Exercise plays an important role in protecting older adults from falls and helping them stay active and independent. Regular movement improves muscle strength, balance, and flexibility, making it easier to walk with confidence and react to uneven ground. Many older adults benefit from a routine that combines endurance activities, strength training, and balance exercises. Walking, swimming, and cycling help build endurance. Light resistance exercises improve muscle strength. Balance activities, like tai chi and standing on one foot, help reduce the risk of falling. Stretching also keeps muscles and joints moving comfortably, making everyday activities easier and safer.

Good foot health is another important part of falls protection. Painful feet, numbness, poor circulation, and foot deformities can affect balance and make walking less stable. Wearing shoes that fit well and provide proper support can improve stability and reduce slipping. Shoes should match the activity being performed and provide enough room for the toes. A podiatrist examines the feet, checks for changes in sensation, and evaluates how patients walk. This examination helps identify problems that increase the risk of falling. A podiatrist also recommends custom orthotics when appropriate to improve balance and relieve pressure on painful areas. Regular foot exams help detect changes before they become more serious.

Exercise is most effective when it becomes part of a regular routine. Adults age 65 and older benefit from at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Strength exercises should be completed at least twice each week. Balance and flexibility exercises should also be performed regularly. Staying active supports better mobility, greater confidence, and a lower risk of falls. Healthy feet make exercise safer and more comfortable, allowing people to continue enjoying daily activities. Early attention to foot problems helps prevent mobility challenges that could increase fall risk. If you have injured your foot or ankle while falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate 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 one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. 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 Duryea, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

High heels can create a polished look, but they also place extra stress on the feet. As heel height increases, more body weight shifts toward the front of the foot. This added pressure affects the toes and the ball of the foot with every step. A narrow toe box squeezes the toes together, making normal movement more difficult. High heels that lack proper support also reduce stability and increase strain on muscles and joints. This raises the risk of bunions, corns, and calluses, along with increasing the chances of an ankle sprain. Some people notice burning, numbness, or swelling after long periods of standing or while walking in high heels.

Choosing high heels carefully helps reduce stress on the feet without giving up style. A proper fit is one of the most important features. High heels that are too tight or too loose increase pressure and friction. Open-toe styles provide extra room for the toes and reduce crowding. Lower heels place less weight on the front of the foot than very high styles. A wider heel also improves balance and spreads weight more evenly. A less dramatic slope from heel to toe places less strain on the foot and ankle. Small design changes can make high heels more comfortable while helping protect the feet.

When foot pain continues from wearing high heels, a podiatrist can identify the cause and recommend the most effective treatment. An examination can determine whether pain comes from irritated joints, strained soft tissues, or changes in foot structure. Treatment includes custom orthotics, padding to reduce pressure, and care for corns or calluses. A podiatrist also treats bunions, hammertoes, and other problems before they become more severe. If you have foot pain after wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief tips and guidance on choosing high heels suited to your needs.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Everyday foot care is an important part of maintaining overall health and mobility. The feet contain numerous bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments that work together to support the body during standing, walking, and other daily activities. Because the feet absorb significant pressure throughout the day, even minor problems can affect comfort and movement. Common foot concerns include calluses, corns, nail problems, and heel pain. Ignoring these issues may lead to discomfort that interferes with work, exercise, and everyday routines. Paying attention to foot health can help identify concerns early and support long-term mobility.

Foot problems can develop gradually and may not always cause immediate symptoms. Changes in foot shape, skin condition, or walking patterns can sometimes indicate an underlying issue. Individuals who spend long hours on their feet or participate in regular physical activity may place additional stress on the feet and ankles. Over time, this strain can contribute to pain, fatigue, and reduced function. Certain health conditions may also affect circulation and sensation in the feet, increasing the importance of regular foot evaluations. Because healthy feet are essential for balance and movement, addressing concerns before they become more serious can help preserve overall quality of life.

Podiatric care focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, gait, and overall foot health to identify problems that may be affecting comfort or mobility. Professional care may help manage common issues such as foot pain, skin concerns, and nail disorders while supporting proper foot function. Regular podiatric evaluations can also help detect changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. By promoting healthy feet and addressing concerns early, podiatric care can play an important role in maintaining an active lifestyle. If you are experiencing foot pain or other foot-related concerns, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Plantar warts are small skin growths that form on the bottom of the foot. They are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus, often called HPV. This virus can enter through tiny cracks or weak spots in the skin. Because plantar warts grow on areas that carry body weight, pressure can push them inward and make them painful. They may appear as rough, thickened spots on the sole of the foot. Some have tiny dark dots, which are small clotted blood vessels. Plantar warts can be mistaken for corns or calluses because they may look similar. A professional evaluation is important when a painful spot develops or does not improve.

A podiatrist can examine the growth and determine whether it is a plantar wart or another foot condition. This helps ensure the right type of care is recommended. During the visit, the podiatrist may check the size, location, and appearance of the wart. Treatment depends on the patient’s symptoms and how deep the wart has grown into the skin. Professional plantar wart treatment may include removing thickened skin, applying medical treatments, or using other in-office methods to target the wart. Some plantar warts take more than one visit to treat, especially if they are painful or have been present for a long time.

Prompt podiatry care can help reduce pain and protect healthy skin around the wart. Early treatment may also help prevent the wart from spreading or becoming harder to treat. A podiatrist can monitor healing and adjust treatment when needed, which supports better comfort while walking or standing. Professional foot wart treatment is especially helpful when pain affects daily movement or when the growth is hard to identify. If you have a painful growth on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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