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Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or as if the room were spinning around you can signal a balance problem. Balance can become less reliable with age, but dizziness is not a normal change that should be ignored. Inner-ear disorders, medical conditions, and certain medications can affect steadiness. Foot pain, numbness, and muscle weakness can also make it harder to sense the ground or respond to a misstep. These problems can increase the risk of falling and reduce a person’s confidence in everyday activities.

A podiatrist can examine the feet and ankles for problems that affect stability. The evaluation includes checking joint movement, muscle strength, and sensation. The podiatrist can also study how the patient stands and moves when walking. Painful arthritis, fallen arches, or an earlier ankle injury can change the way weight passes through the feet. Nerve damage can reduce awareness of pressure and position. Thick toenails, corns, or calluses can also make each step painful and less secure. Identifying these concerns helps the podiatrist recommend care that addresses the patient’s specific fall risks.

Treatment can focus on improving comfort, support, and control. A podiatrist can provide custom orthotics to improve foot position or redistribute pressure. Wearing shoes with low heels, nonslip soles, and a secure fit can help patients maintain contact with the ground. A brace may improve stability when ankle weakness is present. The podiatrist can also treat painful skin and nail problems that interfere with a steady step. Patients should report recent falls and changes in sensation, even when no injury is visible. Regular foot examinations can identify new concerns before they further limit safe movement. If you have fallen and injured your foot or ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate 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 one of our podiatrists from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches on the inside of the feet are low or appear flattened while standing. This causes more of the sole to make contact with the ground. Flat feet are common, and many people have no pain or difficulty with movement. In children, the arch may not become noticeable until around 10 years of age. Some people continue to have flat feet as adults without experiencing problems. However, others may develop discomfort that affects walking or physical activity. Flat feet can be flexible, meaning an arch appears when the foot is not bearing weight, or rigid, meaning the arch remains flat.

Several factors can contribute to flat feet. Some people inherit a foot shape that makes flattened arches more likely. Other cases may develop because of problems affecting the muscles, ligaments, or bones that support the feet. Flat feet may also become more noticeable with age as the structures supporting the arch change. When symptoms occur, people may experience pain around the arch or heel. The feet may also become tired more easily after standing or walking. In some cases, flat feet can affect how the ankles and legs are positioned during movement. A professional evaluation can help determine whether flattened arches are contributing to discomfort or changes in walking.

A podiatrist examines the feet while a patient stands and walks to assess arch structure and overall foot function. The evaluation may also include checking joint movement and identifying areas of pain. If flat feet are causing symptoms, podiatry treatment can be based on the individual’s foot structure and level of discomfort. A podiatrist may recommend professionally selected footwear or orthotic devices when appropriate. Further testing may be needed if another problem is suspected. If flat feet are causing persistent pain or making walking and physical activity difficult, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Cuboid syndrome is a condition involving the cuboid bone on the outer side of the foot. This small, cube-shaped bone connects with several nearby bones and helps form the lateral part of the midfoot. The cuboid also provides stability while supporting normal foot movement during walking. When the cuboid becomes slightly displaced or irritated, surrounding tissues can become painful. Symptoms may include outer-foot pain, tenderness, or discomfort when putting weight on the foot. Some people notice pain that becomes worse when walking, running, or pushing off the ground.

The cuboid is located between the heel bone and the bases of the fourth and fifth metatarsals. It also connects with the navicular and lateral cuneiform bones, creating an important part of the foot’s structure. Because the cuboid helps support the outer arch and transfer forces across the foot, irritation can affect balance and movement. Cuboid syndrome may develop after an ankle sprain or another foot injury, and it can also occur when repetitive stress places excessive pressure on the midfoot.

Risk factors include activities that involve repeated running or jumping, especially when footwear does not provide adequate support. Sudden increases in athletic activity can contribute to irritation as well. Imaging tests may be recommended when a fracture or another condition needs to be ruled out. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.

A podiatrist may begin treatment by reducing activities that aggravate the foot and recommending supportive footwear. Padding or taping may help stabilize the cuboid while irritated tissues recover. In some cases, a podiatrist may use a gentle manual technique to restore the cuboid to a better position. More significant injuries may require immobilization while the foot heals. Follow-up care helps determine whether symptoms are improving and whether additional support is needed. If you have symptoms of cuboid syndrome, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

Toe pain can make standing, walking, and other daily activities uncomfortable. The big toe is especially important because it helps support balance and movement. Pain can develop from an injury or a problem affecting the joint. Arthritis can cause stiffness and discomfort at the base of the big toe, making walking more difficult. Gout can also affect this joint when uric acid crystals build up and trigger painful inflammation. Other causes include an ingrown toenail, a fracture, or a bunion. A bunion forms when the bones at the base of the big toe shift out of alignment.

Sports and repeated stress can also lead to toe pain. Turf toe occurs when the big toe bends upward too far or becomes jammed. Running and repeated jumping can place added stress on this joint. Another problem is sesamoiditis, which involves irritation around the small bones beneath the big toe. This condition can affect runners and dancers. Toe fractures can occur after kicking a hard object, dropping something heavy on the foot, or repeatedly stressing the toe. A podiatrist can evaluate how toe pain affects foot movement, balance, and the way a patient walks.

Podiatric care can focus on movement problems that contribute to discomfort in the toe and nearby joints. A podiatrist can examine the foot, ankle, and lower leg to determine whether limited motion or poor joint mechanics are adding stress. Treatment can include gentle joint mobilization, guided stretching, and strengthening exercises when appropriate for the cause. A podiatrist can also assess walking patterns and determine whether movement elsewhere in the lower body is affecting the foot. Severe pain, recurring symptoms, or difficulty completing daily activities deserves careful evaluation. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.