Falls can lead to serious injuries, especially in older adults, and may affect their ability to live independently. Preventing falls often begins with improving balance and strength. Balance is the body’s ability to remain steady while standing or moving, and it depends on strong muscles, healthy joints, and proper nerve function. Wearing supportive, well-fitted shoes with firm soles and good traction can reduce slipping and improve stability. Shoes that are too loose, too tight, or worn out may increase the risk of tripping. Assistive devices like canes or walkers should be correctly sized to provide proper support. Foot pain, numbness, and deformities can also change the way a person walks, increasing fall risk. A podiatrist can examine foot structure, evaluate the pattern of walking, and identify problems that might affect balance. Custom orthotics and footwear recommendations may improve stability and comfort. If you are at risk of falling, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, 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 Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. 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 Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the big toe can affect walking, balance, and daily comfort, even when it seems minor at first. One common cause is arthritis, which can lead to stiffness, swelling, and pain during push-off while walking. Another cause is bunion formation, where the joint shifts over time and creates pressure, irritation, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. Gout is also a frequent source of sudden big toe pain, often causing intense redness, warmth, and swelling that may appear overnight. In addition to these conditions, big toe pain may also be linked to tendon strain, nerve irritation, past injuries, or changes in foot mechanics. Because the big toe plays a major role in movement and stability, ongoing pain should not be brushed off. If big toe pain persists or worsens, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Jordan Baker, DPM of Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Bunions, also called hallux valgus, develop when the big toe drifts toward the second toe and the joint at its base sticks out. The primary risk factor for bunions is inherited foot structure, particularly a misaligned metatarsophalangeal, or MTP joint. People with flat feet, excessive pronation, or loose-joint mobility place uneven pressure across the forefoot, increasing the likelihood of progression. Arthritis, prior foot injuries, and certain neuromuscular conditions can also weaken joint stability and contribute to deformity. Although tight or high-heeled shoes do not directly cause bunions, they commonly aggravate symptoms and speed irritation in people already predisposed.  A podiatrist evaluates alignment, orders imaging, and provides medical treatment options to reduce pain, limit deformity progression, and improve walking function. If you have foot problems associated with bunions, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Jordan Baker, DPM of Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Athlete’s foot and fungal infections are common skin conditions that affect the feet and thrive in warm, moist environments. They are often caused by exposure to fungi in locker rooms, showers, and tight footwear. Symptoms include itching, burning, peeling skin, and cracking, especially between the toes or along the sole of the foot. In some cases, the skin can appear white, scaly, or soggy and may feel tender or painful when walking. Fungal infections can spread to the toenails or other areas, if left untreated. A podiatrist can begin care with a careful examination and may take a small skin sample to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include prescription topical or oral medications, hygiene education, footwear guidance, and follow-up care to prevent recurrence. Early treatment helps reduce discomfort and limits spread of the infection. If you have athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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