Items filtered by date: October 2020

Once a person falls, they have an increased risk of falling again. This can be caused by a fear of falling, and may prevent daily activities from being accomplished. Painful foot conditions may develop from falling, and it is beneficial to implement safety techniques in the household. These can include installing grab bars in the shower and toilet areas, and improving lighting in the living environment. Additionally, it is suggested that regular eye an hearing exams be completed yearly. An effective falls prevention technique can also consist of engaging in a routine exercise program, which can help to strengthen the body. If you would like more information about how falling can affect the feet along with successful prevention methods, please consult 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 Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. 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 Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sesamoiditis, a condition that affects the sesamoid bones, is a common cause of pain in the ball of the foot. It is typically a result of repeated injury and is especially common among dancers, joggers, people who have high arches, and people who frequently wear high heels. You may have sesamoiditis if you experience pain beneath the base of the big toe that is made worse by walking, and warmth, redness, or swelling near the big toe. A podiatrist can diagnose this condition after examining the foot. Sometimes, an X-ray or MRI is also used to rule out other potential causes of pain, such as arthritis, displacement, or a fracture of the sesamoid bone. For more information about this condition, consult with a podiatrist today.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Running is a great sport for your overall health, but runners are often prone to injuries. Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned veteran, it is important to know how to prevent running injuries. Common injuries that a runner might experience include plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and runner’s knee. There are three habits that you can begin to develop to prevent injuries. These include warming up prior to going on your run, following a running program, and doing 10 minutes of mobility exercises each day. If you do sustain a running injury to the feet, or you would like more information about how to prevent running injuries, consult with a podiatrist today.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain can be caused by a number of different factors, including a condition known as plantar fasciitis. When the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis may develop. Athletes, especially runners, can be at a higher risk of developing this condition. Other factors that can affect its development are age, weight, and certain exercises. Pain is normally felt at the bottom of the heel and can increase if left untreated. Some patients have also described experiencing a sharp pain when first rising in the morning and right before bed. For a proper diagnosis, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Christine Quinn  from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.