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Helping seniors stay safe at home begins with simple changes that reduce everyday risks. Keeping commonly used items within easy reach prevents the need for stretching or climbing. Replacing dim bulbs and using night lights improves visibility and reduces the chance of tripping in low light areas. Installing grab bars in bathrooms and hallways provides extra support and confidence. Choosing rugs with non-slip backing keeps floors secure and prevents sliding. A podiatrist can assess balance concerns, identify foot or ankle issues, recommend proper footwear, and create strategies to enhance stability. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from falling at home, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat these kinds of injuries, and guide you on additional fall prevention strategies.

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 Naim G. Shaheed, DPM from Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. 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 one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic foot wounds can be stubborn and difficult to heal, often requiring more than standard dressings and rest. Advances in care have introduced therapies that improve circulation, encourage new tissue growth, and reduce infection risk. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is one option that supplies extra oxygen to the tissues, helping speed up repair. Negative pressure wound therapy uses gentle suction to remove fluids and promote blood flow. Skin substitutes and growth factor treatments can also stimulate healing when traditional methods fall short. Each therapy is chosen based on the severity of the wound and the overall health of the patient. The goal is always to restore mobility, prevent infection, and avoid complications that could lead to surgery. If you are living with a complex diabetic foot wound, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to discuss the best treatment plan for you.

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 Naim G. Shaheed, DPM from Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. It often affects the smaller toe joints first, leading to tenderness, swelling, and stiffness that can gradually spread to the ankles. As inflammation progresses, the joints may weaken and become painful during daily activities. Causes include an overactive immune response and risk factors include family history, age, and smoking. When rheumatoid arthritis involves the feet and ankles, walking and balance can become difficult. A podiatrist can help by providing custom orthotics, footwear guidance, and supportive treatments that ease pressure and improve joint function. If your ankles are stiff or swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you relief solutions, helping you to manage this condition.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Naim G. Shaheed, DPM of Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, reducing circulation. Symptoms include leg pain or cramping during activity, numbness, coldness in the feet or toes, slow healing of wounds, and changes in skin color. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a family history of vascular disease. Poor circulation from PAD can lead to foot and ankle complications, including ulcers, infections, and increased risk of tissue damage. A podiatrist can assess blood flow, monitor foot health, recommend custom footwear or custom orthotics, and coordinate care to prevent serious complications. If you have symptoms of this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and proactive management of PAD to protect your feet and overall health.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Naim G. Shaheed, DPM from Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.