Causes and Risk Factors of Workplace Falls

Workplace falls are a common source of injury, often caused by hazards such as unguarded edges, open holes, improper guardrails, slippery conditions, and improper use of ladders, all of which increase the risk of losing balance and sustaining harm. These incidents can lead to various types of foot injuries, including fractures, sprains, bruising, and soft tissue damage, which may affect mobility and daily function. The risk of falling increases in environments with poor safety practices, inadequate training, or lack of protective equipment. A podiatrist can evaluate injuries, provide treatment, and guide recovery through personalized care and prevention strategies. If you have sustained a workplace fall or have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer effective 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 one of our podiatrists from Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our podiatrists 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 Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Lower Extremity Injuries Linked to Surfing

Surfing places unique demands on the lower extremities, especially during paddling, pop-ups, and balancing on the board. The feet, ankles, and knees must react quickly to shifting waves, which can lead to sprains, strains, and overuse injuries. Cuts and scrapes from the board or ocean floor are also common, and exposure to salt water can slow healing, if not cared for properly. Repeated pressure on the top of the foot while paddling can cause irritation, while sudden twists may lead to ligament injuries in the ankle or knee. Poor footing on a wet board can increase the risk of falls. Wearing proper gear, maintaining strength and flexibility, and cleaning wounds promptly can help reduce these risks. When surfing injuries causing foot or ankle pain, swelling, or skin damage do not improve, seeking evaluation by a podiatrist is suggested to support healing and prevent further problems.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Achilles Tendinitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

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Causes of Peeling Skin Between the Toes

Peeling skin between the toes can happen for many reasons. The symptoms may range from mild flaking to painful cracks. A common cause is a fungal infection often called athlete’s foot. This problem develops in warm, damp places and may lead to itching, burning, scaling, and odor. Skin irritation from materials or chemicals in shoes may trigger a rash, blisters, or tenderness between the toes. Some people develop small itchy blisters that later dry and peel as part of a recurring skin condition. Dry skin, especially in colder weather or after long periods of moisture exposure, can weaken the skin and lead to cracking and flaking. A podiatrist can examine the feet, identify the cause of the peeling skin between the toes, and provide the proper medical treatment. If the skin between your toes is peeling, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

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Smaller Incisions and Modern Foot and Ankle Surgery

Minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery uses small incisions and specialized instruments to treat certain conditions while reducing disruption to surrounding tissue. Instead of a large surgical opening, the surgeon works through tiny entry points using precise tools and imaging guidance. This approach may lead to less swelling, smaller scars, and a faster return to normal activity for some patients. Minimally invasive techniques are sometimes used to correct bunions by reshaping the bone through small openings in the skin. They may also be used to treat certain hammertoe deformities or remove bone spurs that cause joint irritation. Because the incisions are smaller, surrounding muscles and soft tissues may experience less trauma during the procedure. However, not every condition is appropriate for this type of surgery, and proper evaluation is important before treatment is considered. When ongoing foot or ankle pain affects mobility, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to discuss diagnosis and available treatment options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our podiatrists 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 Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Stop Your Toenail Fungus

Have you noticed discoloration of your toenails? Have they become thickened or brittle? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of a fungal nail infection. For some, having a fungal nail can be embarrassing. Overcome your embarrassment, and get treated.

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