8 Foot Issues That Can Increase the Risk of Falling
Whether causing numbness or pain, foot issues can affect our balance, changing how we walk. It elevates the risk of injuries and falls, especially in particularly vulnerable seniors. Because September is Falls Prevention Month, today, Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in the Amarillo, TX panhandle are discussing 8 foot issues that can increase the risk of falling.
Here are 8 of the most common foot conditions we see in our older patients.
Small cracks or fractures can occur to any one of the 26 bones of the foot, particularly the toes. It is often the result of a change in activity, such as trying a new exercise or overactivity. Patients who have osteoporosis are especially vulnerable.
Bunions occur when the joints in the big toe become out of alignment. The toe eventually bends abnormally inwards and becomes tender and swollen. Bunions tend to be hereditary.
Corns and calluses are yellowish, thickened, dead skin found on the ball of the foot or the toes and caused by pressure and friction when the feet rub against your shoes. Choosing shoes that fit better may be the answer.
Hammertoes are caused when the tendons at the toe joints are shortened. They cause imbalance and pain, affect balance and walking, and lead to other foot issues. Typically, the second toe is affected, but it may also develop on the middle toes.
Ingrown toenails develop when the nail grows into the flesh causing bleeding and pain. It typically affects the large toes and is caused by not cutting the nails correctly. Ingrown toenails can often be evaded by cutting the toenails level with the top of the toe and straight across.
Heel pain is typically caused by plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. There is often a connection between the two conditions. Plantar fasciitis is swelling of the connective tissues that join the toes to the heel bone. A heel spur is a bony lump of calcium deposits on the bottom of the heel bone.
Swelling can occur after sitting or standing for extended periods due to blood pooling in the lower part of the body. For example, a sprained ankle is painful and swollen because you may have torn a tendon or ligament. Another likely cause of swelling is stress fractures.
Pins and needles sensation and/or numbness of the feet results from nerve damage. If your walk becomes unstable and you can’t feel the ground because your feet are numb, you risk falling.
If you have swelling, numbness, or pain in the feet or suffer from foot conditions such as hammertoes, corns, or bunions, don’t suffer needlessly. Contact the office of Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in Amarillo, TX, at (806) 322-3338 to schedule a consultation.