Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that damages the nerves responsible for sending signals between the feet and the brain. When these nerves are affected, people may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the feet and ankles. This damage can interfere with balance by reducing the ability to feel pressure, detect joint position, or sense vibrations in the feet. As a result, people with peripheral neuropathy may have difficulty sensing uneven surfaces or adjusting their posture quickly, which increases the risk of falling. Muscle weakness in the feet and ankles can also make it harder to maintain stability when walking or standing. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve function, recommend footwear designed for stability, and discuss whether custom orthotics may help to reduce fall risk. If you have fallen or are at risk of doing so because of neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

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 our doctors from Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma. 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 offices located in Oklahoma City and Yukon, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Restaurant workers spend long hours on their feet, which makes proper footwear essential for comfort, safety, and long-term health. Wearing the right shoes with supportive soles helps reduce fatigue, prevent injuries, and improve posture. Insoles can provide added cushioning and arch support, while moisture-wicking socks help prevent blisters and fungal infections. Maintaining foot cleanliness is important to avoid odor and skin problems. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, recommend custom orthotics, and treat issues like heel pain or calluses that often affect service industry professionals. If you work in a busy kitchen or dining environment and experience foot discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on what shoes to wear for your industry.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact our doctors from Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Oklahoma City and Yukon, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters on the feet usually form when friction or pressure damages the outer layer of skin, causing fluid to build up as a natural protective response. This often happens from shoes that rub, or repetitive movements, such as walking or running long distances. Moisture, heat, and socks that do not allow airflow can make skin more prone to blistering. Other causes include burns, frostbite, allergic reactions, and certain medical conditions like eczema or diabetic neuropathy. Blood blisters may appear when the skin is pinched or crushed, leading to bleeding beneath the surface. Blisters can be painful, especially on weight-bearing areas of the foot, and may limit mobility. It is important not to pop a blister, as breaking the skin can increase the risk of infection. If a blister becomes discolored, swollen, or does not heal, medical attention may be needed. If you frequently develop blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to determine the cause and receive safe and sterile treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact our doctors of Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Oklahoma City and Yukon, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Clubfoot is a deformity present at birth in which a baby’s foot points downward and turns inward, often making the foot appear short and twisted. Clubfoot, also known as talipes, affects the muscles, tendons, and bones of the foot and ankle. The tight Achilles tendon and shortened tissues on the inner side of the leg prevent the foot from moving into a normal position. In many cases, both feet are affected. Diagnosis is typically made shortly after birth, although some cases are identified before birth using prenatal imaging. A common approach to treatment is the Ponseti method, which uses a series of corrective plaster casts followed by minor surgery to release the tight tendon. After casting, the child often wears special bracing to help prevent recurrence. A podiatrist can assess the condition, recommend appropriate casting, and determine whether surgery is needed to achieve long-term correction. If your newborn has symptoms of clubfoot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact our doctors of Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Oklahoma City and Yukon, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.