Falls can cause serious injuries and reduce a person's confidence and independence. Older adults face a higher risk of falls, but balance problems can affect patients of any age. Foot pain, weak ankles, and numbness can make each step less secure. Shoes that fit poorly or lack proper support can increase the chance of slipping or tripping. Fear of falling can cause people to limit activity. This can weaken the legs and make balance more difficult. Recognizing these risks early helps protect mobility and independence.

A podiatrist can examine the feet, ankles, and walking pattern to find problems that affect stability. The examination includes checking joint movement, muscle strength, and sensation. A podiatrist can also look for bunions, corns, or thick toenails that change how a patient walks. Treatment depends on the cause. Custom orthotics can improve foot position and support. Braces can steady weak ankles, while professional nail and skin care can reduce painful pressure. A podiatrist can recommend properly fitted shoes with firm soles, secure fasteners, and enough room for the toes. These steps can help patients feel more stable when walking.

Patients should mention dizziness, vision changes, or hearing problems. A podiatrist can review medicines that affect alertness or balance. Certain exercises can be prescribed to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. Falls prevention also requires attention to daily surroundings and general health. Inside the home, clear walking paths and bright lighting can reduce hazards. Secure handrails can provide support near stairs. Patients should avoid loose rugs, clutter, and shoes with worn soles. Using a prescribed cane or walker correctly can add stability. Regular visits with a podiatrist are especially important for patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced feeling in their feet. A podiatrist can identify changes before they interfere further with safe movement. If you have fallen, or are at risk of falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for additional guidance on fall prevention 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 Manisha Mehta, DPM from Detroit, MI. 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 Detroit, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels develop when the skin around the heel becomes dry, thick, and less flexible. Pressure from standing and walking can cause heel pain. The heel may look rough or have a hard rim of skin. Deeper cracks, called fissures, can cause pain, bleeding, and tenderness when weight is placed on the foot. Dry weather, aging, and prolonged standing can increase the risk. Shoes with open backs can also allow the heel to spread under pressure. Certain health concerns, including diabetes, eczema, and poor circulation, can make the skin more likely to crack.

A cracked heel should receive attention when it is painful, bleeding, or slow to heal. Redness, warmth, and drainage can point to an infection. Patients with diabetes should take heel cracks seriously because nerve damage can reduce feeling in the feet. Reduced circulation can also interfere with healing. A podiatrist can examine the depth of each crack and check the foot for infection. The evaluation can also identify pressure patterns that contribute to the problem. When another condition appears to be affecting the skin, the podiatrist can explain how it relates to the heel damage and coordinate further care.

Treatment from a podiatrist focuses on closing the cracks, reducing pressure, and restoring healthier skin. The podiatrist can remove thick, hardened skin. This reduces tension around the heel without harming healthy tissue. Protective dressings can cover open areas and support healing. Custom orthotics or heel cups can distribute weight more evenly and limit pressure on damaged skin. A podiatrist can also recommend shoes that fit correctly, support the heel, and reduce spreading with each step. Regular foot evaluations can help patients with diabetes or circulation problems avoid deeper wounds and infections. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check healing and adjust the treatment plan. If you have painful cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment remedies, which may include prescribed medication.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM from Detroit, MI. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

A bunion is a bony bump that forms along the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe. It develops as  the big toe begins to lean toward the smaller toes, causing the joint at its base to shift outward. Bunions often develop gradually and may become more noticeable over time. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness around the affected joint. The big toe may also become stiff or difficult to move. Although some bunions cause little discomfort, others can make walking or wearing certain shoes painful. Changes in foot structure and family history can increase the likelihood of developing bunions.

As a bunion progresses, the changing position of the big toe can affect how pressure is distributed across the foot. This may lead to discomfort while walking and make the joint more sensitive to pressure from footwear. Some people develop hardened skin over the bunion or experience pain in nearby toes. Arthritis can also affect the big-toe joint and contribute to stiffness. Because bunions can worsen over time, persistent symptoms should be professionally evaluated. An examination can determine the severity of the deformity and identify other foot problems that may be contributing to pain or difficulty walking.

A podiatrist can evaluate a bunion by examining the foot, big-toe position, and joint movement. X-rays may be recommended to measure changes in alignment and assess the condition of the joint. Podiatric treatment depends on the severity of the bunion and how much it affects daily activities. Care may focus on reducing pressure, improving foot function, and managing discomfort. For severe bunions that continue to cause significant problems, surgery may be considered to correct the position of the toe. If bunion pain, swelling, or stiffness is making walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM of Detroit, MI. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Achilles tendon injuries can affect athletes who run, jump, or make repeated lower-leg movements. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel, and helps the foot push off the ground. Repeated stress can irritate the tendon and cause pain or stiffness. Some athletes develop injuries after a sudden increase in training or repeated high-impact activity. Running sports can place particular stress on the Achilles tendon. Athletes can experience several types of injuries, including tendon irritation, pain where the tendon meets the heel, and partial or complete tears. Symptoms can make it difficult to run, jump, or push off with the foot.

A podiatrist can examine the ankle and foot to determine the location and severity of an Achilles tendon injury. The evaluation can include checking tenderness, strength, and how the foot and ankle work together. A podiatrist can also consider factors that contribute to repeated stress, including limited ankle movement or changes in how the foot moves. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. Care can include activity guidance, treatment to reduce stress on the tendon, and a structured plan to help restore strength and movement. For athletes, the goal is to support recovery while helping them return to their sport safely.

A partial tear or complete tear require careful evaluation because the treatment approach can differ. Complete Achilles tendon ruptures can cause significant weakness and difficulty pushing off with the foot. Some athletes with severe injuries require surgery, while other Achilles tendon problems can be treated without surgery. A podiatrist can explain the treatment options based on the injury and the athlete’s goals. Getting an evaluation early can also help determine how serious the problem is and whether continued sports activity could place additional stress on the tendon. If you have an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM of Detroit, MI. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Detroit, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.