Diabetes can affect much more than blood sugar levels. It can also increase the risk of falls, especially in older adults. One reason is that diabetes can damage nerves in the feet, a condition called neuropathy. Neuropathy can reduce feeling in the feet and make it harder to notice the ground beneath you. This loss of sensation can affect balance and stability. Diabetes can also cause foot pain, muscle weakness, and changes in the way a person walks. These problems make it more difficult to move safely while walking and increase the chance of losing balance. Research has shown that people with diabetes experience falls more frequently than those without the condition.

Falls can lead to serious injuries. Broken bones, foot injuries, and ankle injuries can affect mobility and independence. People with diabetes also face challenges related to circulation and nerve function, which can make recovery from injuries more difficult. Some diabetics use special off-loading footwear to reduce pressure on certain areas of the feet. Off-loading means taking pressure away from an injured area to protect it. While these devices can be important for foot health, they can sometimes affect balance and walking patterns. Certain diabetes medications can also contribute to dizziness or unsteadiness, increasing fall risk.

A podiatrist plays an important role in helping reduce fall risk in diabetics. This type of doctor can evaluate foot structure, balance, and walking patterns. They can identify areas of weakness and detect nerve-related foot problems. They can also assess footwear and recommend options that improve stability. Regular foot examinations can help detect changes before they become serious problems. Early diagnosis and professional care can help patients remain active and move with greater confidence. If you have diabetes, have fallen, or feel you may be at risk of falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

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 podiatrists from Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Reno, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot puncture wounds are injuries caused by sharp objects piercing the skin, often resulting from accidental trauma. These injuries are commonly seen when individuals step on nails, broken glass, or other pointed materials. Although the external wound may appear minor, the internal damage can be more significant. Bacteria can enter deep into the tissue, creating an environment where infection can develop quickly. Recognizing how these injuries occur helps individuals take steps to protect their foot health.

The symptoms of a puncture wound can vary depending on the depth and severity of the injury. Initial signs often include bleeding, localized pain, and sensitivity when pressure is applied. As the body responds, swelling and redness may appear around the affected area. If infection develops, additional symptoms like warmth, drainage, and increased pain may occur. These signs indicate that the body is reacting to bacteria introduced during the injury. Prompt attention to these symptoms is important for preventing further complications.

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of sustaining a puncture wound or developing complications. Walking barefoot in unfamiliar or unsafe environments is one of the most common causes. Footwear that lacks proper protection can also allow sharp objects to penetrate the sole. Occupational hazards, outdoor activities, and cluttered living spaces may further increase risk. Preventative strategies include wearing durable shoes, keeping living and work areas free of sharp debris, and remaining cautious in high risk environments.

In summary, foot puncture wounds are preventable injuries that require careful attention due to the risk of infection. Protecting the feet with appropriate footwear and avoiding barefoot exposure are simple yet effective measures. If you have incurred a foot puncture wound or notice signs of infection, it is strongly suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

A bunion is a foot condition where the big toe gradually shifts inward while the joint at its base becomes enlarged and prominent. It often appears as a visible bump on the side of the foot, which may become red, swollen, and painful over time. The condition develops slowly due to pressure and imbalance in the foot structure, often influenced by genetics, wearing improper footwear, or abnormal walking patterns. Symptoms can include aching pain, stiffness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes comfortably. Risk factors include wearing tight or narrow shoes, family history of bunions, flat feet, and prolonged standing. As the condition progresses, the deformity may become more noticeable and discomfort may increase. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity, monitor progression, and offer treatment options to reduce pain and improve alignment. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions. It is strongly suggested that if you have a bunion, you visit a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that often affects the big toe, causing sudden and intense pain. It may appear with redness, swelling, warmth, and extreme tenderness, sometimes making it difficult to walk or even touch the area. This condition develops when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms sharp crystals within the joint. The big toe is commonly affected because it is under frequent stress and has lower temperatures that allow crystals to form more easily. Risk factors include diet, genetics, weight, and certain medical conditions. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through examination and testing, then guide treatment to reduce inflammation and protect joint function. Early care can help prevent repeated attacks and joint damage. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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