Many seniors can incur serious foot injuries as a result of falling. It is not a natural process of aging and can possibly be prevented by implementing specific stretching techniques. It is beneficial to adhere to a gentle exercise routine. This can help to keep the muscles flexible and strong, in addition to diminishing the fear of falling. When falling occurs, many elderly patients find it difficult to complete daily activities, resulting in a lack of independence. As the body gets accustomed to exercising, it may be helpful to set realistic goals which may improve balance and strength. If you would like additional information about the benefits of performing foot exercises, please confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward setting the right goals for you.

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 Afsaneh Latifi, DPM from Lenox Hill Podiatry. 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 New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The peroneal tendons are two bands of tissue located in the foot, behind the outer ankle bone. They connect muscles to bones and stabilize the foot and ankle, protecting them from sprains. These important tendons can become injured in various ways. They may become inflamed (tendonitis) due to overuse, which can lead to pain, swelling, and warmth to the touch. The peroneal tendons can also tear due to overuse or trauma. A rupture may cause pain, swelling, weakness, and ankle instability. Overuse during a long period of time may cause degenerative tearing of the tendons. The tendons could also slip out of their proper positions, usually due to another injury, such as an ankle sprain. If you are suffering from ankle pain, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist, who can diagnose and treat your condition.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Afsaneh Latifi, DPM of Lenox Hill Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A small percentage of people worldwide develop toenail fungus. Research has indicated the amount of people who are afflicted with this type of fungus can increase as the aging process occurs. Common symptoms many people experience with toenail fungus can include yellowed and brittle nails, and in severe cases, the nail may turn black and fall off. This ailment is caused by a fungus that lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, and is considered to be contagious. These types of areas can include public swimming pools, locker rooms, and surrounding areas. Research has indicated the chances of developing toenail fungus may diminish when appropriate shoes are worn while in these types of environments. If you have symptoms of this type of fungal infection, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can discuss what the best course of treatment is for you.

For more information about treatment, contact Afsaneh Latifi, DPM of Lenox Hill Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Many patients have chosen running during the recent lockdown to stay fit. People who frequently jog know the importance of warming up and cooling down, and this is beneficial in preventing running injuries. There are risk factors for incurring painful injuries, including being overweight, and wearing shoes that are outworn. Ankle sprains are a common foot injury and can possibly be avoided by properly stretching the tendons, muscles, and ligaments in the foot. Heel pain can develop for people who regularly run, and wearing the correct running shoes may help to alleviate this painful foot condition. If you would like additional information about how running injuries can affect the feet and how to prevent them, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

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 Afsaneh Latifi, DPM of Lenox Hill Podiatry. 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 New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Any type of cut on the foot is considered to be a wound. Some are more serious than others, and minor wounds can be treated with surgical tape closures. If the wound is deep, a proper diagnosis can be performed, which generally means having an X-ray taken. This is useful in determining if there is a piece of glass or a rock that was stepped on, and has lodged in the foot. If stitches are needed, it is beneficial to keep the affected area dry in order to help to accelerate the healing process. Wounds that are deep may bleed, and this may lead to a possible infection developing. It is important to notice if the wound changes color, or if the foot becomes numb or weak. If you have a wound on your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

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 Afsaneh Latifi, DPM from Lenox Hill Podiatry. 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 feel free to contact our office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.