Alaa Hamdy

Author name: Alaa Hamdy

Anyone can fall, but the elderly are more likely to. Falls can cause serious injuries. That’s why fall prevention strategies are crucial.

Fall prevention! Any tips that can help?

You might think that falling is not a big problem that needs steps and tips to avoid, but numbers have another opinion; nearly 36 million falls occur among the elderly every year, and a large number of them need treatment in emergency departments and may cause death! That’s why the need for fall prevention tips is rising. What are the factors that increase the risk of falling? Certainly, some factors can greatly affect our balance and increase the risk, such as: Your general health. Deformities in the foot. Foot pain because it is difficult to walk swollen or injured feet. Wearing ill-fitting or worn-out shoes may make you more prone to slipping or tripping. Getting old! Because it can change the shape of our feet and cause losing some of their flexibility, change the way we walk and affect our balance. Tips to prevent falls Yes, fall prevention needs special care and can be done through the following tips Taking care of your feet Consult a podiatrist at Health and Style Medical Center if you have achy or swollen feet, feel tingling or pins in your feet, or if you notice any changes in the shape of your feet. Ask a podiatrist about ways to improve blood circulation and reduce pain in the legs and feet, you can also find out some tips here. When buying a shoe Make sure that The sole is not slippery. You can walk around in the store for a while The shoes are suitable and the heel does not slip Trying both soles Buying shoes at night because the feet swell during the day For more tips on choosing the right shoe. Safe home Some home changes may also help in fall prevention at home Wipe up spilled liquids on the floor immediately Remove excess wires and worn carpets Use durable non-slip rugs Ensure that all rooms, corridors and staircases are well lit Do not walk on slippery floors with socks Avoid wearing loose clothing as it may cause you to stumble Wear well-fitting shoes, in good condition and that support the ankle Add grab bars in the bathroom Exercising Regular strength and balance exercises help improve your strength and balance and reduce the risk of falls. But you will need to consult your doctor to determine the activities that you can do, and you can ask him about some activities that you can do at home. Eye tests Impaired vision greatly increases the likelihood of falls, so get regular eye exams.

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close up of mom’s hand with scissors trimming her kid’s nails

How to clip your kid’s nails smoothly?

Many kids find clipping their nails too challenging, resulting in behaviors to avoid such as yelling, tantrums, running, and pulling their hands or feet apart.  Clipping a kid’s nails could be a big challenge for many mothers and their kids, but it is an essential step of foot care that must be done periodically and correctly. So, in this blog post, we will show you how to properly clip your kid’s nails. First, know your child’s fears Nail clippers may be frightening. Try purchasing a more appealing one that is more appropriate for kids; select a nail clipper with cartoon characters or shapes that your kid likes. If your kid hates using nail clippers, baby nail scissors or a nail file may be useful. File nails indeed take longer, but your kid may accept it as an alternative. Help your child manage their tension before clipping their nails by applying pressure to the putty or stress ball. Distract your kid by letting them play with a toy before and during nail clipping. You could even let them watch their favorite TV show while you trim their nails. Ask your child to trim their nails; obviously, this may vary depending on your kid’s age. But the kid’s ability to handle the situation might aid to minimize sensitivity to nail clipping. Your kid’s problem may be due to discomfort after cutting their nails, so try not to shorten the nails too much. Sometimes kids hate the sound that nail clippers produce when trimming their nails. Then it will help to let your kid listen to their favorite song while clipping nails or use scissors. It’s time to clip your kid’s nails After you have identified your kid’s fears and figured out how to overcome them, here are a few tips for clipping kids’ nails without causing a major meltdown. Before cutting nails! Choose a place with adequate lighting and plenty of light. Wash your kid’s feet and soak them in a bowl of warm water before clipping their nails, because softer nails are easier and faster to trim. Make nail clipping a fun game. For example, let your kid choose the next nail. Cut nails properly Cut the nails straight Do not cut the sides of the nail and do not make them sharp, because this may cause an ingrown nail. Do not shorten the nails too much because they may blister. If you notice any signs of infection such as pus, redness, swelling, pain, or heat around the nail, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

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Man who has arthritis or rheumatism sitting on sofa and touching his painful knee

Joint pain? Could it be Arthritis?!

