Items filtered by date: April 2022

Many people begin to develop balance problems as they age, putting them at a higher risk of falling. A few simple exercises can be done at home to improve health and mobility. (If you haven’t done any exercise in a while, it is always a good idea to check in with a health professional before embarking on any new program.) Just to be safe during these simple exercises, be sure to stand near a wall or chair, or keep a walking aid nearby before starting. It’s a good idea to start cautiously, building up the number of repetitions gradually to avoid injury. Heel-to-toe walk: Place the heel of your right foot directly in front of your left, looking straight ahead, and step down. Repeat 5 times. You may need to lightly touch the wall for stability. One-leg stand: Stand facing the wall, arms straight out in front, and lightly touch the wall in front of you. Lift one foot off the floor and hold for 5 -10 seconds. Repeat with the other foot. Do this 3 times. Sideways walking: Stand up straight with both feet together. Step out to the side with one foot, transfer your weight, and bring the other foot next to it. Repeat 10 steps. Then reverse direction. If you continue to experience balance problems, it may be a good idea to check in with a podiatrist for a complete biomechanical evaluation.

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. Jeffrey Lerner from Palm Beach Podiatric Center. 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 one of our offices located in Wellington and Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People who have feet that sweat excessively may have a condition that is known as plantar hyperhidrosis. It may be the result of a neurological or endocrine disorder and can be quite uncomfortable. There are several treatment options, and this can depend on the severity of this ailment. Surgery may be a viable option for successfully removing the sweat glands. Patients who are afflicted with this condition often keep an extra pair of shoes and socks close by. It can be professionally and socially disabling, and many patients who have this condition are often embarrassed. If you think you may have hyperhidrosis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment solutions.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Jeffrey Lerner of Palm Beach Podiatric Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wellington and Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Active, growing children that experience pain in their heels may have a condition known as Sever’s disease. The cause of this pain stems from irritation of the growth plate in the heel bone, as it has not yet completely developed and calcified. Bones in the calf grow more rapidly than the Achilles tendon, which attaches to the heel bone where the growth plate is located. This difference in growth can cause tightness and pressure in the Achilles tendon, which is often exacerbated with physical activity—particularly sports that involve running and jumping. Icing the area and refraining from activities that make the pain worse can sometimes help ease the pain. For professional pain relief, make an appointment with a podiatrist. They can offer a variety of pain management techniques, such as custom orthotics and heel raises, personalized stretching routines, footwear recommendations, and prescription pain medications.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Jeffrey Lerner from Palm Beach Podiatric Center. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wellington and Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

The importance of practicing proper foot care during the aging process is a key factor in maintaining overall health. There are simple methods to implement that can help the feet to feel good and stay healthy, including washing them daily, trimming the toenails properly, and using a good moisturizer. It can help to get routine foot massages, as these can be beneficial in promoting good circulation. Additionally, research has shown circulation is improved when the feet are frequently elevated. If there is noticeable foot pain, it is imperative the condition is identified as quickly as possible, so proper treatment can begin. When shoes fit correctly, uncomfortable foot conditions, including bunions, blisters, and hammertoes, may be prevented. If you would like more information about how to care for elderly feet, please speak with a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Jeffrey Lerner from Palm Beach Podiatric Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wellington and Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.