January 2025

Bathrooms are one of the most common places where seniors experience falls due to slippery surfaces, limited space, and poor balance. Key risk areas include the shower or bathtub, where wet floors and awkward stepping increase fall likelihood. Toilet areas can also pose risks, especially when sitting down or standing up without support. To reduce these hazards, install grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bathtub. Non-slip mats inside and outside the tub can provide added stability. Adequate lighting and removing loose rugs can enhance safety. Seniors should wear non-slip footwear when using the bathroom. If you incur a fall, especially one resulting in foot or ankle pain, swelling, or difficulty walking it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

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 Cary Golub, DPM from New York. 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 offices located in Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swollen ankles can result from a variety of conditions affecting the feet, toes, and ankles, ranging from minor injuries to serious medical issues. The most common causes of swollen ankles include trauma such as sprains, fractures, or torn tendons, which often result in localized swelling. Overuse injuries like tendonitis or bursitis may also cause gradual swelling. Infections, including those stemming from ingrown toenails or severe athlete's foot, can lead to swelling accompanied by redness and pain. Systemic conditions, such as arthritis, gout, or autoimmune diseases, may contribute to foot or ankle swelling, while also causing stiffness or inflammation. Venous insufficiency or blood clots in the legs can impair blood flow and lead to fluid buildup in the feet and ankles. Lymphedema, caused by blocked lymphatic flow, is another potential factor. A podiatrist can diagnose the underlying cause of foot or ankle swelling through a detailed examination, recommend appropriate treatment options, and help prevent further complications. If you have a swollen ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet can lead to discomfort and misalignment, but specific stretches can help strengthen the muscles in the feet and improve their arch. One effective stretch is the toe curl, which involves sitting with feet flat on the floor and using the toes to pick up a towel or small object. This exercise helps strengthen the muscles that support the arch. Another helpful stretch is the calf stretch, where you stand with your hands on a wall, one foot forward and the other behind, pressing the heel of the back foot into the ground to stretch the calf and Achilles tendon. Regularly practicing the arch lift can also be beneficial, where you lift the arches while keeping the toes and heels grounded. These stretches combined with exercises for the foot muscles, can help improve posture, alleviate discomfort, and support healthier foot function. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer relief and treatment solutions with custom orthotics.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet are the foundation of the body, making their care essential for overall health and mobility. Exercise is beneficial, but it is important to protect your feet from overuse and injury. Incorporating cross-training into your routine will help reduce repetitive impact on specific areas of the feet, lowering the risk of stress-related injuries. Always begin workouts with a proper warm-up to prepare muscles and joints, and finish with a cool-down and stretching to improve flexibility and circulation. These simple practices can help to prevent stiffness, soreness, and strain. If you have any foot problems, see a podiatrist promptly.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.