As we age, changes in strength and balance can make walking and standing less steady. Balance exercises for seniors help improve stability and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles used to control body movements and help people feel more confident during everyday activities. Since foot pain, reduced sensation, and poorly fitting shoes can affect balance, keeping feet healthy is also important. Before starting a new routine, seniors should choose a safe area and keep a sturdy chair or counter nearby for support. 

The single-leg stance is a simple balance exercise that helps improve stability while standing. Begin by standing behind a sturdy chair and holding on to it with both hands. Slowly lift one foot a few inches off the floor while keeping your body upright. Hold the position for several seconds, then lower your foot and repeat on the other side. This exercise helps strengthen the muscles that keep you balanced while standing and performing daily tasks.

Tree pose offers another way to practice balance while building body awareness. Stand tall beside a wall or sturdy chair, then shift your weight onto one foot. Place the sole of your other foot against your ankle or lower calf, avoiding pressure against your knee. Keep your hands on the chair if needed and hold the position briefly before switching sides. Heel-toe raises also support balance by strengthening the lower legs. Hold onto a chair, rise slowly onto your toes, and lower your heels. Next, lift your toes while keeping your heels down, then return to standing. 

Even with regular exercise, falls still happen and cause foot injuries. A podiatrist examines the foot, checks for swelling and tenderness, and orders X-rays when a fracture is suspected. Treatment may involve wearing supportive footwear, a walking boot, or a cast, depending on the injury. If you have injured your feet in a fall, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions, and additional balance exercises.

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 Michael Schwartzman, DPM from Illinois and Indiana . 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 Whiting, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus is an infection that affects the nail plate or the nail bed. It develops when fungi enter through a crack in the nail or skin. The infection can make a toenail thick, brittle, or crumbly. Some nails may turn yellow or white, and develop an unpleasant odor. Toenail fungus can begin in one nail and spread to others, if it is not treated. The infection can also trigger infectious skin lesions on other skin areas.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing a fungal nail infection. Walking barefoot in damp public areas can expose feet to fungi. Wearing tight shoes may trap moisture around the toes, creating an environment where fungi can grow. Older adults may have a higher risk because nails can become thicker and circulation may change with age. People with diabetes, a weakened immune system, or athlete’s foot are more likely to develop toenail fungus.

Symptoms can develop slowly, so the infection may be easy to overlook. Affected nails may become thick, rough, or separated from the nail bed. The skin around the nail can become irritated or tender. A podiatrist will examine the nail and may collect a small sample to confirm that fungus is causing the changes. Treatment options include trimming and thinning the nail, prescription antifungal medication, or other care. Keeping feet clean and dry also helps reduce recurrence.

Toenail fungus is treatable, but it often requires patience because healthy nails grow slowly. A podiatrist can create a treatment plan based on the severity of the infection and your foot health. Early care may help prevent the fungus from spreading to other nails or skin. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication. 

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM of Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. The big toe is affected most often. This problem can cause tenderness, redness, and pain along the nail edge. Some people notice drainage or increased warmth when the area becomes infected. Ingrown toenails can make walking and wearing shoes uncomfortable. Getting care early may help prevent the problem from becoming more serious.

Several factors can contribute to an ingrown toenail. Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners can encourage the nail to grow into the skin. Wearing tight shoes can also place pressure on the nail. Structural conditions may increase the risk when the toe is curved, or the nail is unusually thick. Additionally, biomechanical problems can also change how pressure moves across the foot while walking. Repeated pressure from sports or activities may make symptoms worse.

Prevention starts with simple foot care. Trim toenails straight across and avoid cutting deeply into the corners. Choose shoes with enough room for your toes to move comfortably. Keep the feet clean and dry, especially after exercise. Check your toes regularly for redness, swelling, or tenderness. If an ingrown toenail keeps returning, a podiatrist can look for structural or biomechanical causes. Treatment may include gently lifting the nail, removing the affected nail edge, or using medication when infection is present.

A podiatrist will examine the nail and surrounding skin before recommending treatment. If infection or significant inflammation is present, appropriate care may be provided to control it. For recurring problems, the podiatrist may remove part of the nail and address the portion that repeatedly grows into the skin. Proper wound care and follow-up supports healing. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief tips, which may include minor surgery. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM of Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Foot stretches can help runners prepare their feet and ankles for activity. They may improve flexibility, mobility, and awareness when performed regularly. Options include toe stretches, ankle mobility exercises, and toe scrunches. These movements can be useful before or after running, depending on comfort and training needs. They may help reduce stiffness and support efficient movement, but they cannot prevent every running injury.

A toe stretch gently lengthens the tissues around the toes. Sit and use your hand to move the toes backward until you feel a mild stretch. Hold briefly without forcing the movement. This exercise may improve toe flexibility and help runners maintain comfortable foot motion. An ankle mobility exercise can involve slowly moving the ankle through controlled circles. Move in both directions with careful control while keeping the lower leg relaxed. This can support ankle mobility and reduce stiffness.

Toe scrunches strengthen the small muscles that help support the foot. Sit with your foot flat and use your toes to gently gather a towel toward you. Relax and repeat several times. This exercise may improve foot strength and control, which can help runners manage impact. Risk factors for running injuries include sudden mileage increases, and training on challenging surfaces. Poor flexibility or limited ankle mobility may also affect movement.

A podiatrist can evaluate your feet and ankles when pain, swelling, or injuries develop. The examination may include checking strength, flexibility, and tender areas. Imaging tests may be recommended when a stress fracture or other injury is suspected. Treatment also can include activity changes, wearing supportive footwear, or custom orthotics. Stretching should never cause sharp pain. If you have developed foot and ankle injuries from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include additional foot and ankle stretches. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM of Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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