Falls prevention at home is an important part of protecting health and maintaining independence. Many falls occur because of hazards that can be corrected with simple safety improvements. Checking floor surfaces for loose rugs, uneven areas, or slippery spots can help reduce the risk of slipping. Improving lighting throughout the home allows better visibility, especially in hallways and stairways. Rearranging furniture to create clear walking paths and removing clutter from floors can also improve safety and mobility. Additionally, installing grab bars in the bathroom provides additional support when stepping in or out of the shower or bathtub. Foot health also plays a key role in balance and stability. Falling can seriously impact the feet. If you have injured your foot or ankle from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and additional falls prevention tips.

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 doctors from Godoy Foot and Ankle Center. 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 our office located in Wayne, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running places repeated stress on the 26 bones and numerous joints, tendons, and ligaments in the foot and ankle, which can lead to overuse injuries. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated, causing sharp heel pain. Achilles tendinopathy involves damage to the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel, leading to stiffness and pain at the back of the ankle. Metatarsalgia, or pain in the ball of the foot, is usually caused by excess pressure on the long bones behind the toes. Stress fractures are small cracks in these bones that develop from repetitive impact and may cause swelling and tenderness. A podiatrist can order diagnostic imaging and prescribe custom orthotic devices or other medical treatment to reduce pain and support healing. If you have foot or ankle pain after running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors of Godoy Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Pronation is the inward roll of the foot during walking that helps absorb shock as the heel meets the ground. In a balanced gait, the arch lowers, weight moves toward the big toe, and the foot becomes stable for push-off. With overpronation, the ankle rolls too far inward and continues moving after it should properly stabilize, placing strain on the big toe, arch, and lower leg. This can contribute to shin splints, tendon irritation, and knee discomfort. Underpronation, or supination, keeps weight along the outer border of the foot and is linked to ankle instability and repetitive stress injuries. A podiatrist can analyze gait and assess alignment. They can also provide medical treatment options and custom orthotic devices to improve stability and reduce harmful pressure on joints and soft tissues. If you regularly have foot pain after activity, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors from Godoy Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Common foot problems can affect people of all ages and activity levels, often developing gradually or after injury. They are frequently caused by wearing improper footwear, repetitive stress, abnormal foot structure, or underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or circulation issues. Symptoms include pain and swelling or visible changes in the skin or nails. The feet may look red, swollen, or have bumps like corns or bunions. Additionally, they can feel sore or tender when walking or standing. A podiatrist can help by beginning with a careful examination of foot structure, gait, and overall health, sometimes using imaging to diagnose the underlying issue. Treatment options include footwear adjustments, custom orthotics, targeted exercises to improve strength and flexibility, and therapies to reduce pain and inflammation. Early care supports long- term mobility and prevents complications. If you are experiencing foot issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our doctors from Godoy Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 Wayne, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.