As people age, preventing falls becomes more and more important for maintaining overall well-being. Exercise plays a pivotal role in fall prevention. Activities that improve balance and strengthen your legs, such as Tai Chi, are beneficial. Lack of exercise leads to weakness, increasing the risk of falls. Regular eye and foot check-ups are essential, as poor vision raises fall risks. Certain modifications can enhance your safety at home. Remove tripping hazards, secure rugs with double-sided tape, and place frequently used items within easy reach. Install grab bars in the bathroom, use non-slip mats, and improve lighting. Lastly, wear well-fitting, supportive shoes, both indoors and outdoors. Handrails and proper lighting on staircases, both indoors and outside, contribute to a safer living environment. Review all medications, as some can cause dizziness. Discuss vitamin D supplements to enhance bone, muscle, and nerve health. Keep your podiatrist informed if balance or other foot problems are putting you at risk for falls. Additionally, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment yearly to have your feet examined by a podiatrist in addition to discussing any foot issues that may contribute to risks of 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 Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout, a form of arthritis, manifests when urate crystals accumulate in the joints, causing intense pain and inflammation. While anyone can develop gout, certain factors increase susceptibility. Men, particularly those over 40 years old, are more prone, as are postmenopausal women. A family history of gout raises the risk, indicating a genetic predisposition. Lifestyle choices also play a pivotal role, and a diet rich in purines found in red meat, seafood, and alcohol can contribute to elevated uric acid levels. Obesity and medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes amplify the likelihood of gout. Dehydration and certain medications may also tip the balance towards crystal formation in joints. The intricacies of gout's causes underscore the importance of proactive measures, including dietary adjustments, hydration, and lifestyle modifications. By understanding the factors and vulnerabilities associated with gout, individuals can take informed steps towards prevention and better management of this often painful condition. If you have developed gout, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective management and pain relief techniques. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails can afflict individuals from various walks of life, but certain factors increase susceptibility to this uncomfortable condition. People with naturally curved toenails may find themselves more prone to ingrown toenails, as the curvature can encourage the nail to grow into the surrounding skin. Additionally, individuals who wear tight or ill-fitting footwear may unknowingly subject their toes to constant pressure, increasing the likelihood of ingrown toenails. Poor nail-trimming habits, such as cutting nails too short or rounding them at the edges, can also contribute to this ailment. Those with diabetes or circulation issues must be especially vigilant, as they may experience heightened vulnerability. Understanding the causes and recognizing one's predispositions is essential for proactive ingrown toenail prevention. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer correct preventive and treatment methods.

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 Pedram Aslmand, DPM of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that affects the ball of the foot, most commonly occurring between the 3rd and 4th toes. It is not a true neuroma, as the name suggests, but rather a thickening of the tissue around the nerve that leads to the toes. The main symptom of Morton's neuroma is localized pain, which can vary from a mild discomfort to an intense, burning sensation. The pain is typically aggravated by walking, wearing tight or narrow shoes, or putting pressure on the affected area. Some individuals describe it as feeling like there is a pebble or a fold in their sock, even when there isn't. Tingling and numbness in the toes may also accompany the pain. People with Morton's neuroma often find relief when they remove their shoes and massage the affected area. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help alleviate the pain and prevent the condition from worsening. It is suggested to seek medical attention from a podiatrist if you suspect you have Morton's neuroma. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

One of the most common indicators of a fractured heel bone is tenderness in the area that causes pain, even with slight pressure. Swelling in the foot and ankle area is another prevalent symptom, often accompanied by visible bruising. Individuals with heel fractures usually find it impossible to bear weight on the affected foot, leading to significant mobility limitations. The diagnosis of heel bone fractures typically involves X-rays and computed tomography, or CT, scans. X-rays can provide a clear image of the injury, but in more complex cases, CT scans may be used to obtain a detailed, three dimensional view of the affected area. Non surgical treatment involves protecting the fractured area with a splint, resting the foot by avoiding weight-bearing, and using crutches. Once swelling subsides, a podiatrist may apply a cast to stabilize the fracture. Surgical intervention may be necessary when the fracture affects the joint. It is important to avoid putting any weight on the injured heel until the fracture has fully healed, which may take several months. If you believe you have fractured your heel bone, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.