Falls can lead to painful injuries and a loss of confidence, especially for older adults. Several health and environmental factors can increase the risk of falling. Arthritis, poor balance, and vision loss can make safe movement more difficult. Certain medications can also affect steadiness. Inside the home, slippery floors, poor lighting, and cluttered walkways can create hazards. Footwear also matters. Shoes that fit poorly or lack proper support can make walking less stable. Understanding these risks is an important part of preventing falls and protecting long-term mobility.

The feet provide the foundation for balance and movement, so foot problems can affect stability. Pain, weakness, or changes in foot structure can alter the way a person walks. Properly fitting shoes with non-skid soles can provide better traction. High heels and loose slippers can increase instability. Home safety is also important. Clear pathways, secure rugs, and good lighting can reduce tripping hazards. Handrails on stairs and grab bars in bathrooms can provide added support. Fall prevention works best when personal risks and environmental hazards are considered together.

A podiatrist can evaluate the feet and ankles for problems that could affect balance or walking. An examination can assess foot structure, joint movement, and areas of pain. A podiatrist can also evaluate shoe fit and recommend footwear that provides better support and stability. Custom orthotics can help improve foot alignment or redistribute pressure when appropriate. Treatment for painful foot conditions can also make walking more comfortable and secure. For patients with balance concerns, a podiatrist can identify foot-related factors that could increase fall risk and develop a plan to address them. If you have symptoms of increased fall risk, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

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 Paul Potach, DPM from Illinois . Our practitioner 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 Wheeling and Berwyn, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Skateboarding can be exciting and physically demanding, but repeated jumps and tricks can place considerable stress on the feet and ankles. The impact of landing on a skateboard or the ground can contribute to foot injuries, especially among children and young adults. Skateboarding injuries can range from bruises and cuts to more serious ankle sprains or fractures. Repetitive, forceful movements can also irritate tissues over time. Plantar fasciitis, which causes heel pain, may develop from repeated strain. Skateboarders may also experience Achilles tendonitis or stress fractures from continued pressure on the feet and ankles.

Some skateboarding injuries may be more serious than they first appear. An ankle sprain and a fracture can cause similar symptoms, making a professional diagnosis important. Being able to walk after an injury does not necessarily mean that a bone is not fractured. Cuts and abrasions also deserve attention, because damaged skin can become infected. Supportive footwear and protective equipment can help reduce some of the risks associated with skateboarding. However, persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty walking may indicate an injury that requires medical evaluation. Ignoring these warning signs could allow a foot or ankle problem to become more difficult to manage.

A podiatrist can examine sports-related foot and ankle injuries and determine the source of pain after a skateboarding accident. An evaluation can help distinguish between a sprain and fracture while identifying injuries caused by repeated impact. Treatment will depend on the type and severity of the injury. Proper diagnosis is especially important when symptoms continue after an injury or interfere with normal movement. A podiatrist can develop an appropriate treatment plan that supports recovery and helps protect long-term foot health. If skateboarding has caused ongoing foot pain, ankle pain, or difficulty walking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Paul Potach, DPM from Illinois . Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Heel pain can make simple activities such as walking or standing uncomfortable. Several conditions can cause pain beneath or around the heel. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes irritated, and this strong band of tissue supports the foot arch. A heel spur is a bony growth that can develop near the heel bone. Calcaneal apophysitis, also called Sever’s disease, affects growing children when the heel growth plate becomes irritated. Each condition has different causes.

Plantar fasciitis often causes sharp pain beneath the heel, especially with the first steps after waking. Long periods of standing can increase discomfort. Risk factors include increased activity, tight calf muscles, and wearing unsupportive footwear. A heel spur may cause localized tenderness or aching, although some heel spurs cause no symptoms. Repetitive stress can contribute to spur development. Calcaneal apophysitis commonly causes heel pain in active children, as running and jumping can make symptoms worse. Growth spurts can increase irritation around the heel.

A podiatrist can determine which condition is causing heel pain. The examination may include checking the heel, arch, and walking pattern. Imaging may be recommended when a heel spur, fracture, or other problem needs evaluation. Treatment depends on the diagnosis, and may include wearing supportive shoes, custom orthotics, or medication guidance. Children with calcaneal apophysitis may need temporary limits on activities that increase heel pain. Follow-up visits can help monitor improvement and adjust treatment.

Heel pain should not automatically be blamed on plantar fasciitis. Accurate diagnosis matters because treatment varies between conditions. Wearing supportive footwear and avoiding sudden increases in activity may help reduce strain. Children should have properly-fitted shoes during sports and everyday activities. Persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty walking deserves attention. Early treatment can improve comfort and help prevent symptoms from interfering with daily life. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Paul Potach, DPM of Illinois . Our practitioner 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Wheeling and Berwyn, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem seen by podiatrists, often affecting the big toe. They occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. The area may be red, swollen, or even infected, sometimes with drainage or overgrown skin. It often feels sore at first, then progresses to sharp pain, throbbing, and discomfort when walking or wearing shoes. Causes include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, and genetics. A podiatrist can help from the start by properly diagnosing the condition and ruling out infection or other nail disorders. Treatment may begin with gentle nail care and inflammation control, then move into in-office procedures to remove the ingrown portion of the nail. Ongoing care may include prevention guidance, nail correction, or permanent solutions when needed. Early treatment helps prevent infection and ongoing pain. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make 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 Paul Potach, DPM of Illinois . Our practitioner 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 Wheeling and Berwyn, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.