Items filtered by date: July 2022

Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy, is a term for nerve damage to the peripheral nervous system. These are nerves that are outside of the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy can create various symptoms which may impair a person’s balance and their perception of their body and its movement. These symptoms include numbness, pain, and weakness in the feet. Older adults are more prone to developing peripheral neuropathy as a complication of diabetes, which can cause them to have foot drop, difficulty walking up stairs, rising out of their chairs, and standing up from a crouching position. All of this can increase the elderly person’s already heightened risk of falls. If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned here, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a full examination and evaluation.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Swelling in the ankles, feet, and lower legs often affects people as they enter their senior years. Termed edema, this swelling can put you at a higher risk of falling and affect your normal daily activities. Caused by retention of fluids, edema also can be a sign of other conditions. Among these are heart problems, kidney disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Swelling also may be the result of a sedentary lifestyle. Some ways to lessen the swelling are wearing compression socks, keeping the feet elevated, drinking more fluids, and limiting foods with high salt content. An increase of foods that are rich in magnesium is encouraged. There are also a number of exercises that can help, but it is not a good idea to start any exercises before knowing the cause of the edema. If you notice swelling in the lower extremities, it is important to see a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan, which may include a safe program of exercises. 

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

The risk of falling at home increases after reaching the age of 65. This can be caused by diminished balance, strength, and eyesight. Other causes may be dizzying effects from certain medications and neuropathy problems that affect the feet. Further, if you fall once, you are far more likely to fall again, unless changes are made around the house. The majority of home falls take place in the bathroom, experts say. Some preventative measures include installing grab bars in the bath and shower area, putting a chair in the bathing area, and adding non-slip strips or a mat on the tub floor. Other parts of the home can also be modified to decrease the likelihood of a fall. Remove throw rugs, declutter passageways, and add lighting in darker areas, especially stairs and long hallways. Keep a clear path to the bathroom to increase your safety at night. Make sure you use handrails or a walking device if dizziness or balance issues are a problem. Wear shoes with non-skid soles, and avoid going barefoot. If you need more information on preventing falls, please contact a podiatrist who can offer suggestions to help keep you upright.

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 Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. 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 Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Patients who have had bunion surgery often find it takes approximately three to six weeks for a complete recovery. The side effects are generally minimal, and the bunion is gone permanently. Typical bunion surgery is often done as an outpatient and takes approximately one hour. Special shoes that minimize the pressure on the wound are often worn after surgery. It is beneficial to keep the foot elevated as often as possible during the first six weeks of recovery as this may help to reduce swelling. Additionally, it can help to allow excess fluid to drain away. It is important to keep walking to a minimum, especially during the early stages of recovery. Some patients find it helpful to use crutches as they keep the affected foot off the ground. The wound from the surgery will heal properly when the dressings are kept in place for a few weeks and remain dry. This enables the toes to heal in the proper position. Bunion surgery is an effective treatment for permanent removal, and it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine if this is correct for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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