Arthritis is an umbrella term for more than 100 conditions, not just one! This is prevalent and causes joint pain and inflammation. Further, it can strike at any age, even in childhood! Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate pain without using medication. Types of arthritis The most common types are: Rheumatoid arthritis: an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your body’s cells, resulting in painful swelling in the affected area. Osteoarthritis: the most common type of arthritis often associated with aging or injury. Gout! Can you believe it is one of the painful types of arthritis? It is caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the body. What are the most frequent symptoms? Though there are many different types of arthritis and symptoms vary depending on your condition, you should consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis if you experience any of the following symptoms: Joint pain and stiffness. Inflammation in or around the joints. Difficulty with movement. Redness of the skin over the affected joint. Muscle weakness. Prevention tips Making some lifestyle modifications can help you lower your risk of developing some types of arthritis. These prevention tips include: Maintaining a healthy weight and losing excess weight to reduce stress on joints. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knee. Excess weight can also increase the severity of the injury. Protect your joints from injury or overuse because they may damage the joint and cause osteoarthritis. Ensure that you wear protective equipment when cycling or at work if you are at risk of falling. Quit Smoking. Smoking increases the risk of developing arthritis and can make the disease worse. Tips to control arthritis The following tips will help relieve many of the symptoms including pain: Take some OTC pain relievers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Go to physical therapy Lose weight if you are overweight or obese. Engage in physical activities or sports. Does physical activity actually have a positive effect? Indeed, regular physical activity can help relieve pain just as effectively as some over-the-counter medications. You can participate in any of the following sports: walking, cycling, swimming, or water aerobics. Physical activity will also give you several added benefits, such as enhanced physical function and mood, as well as reduced anxiety.

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Female massage with tennis ball to her foot in bedroom to treat the plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis Treatment concept

Plantar fasciitis treatment… What are the options?

Before talking about plantar fasciitis treatment let’s discuss facts, plantar fasciitis, which causes swelling and pain, accounts for around 11% to 15% of common foot disorders! At first, you may think the numbers aren’t that significant, but the pain is, and it generally causes stabbing pain! Fortunately, several treatment options are effective in relieving pain and allowing you to return to your daily activities. Find out more info about Plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis Treatment There are several therapy alternatives available, but combining many options is more beneficial than using just one. Home remedies There are various ways you may do at home that are helpful and can help relieve the symptoms. These techniques include: Ball/ice bottle Put a ball or round iced bottle under your foot and roll it up from heel to toe. It helps reduce local inflammation and massage the plantar fascia. Be careful not to put ice for a long time or directly on the skin to avoid getting an ice burn! Calf muscle tightening It helps in preventing recurrence. To do this exercise Stand on a thick book and then do the stretching exercise Stand with your toes straight while you are barefoot Make sure your knees are straight, you can use a smaller book if you can’t stand straight and then slowly increase the height of the book as you become more flexible Continue to stretch for 2-5 minutes It is necessary to do these exercises twice a day. Shoes Make sure you’re wearing supportive shoes that are appropriate for the activity you’re doing. Choose shoes with short heels to help relieve symptoms. Remember that non-supportive or flat shoes are not appropriate during the treatment. For more tips on how to choose footwear. The medical treatment The treatment plan that your doctor has prescribed for you may include some other treatment methods such as Corticosteroid injections that have a strong effect in reducing heel pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs. It is critical to follow your doctor’s treatment plan or your symptoms will probably worsen. Also, if you are overweight, losing some weight may assist alleviate stress on the plantar fascia. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy if your symptoms are slowly improving!

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Young nurse standing with female patient at home. Standing all day jobs concept.

Can standing all day cause foot problems?

Are you a doctor, nurse, hairdresser, or salesman? If you answered yes, you might believe that your job protects you against obesity, the century’s curse that is linked to the main causes of mortality worldwide! It could be true because sitting jobs are blamed for increasing the risks of obesity and many diseases, but standing, or in other words, “your profession,” lowers your risks. But nothing is flawless! Standing all day results in sore feet and considerable agony at the end of your shift. Does standing all day cause any problems? In fact, standing all day can lead to many foot problems, such as: Morton’s neuroma, which usually affects the area between the third and fourth toes. It causes swelling and pain. Whereas, if the pain is severe, it may cause tingling, numbness, and burning in the toes. Plantar fasciitis, which causes severe pain in the heel of the foot, especially upon standing after rest, and is common among people who work in jobs that require walking or standing for long periods. Fatigue, fatigue, and pain in many areas of the body that can occur as a result of standing for long periods without moving, even for brief intervals of up to 30 minutes. Is there a cure? Treatment depends on the cause of the problem; you will need to see a doctor for the right treatment for your condition, which can range from using cold packs to surgery in certain circumstances, but in most cases, you will need to rest. Tips to reduce the problems of standing for long periods Move whenever you can. Also, keep in mind that wearing ill-fitting shoes may cause many foot problems. So proper fitting shoes are essential for providing your feet with the care they need while preventing injury. How do you choose the right shoe? It is important to have the right size of shoes, you should make sure to measure your feet every time because sizes can vary even in adulthood. The podiatrist at Health and Style Medical Center may recommend insoles or orthotics to help with your foot problem. Try to avoid wearing open shoes for long periods. They are not supportive and provide little protection for your feet. Make sure that the shoes fit the shape of your feet. You can find more shoe-selecting tips here. So, when do you consult a doctor? You should see a doctor if: The discomfort is persistent and does not go away after a few weeks of rest or taking painkillers. There is significant swelling, inflammation, or stiffness in the foot or heel. Pain that impairs your ability to walk or move.

