June 2023

Elderly people who routinely practice building their strength and flexibility may decrease their chances of falling. Balance and confidence may become stronger from performing stretches and exercising, which may help to enhance the vestibular system. This is found in the inner ear and contributes to how well the body can balance. Having good balance is crucial in preventing falls, and this can help the bones, joints, and muscles in the feet to stay strong. Some effective activities and stretches can include playing ping pong, golf, learning tai chi, or taking up gardening. Making improvements in the household is also an effective fall prevention technique. These can consist of installing grab bars in the shower and toilet area and removing worn rugs from the living environment. Additionally, it is beneficial to have regular physical and eye examinations that can update existing medications and eyeglasses. If you would like more information about how having strong feet can help to prevent falling, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

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 Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. 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 Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The overall health of the body can improve when frequent exercise is done. The feet are no exception, and stretching the feet may also help to protect the individual from injury. A good warm-up can be marching in place for several minutes, followed by performing specific foot exercises. While sitting in a chair with the feet flat on the floor, the ankle can be rotated in a clockwise direction for several seconds while the leg is lifted. This can be followed by circling the foot counterclockwise and repeating on the other foot. The bottom of the foot can be stretched by standing on the floor, while gently pressing the tops of the toes against the floor. This can help to strengthen the muscles in the top of the foot. The Achilles tendon controls the ability to point and flex the foot, and it is beneficial to properly warm this tendon up before running or jogging. This can be accomplished by standing on a step, and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. If you would like more information about effective stretches and exercises for the feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can provide you with useful knowledge.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

Anyone is at risk for getting the foot condition that is known as gout, despite it being more prevalent among men. The chances may increase in women after menopause, and it generally does not happen before then. Existing medical conditions may lead to developing gout, including obesity, alcoholism, and high blood pressure. A genetic history may also contribute to getting gout, in addition to eating foods that have high levels of purines. These types of foods consist of red meat, shellfish, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. The purines convert to uric acid in the blood, and excess uric acid turns to crystals which can lodge in the joints of the big toe. This can cause debilitating pain, and it may be so severe it can be difficult to walk up steps. If you have had one or more bouts of gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Children’s health is a significant concern for parents, as it should be. The health of children’s feet is no exception. Children under age two commonly walk on the balls of their feet instead of with their heels touching the ground. This is known as toe walking. Most children will graduate from this gait pattern and walk heel-to-toe. If a child continues to walk this way, they might develop tight calf muscles, and walking in a typical way will become harder to learn. There is no known reason why a child may prefer to walk on their toes past young toddler age. However, if a youngster has certain conditions, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, a spinal cord abnormality, or autism, this way of walking is more likely. To rule out any reasons for concern if your child toe walks, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can do an examination and discuss anything of significance.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM of Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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