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The Hidden Risks of Wearing Flip-Flops

Flip-flops are a popular choice for casual wear, but they can cause serious foot problems over time. Most flip-flops offer little to no arch or heel support, which can lead to strain on the feet and ankles. Wearing them for extended periods of time may contribute to plantar fasciitis, heel pain, tendonitis, and flat feet. The lack of stability can also increase the risk of trips and falls. A podiatrist can assess foot health, recommend supportive footwear, and treat pain or injury caused by improper shoe choices. If you are experiencing foot discomfort from wearing flip-flops, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on appropriate flip-flop choices.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

  • They Slow You Down
  • May Cause Blisters and Calluses
  • Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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

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Preventing Falls in Elderly People and Protecting Foot Health

Falls in older adults are often caused by poor balance, weak muscles, vision problems, wearing unsafe footwear, or slippery surfaces. These incidents can lead to serious foot injuries such as fractures, sprains, or bruising that affect mobility and independence. Foot pain, instability, or nerve issues may also increase the risk of falling. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, provide proper footwear advice, treat painful conditions, and recommend balance-improving strategies. Preventive care may include custom orthotics, strengthening exercises, and regular foot evaluations. If you or a loved one is at risk of falling, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can help maintain safety, comfort, and confidence with every step. 

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 John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. 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 Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Speeding up Recovery From a Heel Spur

A heel spur is a calcium deposit that forms under the heel bone, often linked to ongoing strain on the foot. Although the spur itself may not always cause pain, the surrounding tissue can become irritated. Recovery focuses on reducing pressure and inflammation. Wearing supportive shoes with good arch structure, cushioned insoles, and soft heel pads can make a big difference. Stretching the calf and foot regularly helps ease tension along the bottom of the foot. Avoiding high-impact activities allows the area to calm down. In some cases, custom orthotics or targeted exercises may be helpful. While quick relief is possible with the right care, complete healing may still take time. If your heel pain does not improve or becomes more intense, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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

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The Role of a Podiatrist When Foot Wounds Do Not Heal

Chronic foot wounds that do not heal often result from underlying conditions, such as diabetes, which affects circulation and nerve function in the feet. Poor blood flow limits oxygen and nutrients essential for healing, while neuropathy reduces pain awareness, leading to unnoticed injuries. Infections can develop easily in these cases and complicate the healing process. A podiatrist plays a key role in identifying the cause of non-healing wounds, managing infections, offloading pressure, and improving wound care. Regular foot checks and early intervention are critical in preventing complications like ulcers or limb loss. If you notice a wound on your foot that does not improve, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for expert care and treatment guidance.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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