Falls are a frequent and dangerous risk for seniors, often linked to foot health and mobility factors. Conditions like diabetes, foot pain, arthritis, and balance challenges can affect a person’s stability, raising the chance of falls. With age, loss of muscle strength and decreased flexibility in the feet can affect balance, while issues such as bunions, hammertoes, and arthritis may lead to discomfort and an unsteady gait. Additionally, wearing improper footwear, including high heels or backless shoes, can increase the risk of falling by failing to provide adequate foot support. A podiatrist can be instrumental in addressing these issues by assessing foot health, prescribing custom orthotics or walking aids, and recommending suitable footwear to improve stability. Regular foot exams allow for the detection of early changes that may affect balance, making it possible to implement interventions that reduce fall risk. If you are a senior at risk of falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and suggested 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 Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. 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 Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Anterior ankle impingement occurs when bone spurs or inflamed soft tissue at the front of the ankle joint cause pain. It is common during activities that involve dorsiflexion, such as walking uphill, squatting, or playing sports like soccer. These bone spurs, known as osteophytes, often form on the tibia or talus bones as a result of repeated bending or ankle sprains. Common symptoms of anterior ankle impingement include pain with activities that require bending or leaning forward. A podiatrist can use X-rays to detect bone spurs and MRI scans to assess inflammation or scarring. Non-operative treatments focus on wearing shoes with slightly elevated heels, modifying activities, using anti-inflammatory medications, and receiving corticosteroid injections. Strengthening exercises to prevent future problems are also helpful. In cases where conservative measures are ineffective, surgery may be required to remove the bone spurs and restore motion. If the front of your ankle consistently hurts, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Surgery for ingrown toenails is often necessary when conservative treatments fail to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by the condition. Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, typically affecting the big toe. This can lead to redness, swelling, severe pain and sometimes infection. A podiatrist can assess the severity of your ingrown toenail and may recommend a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the affected nail. In some cases, a portion of the nail’s matrix, or root, may also be removed to prevent regrowth. The procedure, which is usually done under local anesthesia, helps reduce the chances of recurrence. After surgery, patients are given guidelines for post-operative care to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of infection. If you have developed a severely ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if nail removal is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM of Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Diabetic foot care is essential for managing the long-term health of diabetics patients. Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, which often affects the feet. This causes a loss of sensation, making it difficult to notice injuries like cuts or blisters. Unnoticed injuries can quickly develop into serious infections if not treated. People with diabetes are also at a higher risk for developing foot ulcers, which may lead to more serious complications such as gangrene or in severe cases, limb loss. Regular foot inspections, maintaining good hygiene, and choosing appropriate footwear can help reduce these risks. A podiatrist plays a key role in this process by providing medical care, addressing wounds before they worsen, and offering guidance on how to prevent foot issues. If you have foot problems related to diabetes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes. Key signs include itching, burning, and redness, often accompanied by peeling or cracking skin. In more severe cases, blisters may develop, leading to further discomfort and possible secondary infections. The primary cause of athlete’s foot is the fungus known as trichophyton, which thrives in warm, damp environments, and tight-fitting shoes. Factors like excessive sweating, poor foot hygiene, and sharing personal items can increase the risk of infection. Understanding these signs and causes is essential for early identification and effective treatment. If you have symptoms of athlete’s  foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and treatment solutions.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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