-free environment is important, as objects left in walkways can easily become tripping hazards. Furthermore, ensuring that floors are dry and free from spills helps prevent slips. Adequate lighting also plays a vital role in enhancing visibility and reducing the likelihood of accidents. Implementing proper training programs for employees is indispensable. This includes educating workers on the importance of using appropriate safety equipment such as non-slip footwear and harnesses when working at heights. Additionally, promoting a culture of mindfulness where employees are encouraged to report potential hazards and participate in safety inspections fosters a safer work environment for everyone. The feet are often hurt when falling occurs, which may compromise the ability to perform daily tasks. If you are interested in having additional knowledge about how falling can impact the feet and methods to prevent this, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

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 the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. 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 Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you are concerned about gout, be aware of specific symptoms indicating a potential flare-up. Elevated uric acid or purine levels in routine blood tests may signal its presence. Gout typically manifests as intense joint pain, often at night, with a common target being the big toe joint. Inflammation accompanies the pain, leading to swelling, tenderness, warmth, and redness in the affected area. The initial hours of a flare-up can be excruciating, making it difficult to walk or touch the foot. Although flares typically last approximately 12 hours, joint discomfort can persist for days to weeks afterward. If you experience symptoms like big toe pain, consulting a podiatrist is suggested for diagnosis and treatment. This foot doctor can assess any potential joint damage from gout and provide appropriate care to manage symptoms effectively.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Experiencing pain in the pinky toe can be discomforting, yet understanding the causes behind it can offer clarity and relief. One common culprit is wearing ill-fitting footwear, particularly shoes that are too narrow or have inadequate toe space, which can compress the pinky toe and lead to friction and discomfort. Additionally, repetitive activities such as running or walking long distances can strain the muscles and joints in the pinky toe, resulting in pain and inflammation. Injuries such as stubbing the toe or dropping a heavy object on it can also cause acute pain and swelling. Moreover, conditions like bunions or hammertoes can affect the alignment of the toes, putting extra pressure on the pinky toe and causing pain over time. Understanding the diverse causes of pinky toe pain empowers individuals to take proactive measures, such as wearing properly fitting shoes, and practicing good foot hygiene. If your pinky toe hurts, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact the foot specialists of Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Each toe consists of two or three small and delicate bones that are susceptible to fractures, commonly caused by incidents like stubbing your toe or heavy object impacts. Most broken toes can be managed without surgery and treated conservatively. However, severe injuries include situations where the toe becomes crooked, there is an open wound, or if it involves the big toe, necessitating care from a podiatrist. In cases involving the big toe, casting or splinting may be required for healing, with occasional surgery if bone fragments disrupt proper healing. Symptoms of a broken toe include pain, swelling, stiffness, and bruising lasting up to two weeks. Crooked toes may need realignment, either with or without surgery. Initial symptom relief involves rest, elevation, and pain relievers. Buddy taping and wearing appropriate footwear can assist healing, with gradual resumption of activity once swelling subsides. If you have broken your toe and you have concerning symptoms, such as numbness, increased pain or swelling, open wounds, fever, slow healing, or unusual discoloration, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible for treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.