Many people wear the wrong shoe size without realizing it, often because feet change over time. Weight fluctuations, pregnancy, aging, and medical conditions can cause the feet to spread or flatten, altering both length and width. Wearing shoes that are too small can lead to blisters, bunions, corns, and chronic pain, while shoes that are too large may cause instability or friction that leads to calluses and nail problems. Manufacturers’ sizing also varies, meaning your size can differ between brands or styles. It is helpful to have your feet measured regularly, especially if you notice discomfort, shifting toenails, or uneven wear on your shoes. If your shoes no longer feel supportive or you are developing foot pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to assess your foot structure and ensure proper fit and comfort of shoes.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Susan Yeager, DPM from Yeager Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Good balance depends on the ability of the feet and ankles to sense position and react quickly to changes in surface or movement. This awareness, called proprioception, helps the body maintain stability and avoid falls. When proprioception is weakened by aging, foot injuries, or conditions that reduce nerve sensitivity, people are more likely to lose their balance and become at risk for falling. Balance exercises that strengthen the feet and ankles can improve coordination and control by retraining the small muscles and nerves that help the body adapt to uneven ground. A podiatrist can assess gait, range of motion, and nerve response to determine how balance training can improve foot function and prevent future injury. If you have sustained a foot injury from falling because of balance issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various foot injuries, and suggest specific balance exercises.

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 Susan Yeager, DPM from Yeager Foot and Ankle Center. 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 Redding, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A toenail can fall off for a variety of reasons, most commonly from an injury or repetitive trauma to the toe. Stubbing the toe, dropping something heavy on it, or wearing shoes that create excessive pressure can cause blood to collect under the nail, which can lead to detachment. Fungal infections are another frequent cause of toenail loss, as they weaken the nail. The infection leads to changes in thickness, shape, and color before separation occurs. Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema may also affect the nail matrix, the area where new nail tissue forms, and result in toenail loss. Before a toenail falls off, people often notice loosening at the tip, discoloration, or pain surrounding the nail bed. A podiatrist can examine the foot, determine the cause, and provide treatment to protect nail regrowth and relieve pain. If your toenail is loose or falling off, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Susan Yeager, DPM of Yeager Foot and Ankle Center. 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 Redding, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.