Helping seniors stay safe at home begins with simple changes that reduce everyday risks. Keeping commonly used items within easy reach prevents the need for stretching or climbing. Replacing dim bulbs and using night lights improves visibility and reduces the chance of tripping in low light areas. Installing grab bars in bathrooms and hallways provides extra support and confidence. Choosing rugs with non-slip backing keeps floors secure and prevents sliding. A podiatrist can assess balance concerns, identify foot or ankle issues, recommend proper footwear, and create strategies to enhance stability. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from falling at home, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat these kinds of injuries, and guide you on additional fall prevention strategies.

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 Steven Black, DPM from California . 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 Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma develops when the tissue surrounding a nerve between the toes thickens. Morton’s neuroma most often affects the nerves between the third and fourth toes. This thickening compresses the nerve, causing sharp, burning pain or tingling that spreads from the ball of the foot into the toes. Many people describe it as feeling like a pebble trapped beneath the foot. The condition often results from excessive pressure or friction caused by wearing tight shoes, high heels, or frequent use of footwear that lacks adequate support. Foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet can also increase strain on the forefoot and irritate the nerve. A podiatrist can assess the nerve, confirm the diagnosis through imaging, if needed, and recommend suitable treatment or surgery when appropriate. If you have pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Steven Black, DPM of California . Our doctor 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 office located in Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot stress fractures occur when the bones of the foot are subjected to repeated force without enough time to repair and recover. These hairline cracks often develop in the metatarsals, heel bone, navicular, or sesamoid bones near the toes, and they typically worsen with continued activity. People often experience gradually increasing pain, especially during sports or repetitive movement, and tenderness when pressure is applied. Because swelling is not always obvious, diagnosis of stress fractures often requires imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans. Certain foot fractures are considered to be a higher risk and can take longer to heal, sometimes requiring surgery to restore stability and function. Others are lower risk and may improve with guided changes in activity and temporary offloading. A podiatrist can evaluate the location and severity of the stress fracture, recommend appropriate treatment, and provide long-term strategies to reduce the risk of recurrence. If you have foot pain from repetitive sports or other activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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