Items filtered by date: December 2022

Balance is a fundamental aspect of daily life, affecting activities like walking, standing, and even tying your shoes. Recent research highlights its role in overall health, with studies revealing a correlation between poor balance and increased mortality risk. Incorporating balance exercises into your routine can lower this risk and improve stability. Here are a few exercises that aim to improve balance and reduce the likelihood of falling. It’s a good idea to have a chair or wall nearby to hold on to while performing them. The first is single-leg standing, where you elevate one leg while maintaining posture and gradually increase duration. Next is heel-to-toe walking, simulating a tightrope walk to enhance balance and coordination. Finally, integrating yoga practice can help to improve body awareness and proprioception, which is needed for equilibrium. Whether you're an athlete aiming for peak performance or an older adult with balance problems, these exercises can help reduce the risk of falls and promote overall well-being. For help with foot and ankle problems related to mobility or stability, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a full exam.

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 Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. 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 Leander, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

In today's fast-paced world, the rising concern of obesity has become a significant health issue, affecting various aspects of our well-being. One often overlooked consequence of obesity is its profound impact on foot health. The excess weight carried by obese individuals places an immense burden on the feet, leading to a myriad of problems. Feet, being the foundation of our body, bear the brunt of this added pressure, causing strain on joints, ligaments, bones, and tendons. Over time, this strain can result in conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and arthritis. The increased load also hampers circulation, contributing to swelling and discomfort. Neglecting foot health in the context of obesity can exacerbate these issues, impacting overall mobility and quality of life. Recognizing the intricate connection between obesity and foot health is vital for fostering a proactive approach to address this concern. If you are overweight and have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to see the connection and provide appropriate relief options.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

Onychomycosis, a common fungal infection affecting the nails, unveils itself as a condition that warrants a closer inspection. This ailment, known as a fungal nail infection, targets the toenails or fingernails, causing discoloration, thickening, and brittleness. The infection is often attributed to various fungal strains, primarily dermatophytes, but also yeasts and molds. These fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, making nails susceptible to infection when exposed to such conditions. Several factors contribute to the development of onychomycosis. Trauma to the nails, poor hygiene practices, and a compromised immune function elevate the risk. Additionally, communal spaces, such as public showers and swimming pools, serve as potential breeding grounds for the fungi, facilitating its transmission. If you have developed toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

For more information about treatment, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM of Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Cycling enthusiasts, from competitive mountain bikers to weekend riders, often share a common experience of foot pain. Research shows that as many as 85 percent of cyclists face non-traumatic injuries, with symptoms ranging from burning sensations to numbness. These often stem from the pressure exerted on the metatarsal heads during pedaling. The solution to alleviating foot pain frequently lies in the choice of footwear. Cycling shoes with a roomier front end and looser straps can make a significant difference. It is believed that stiffer shoes, like those made with carbon fiber, may contribute to increased pain. A study comparing shoe soles found that carbon fiber options led to 18 percent higher plantar pressures during cycling. Comprehensive guidelines recommend selecting cycling shoes with adequate width and support, especially in the forefoot. Avoiding over-tightening upper straps is thought to prevent discomfort. Neglecting the importance of wearing suitable shoes or ignoring signs of foot discomfort can result in serious foot problems. Experts suggest testing your cleats when your feet are naturally more swollen at the end of the day, mimicking the conditions after a prolonged biking session. If you are experiencing foot pain after cycling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can conduct a thorough exam and offer appropriate treatment options.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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