Foot problems are a common but often overlooked reason why older adults may be at higher risk of falling. Conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, or nerve pain can affect balance and stability. Thick or curved toenails, poor circulation, and loss of sensation in the feet may also lead to unsteady walking. Wearing ill-fitting shoes or worn-out soles can make the problem worse by limiting support or grip. Many older adults adjust how they walk to avoid pain, which can throw off posture and increase the chance of tripping. Regular foot care, comfortable footwear, and addressing pain early can help reduce this risk. If walking feels uncertain or there has been a recent fall, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to assess foot health and explore ways to improve safety and confidence when moving around.

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 Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM from Madison Foot Clinic. 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 Madison, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot arch pain can stem from several medical conditions that affect the muscles, ligaments, bones, and tendons in the foot. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most frequent causes, involving inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction may also lead to arch pain due to gradual weakening of the tendon that supports the arch. The posterior tibial tendon runs along the inside of the ankle and attaches to bones in the arch, helping to maintain foot stability. Stress fractures in the long bones of the foot can develop from repetitive impact and are common among people who participate in high-impact activities. Other possible causes of arch pain include ligament sprains and structural abnormalities, such as high arches, which can place uneven pressure on the feet. Severe or prolonged arch pain may require medical imaging to confirm the diagnosis. A podiatrist can recommend effective treatment, including orthotics, medication, immobilization devices, or surgery, depending on the condition. If you are experiencing pain in the arch of your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM from Madison Foot Clinic. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Walking and running shoes are crafted with features that support the specific movements and demands of each activity. Both types should provide a comfortable fit, breathable materials, and durable construction. Running shoes often include extra cushioning to absorb impact, especially in the heel and forefoot, where force is greatest during a run. They are usually more flexible to support a quicker, more dynamic motion. Walking shoes, on the other hand, offer stability and support for a smoother heel-to-toe stride. Their soles may be firmer to encourage proper foot alignment and reduce fatigue over time. Arch support, heel support, and proper traction are important in both styles. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury from wearing the wrong type of shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and provide further guidance on proper shoes to wear for your desired activity.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM from Madison Foot Clinic. our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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