December 2024

Balance exercises can play a vital role in maintaining stability and preventing falls, especially as people age. Poor balance often stems from weakened muscles in the feet, ankles, and toes, which are key areas for maintaining a steady gait. Declining strength can make daily activities like walking or standing more challenging, which increases the risk of falls. Regular balance exercises that target these areas, like heel raises or toe taps, can enhance muscle coordination and foot control. These exercises not only strengthen the lower body but also improve proprioception, or the body’s awareness of its position in space. A podiatrist can evaluate your feet and ankles for issues that may contribute to balance problems, such as deformities, joint instability, or conditions like arthritis. This foot doctor also can recommend specific strategies to improve foot and ankle strength and reduce your risk of falls. If you are exhibiting balance problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam that may help to avoid falling.

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 one of our podiatrists from Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors 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 offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Irving, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. This condition is often seen in the big toe and can sometimes lead to infection. One of the key causes of ingrown toenails is improper nail trimming, such as cutting nails too short or rounding the edges. Other factors include wearing tight shoes that crowd the toes or injure the nail. Toenail thickening, often caused by fungal infections, can also increase the risk of ingrown nails by altering the shape of the nail and making it more likely to dig into the skin. Ingrown toenails may improve with care like soaking and proper trimming, but severe cases require professional treatment. A podiatrist can safely remove part of the nail, treat any infection, and provide advice on proper nail care and footwear to prevent recurrence. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Irving, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot cramps are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that can cause sharp, intense pain in the feet. These cramps are often caused by dehydration, imbalances in electrolytes like potassium or magnesium, or prolonged periods of standing or walking. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can also strain the muscles, leading to cramps. Overuse or excessive physical activity, especially without proper stretching beforehand, can trigger foot cramps as well. To find relief from foot cramps, gently stretching and massaging the affected foot can help relax the muscles. Ensuring proper hydration and consuming foods rich in essential minerals can help prevent cramps. If cramps are frequent, it may be helpful to review footwear choices and incorporate daily stretching into your routine. Foot cramps can be painful, and may hinder completing daily activities. If you have these types of cramps, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can pinpoint the cause, and offer effective relief methods.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Irving, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the heel bone, often caused by the buildup of calcium deposits. This condition is closely related to plantar fasciitis, where inflammation occurs in the tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Heel spurs can cause sharp pain, especially when walking or standing for long periods. Osteophytes, the medical term for bone spurs, can develop due to excessive pressure or inflammation in the joints. Exercises for heel spurs aim to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the foot and calf, improving flexibility and reducing tension on the heel. Stretching the Achilles tendon, rolling a frozen water bottle under the foot, and toe stretches can help relieve pain and prevent further damage. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose heel spurs, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Irving, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers are a significant risk for people with diabetes, often leading to severe complications if not properly managed. These ulcers are open sores or wounds that usually occur on the bottom of the feet, caused by a combination of poor circulation and nerve damage, common in diabetic patients. Prevention is key in managing this risk. Daily foot inspections, maintaining proper foot hygiene, and wearing well-fitted shoes can help prevent ulcers. Managing blood sugar levels also plays a vital role in prevention. For those who develop foot ulcers, early treatment is critical. This includes cleaning and dressing the wound, controlling infection, and using custom orthotics or special footwear to alleviate pressure on the affected area. In more severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary. If you have diabetes, and develop a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health care team for routine care of your feet.

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 one of our podiatrists from Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors 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 offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Irving, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.