Falls can cause serious injuries and reduce a person’s confidence while standing or walking. Older adults face a greater risk, but many factors can increase the chance of falling. Muscle weakness, poor balance, and problems with walking can make it harder to stay steady. Foot pain can also change the way a person walks and increase instability. Falls are not an unavoidable part of aging. Identifying personal risk factors is an important part of preventing falls and protecting long-term mobility.

Foot health plays an important role in safe movement. Painful foot conditions can affect balance and make each step less secure. Reduced sensation in the feet can also make it harder to notice changes in the ground. Wearing shoes that lack proper support or do not fit correctly can add to instability. Certain medications, poor vision, and long-term health conditions can also increase fall risk. A previous fall is another important warning sign. When several risk factors are present, a person can have more difficulty moving safely and confidently.

A podiatrist can evaluate the feet and ankles to identify problems that could affect balance or walking. The evaluation can include foot structure, joint movement, and areas of pain. A podiatrist can also examine how a patient walks and determine whether foot problems are contributing to instability. Treatment can address painful conditions and other problems that interfere with safe movement. A podiatrist can also provide guidance about shoes that fit correctly and offer proper support. Addressing foot-related risk factors can help patients maintain mobility and reduce their chances of falling. If you have balance problems that may lead to an increased risk of falls, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and effective relief tips.

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 doctors from Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Your feet do more than carry the weight of your body. They help you balance, push forward, and change direction. Stretching the feet supports the flexibility needed for these movements. The big toe plays an especially important role because it helps propel the body forward when walking or running. When the big toe cannot bend freely, other areas may face extra stress. Foot strength matters, too. Research suggests that stronger toes may help athletes accelerate and change direction more effectively. Both flexibility and strength support healthy foot function. Maintaining comfortable movement in the feet is important for everyday activities and athletic performance.

Foot flexibility affects movement. The arch supports your weight, while the heel and toes help control each step. Tightness beneath the foot or around the calf can limit comfortable movement. A podiatrist can assess these areas and identify restrictions. A professional stretching plan might focus on improving big-toe motion, easing tight calf muscles, and increasing flexibility along the sole. A podiatrist can also assess foot strength and recommend supervised exercises. For athletes, these improvements may support running, jumping, and quick changes in direction. Results vary. Proper foot movement also helps the body manage pressure when the feet contact the ground.

Not every painful or stiff foot needs the same approach. Stretching too aggressively can increase pain when tissues are irritated or injured. A podiatrist can examine how your feet move and determine whether limited flexibility, muscle weakness, or joint problems contribute to symptoms. Treatment can include guided stretching, targeted strengthening, and recommendations for shoes with proper support. The goal is to improve movement safely. People who notice ongoing arch discomfort or stiffness in the big toe should seek an evaluation. If you have pain or stiffness in the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our doctors from Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the ball of the foot can make each step uncomfortable. This area bears considerable pressure when a person stands, walks, or pushes off the ground. Symptoms include aching, sharp pain, or tenderness beneath the toes. Swelling or hardened skin can also develop near the painful area. Burning, numbness, or tingling can point to an irritated nerve rather than a joint problem. Because several bones, joints, and soft tissues meet in this area, finding the exact source of pain is important.

Several conditions can place too much pressure on the front of the foot. A high arch, flat feet, or an abnormal walking pattern can shift weight toward the ball of the foot. Bunions and hammertoes can also change how pressure moves across the foot. Other causes include arthritis, a damaged joint, or inflammation in the tissue supporting a toe joint. A thinning fat pad can reduce the natural cushioning beneath the bones. Running and other high-impact activities can increase discomfort. Shoes with a narrow toe box, high heels, or limited cushioning can also place added stress on this sensitive area.

A podiatrist can examine the painful area and assess how the foot moves while walking. The examination includes checking joint motion, areas of tenderness, and changes in foot shape. X-rays or other imaging tests can help reveal bone or joint damage. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms. A podiatrist can provide custom orthotics to improve weight distribution and reduce pressure. Other options include protective padding, footwear recommendations, or a medical walking boot. In severe cases involving major joint damage or a lasting deformity, surgery may be considered. Early care can keep the problem from limiting normal movement and help protect nearby joints from added strain. If you have persistent pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our doctors from Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.