July 2024

Falls are a significant concern for seniors, with someone aged 65 or older experiencing a fall every second. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in this age group. To help prevent falls, focusing on exercises that strengthen the feet and improve balance is essential. Strengthening the muscles in your feet can enhance stability and support. Simple exercises like toe curls, where you pick up small objects with your toes, can significantly improve foot strength. Another effective exercise is heel-to-toe walking, which enhances balance by promoting coordination and proprioception. Practicing ankle circles and calf raises can also improve flexibility and strength in the lower legs and feet. Incorporating balance exercises, such as standing on one leg or using a balance board, can further reduce the risk of falls by training your body to maintain stability. It is important to check with a podiatrist before undertaking a course of exercises related to falling. For guidance on methods to prevent falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

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 Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. 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 New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Maintaining proper foot hygiene is essential for overall health and comfort. Everyday foot care can begin with regularly washing feet with soap and water. This can help to remove dirt and bacteria, reducing the risk of infections. Thoroughly drying feet, especially between the toes, prevents fungal growth. Wearing clean, moisture-wicking socks can keep feet dry and comfortable throughout the day. Properly fitting shoes that provide adequate support can help to prevent blisters and calluses. Regularly trimming toenails straight across reduces the risk of ingrown nails. Moisturizing feet daily keeps skin supple and prevents cracks. Checking feet for any cuts, blisters, or changes in appearance can catch potential issues early. Foot conditions may develop from a lack of proper foot care. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat any foot ailment, and guide you on effective foot care routines.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor 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 New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A plantar fibroma is a benign, fibrous knot embedded in the plantar fascia, the tissue along the bottom of the foot. This condition often causes a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot, leading to discomfort or pain when walking or standing. Nonsurgical relief options for plantar fibromas focus on reducing symptoms and improving foot function. Orthotic devices such as shoe inserts can help by distributing pressure more evenly across the foot and reducing strain on the plantar fascia. Stretching exercises and massage can alleviate tension and improve flexibility in the foot. Additionally, corticosteroid injections may be administered to reduce inflammation and pain associated with the fibroma. If you have developed a knot in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM of Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A broken foot or toe involves a fracture in the bones of the foot or toes, often caused by trauma such as falls, sports injuries, or heavy objects dropping on the foot. Symptoms can include immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty while walking or bearing weight. First aid for a broken foot or toe starts with immobilization to prevent further injury. Keep the foot elevated to reduce swelling, avoid putting weight on the injured foot, and use crutches, if necessary. Pain relievers can help manage pain and inflammation. Proper treatment is important as complications from untreated fractures can include chronic pain, improper healing, and arthritis. In severe cases, surgery might be required to realign the bones. If you have broken your foot or a toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist sooner, rather than later. This medical professional can provide appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plans to ensure proper healing.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Heel pain is a frequent complaint that can significantly impact daily activities. One common cause is plantar fasciitis, which involves inflammation of the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. Another cause is Achilles tendonitis, where the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel becomes irritated, often due to overuse or improper footwear. Heel spurs, which are bony growths on the heel bone, can also lead to pain and discomfort, especially during walking or standing for long periods. Conditions such as bursitis, arthritis, and nerve compression can contribute to heel pain as well. Addressing heel pain typically involves rest, wearing supportive footwear and possibly using orthotic shoe inserts. Stretching exercises can also provide relief. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment solutions. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM of Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor 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 contact our office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.