Falling outside the home can pose a significant risk, especially for older adults. Falls outside the home can be caused by uneven terrain, slippery surfaces, or crowded areas. Parks, parking lots, and public staircases are common spots where falls may occur, leading to serious injuries like broken bones. Footwear choices play a vital role in preventing falls. Your shoes should offer solid support, fit properly, and have non-slip soles to provide stability. Balance issues, lower extremity weakness, or joint pain can also increase the risk of falls outside the home. A podiatrist can assess these factors, recommend supportive footwear, and suggest custom orthotics to improve balance. This foot doctor can address underlying foot conditions that might compromise your stability or suggest exercises and assistive devices to improve balance. If you have injured your foot or ankle from falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment methods.

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.

Selecting the right brace for an ankle sprain is important to ensure proper healing and support during recovery. Several types of ankle braces are available depending on the severity of your injury and activity level. Lace-up braces provide a snug, customizable fit with laces and straps. These are ideal for athletes needing extra support or recovering from strains. For mild sprains or chronic instability, compression sleeves offer both light support and stability for daily activities. If your injury is more severe, moderate to maximum support braces, featuring adjustable straps or side stays, can help prevent further injury while maintaining mobility. Full-shell protection, like a boot brace, is recommended for serious sprains or fractures, providing maximum stability. Features include a rocker sole to reduce pressure on the foot during walking. A podiatrist can offer advice on the appropriate ankle brace needed for your specific injury. If you have endured a sprained ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further 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.

If you suffer from arthritis in your feet and ankles, incorporating gentle foot exercises into your routine can help alleviate symptoms like joint stiffness and pain. One effective stretch involves placing a book on the floor and standing on it with just the balls of your feet, keeping your heels on the ground. Lean forward while keeping your knees straight until you feel a stretch in your calves and hold it for 15 to 30 seconds. For ankle mobility, sit in a chair, lift one foot slightly off the ground, and trace the letters of the alphabet in the air. Repeat with the other foot. These exercises can improve flexibility and reduce discomfort. It is also beneficial to get personalized advice. For additional stretches and a tailored exercise plan, confer with a podiatrist. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with this type of doctor to get professional guidance to keep your feet and ankles in optimal condition.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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