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Close up of woman legs shoes new sneakers, trying new shoe before buying a shoe concept

Buying shoes? Here is your checklist

Are you considering purchasing new shoes? That should be awesome, but wait 5 minutes only! Do you know that ill-fitting shoes can cause many foot problems such as pain, deformities of the feet, and even falls?! Unfortunately, it’s true. So, buying shoes should no longer be dependent just on fashion, but there are other factors to consider before making a decision and purchasing a new shoe. You will find a great solution in this blog post. Checklist before buying shoes You should ensure that the shoes meet these standards before purchasing them. The heel is less than 2.5 cm. The shoe has laces and stays firmly on your foot. There is about 1 cm between your longest toe and the shoe when you stand. The shoes have a well-cushioned sole. Made from a breathable material. Protects your feet from injury & keeps your feet safe from harm. It has the same shape as your foot. The heel provides the required protection. Don’t forget to check through the previous conditions and make sure that all of them are fulfilled in the new shoes, because if they aren’t, the shoes won’t provide the necessary protection and support for your feet. But why all this long list? Because choosing proper fitting shoe aid in the maintenance of its health & minimizing foot discomfort. Each criterion has a purpose, for example High-heeled shoes may cause sores and calluses due to increased pressure on the ball of the foot. The higher the heel, the greater the stress and damage. If the shoe does not provide the necessary support for your feet, your toes will twist to stabilize it. This can cause the upper part of the shoe to rub against your toes. This can cause corns and calluses and affect the muscles in the feet. Friction between your toes and the end of the shoe can cause toe damage and toenail pain. Shoes with a cushioned, supportive sole absorb any shock and reduce pressure under the feet. The material from which the shoe is made is very important, for example, those that do not allow the passage of air may cause fungal infections. Protecting the feet from entering foreign bodies that can hurt the feet is the main function of shoes. It is necessary for diabetics to wear closed shoes. You can consult a podiatrist at a Health and Style Medical Center to see if you are wearing the right shoes for you and to discuss more information if necessary.

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Young fitness man holding his sports leg injury. Muscle pain after exercising concept

Muscle pain after exercising?! But why?

Life taught us that everything has a price, and certainly muscle pain after exercising is the price of exercising. Whatever your fitness level, you may have muscle pain after beginning a new activity or pushing yourself harder than usual. Why do you feel muscle pain after exercising? Contrary to popular belief, lactic acid accumulation is not the reason! Muscle pain after physical activity, known as “delayed muscle soreness,” usually happens after starting a new exercise program, changing your exercise routine, or increasing the duration or intensity of regular exercise. It is typically caused by the muscles functioning more or in a different way than they are used to. When will you feel better? It usually lasts 3 to 5 days. The pain, which can range from mild to severe, usually develops a day or two after exercising. You should not confuse this type of pain with any other type of pain you may encounter while activity, such as sharp and sudden pain that occurs as a result of an injury, such as muscle strains or sprains. Who can have muscle pain after sports? Muscle pain after exercise can affect anybody, including individuals who have been active in sports for a long time, such as professional athletes, who are familiar with it. Pain is a normal part of the muscular adaptation process to develop endurance and strength while the muscles recover and strengthen. The good news is that pain reduces as you exercise and your muscles adjust to the new kind and amount of activity. Treatment tips These tips may help relieve symptoms: Rest Ice packs Take painkillers when needed. Massage the affected area. You should see a doctor, if your pain becomes unbearable, you have severe swelling, or your urine turns dark. Prevention One of the best ways to prevent muscle pain after any physical activity is to start a new activity gently and gradually to help the muscles adjust to the new movements to reduce the pain. Also, warming up will reduce the risk of injury and improve your performance.

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Close-up of muscular man showing his bicep while standing against grey background. Healthy bones concept

8 Habits to maintain healthy bones

We should pay more attention to our bones’ health as we get older since the risk of osteoporosis rises and fracture healing gets more difficult! Maintain healthy bones and do not wait until a fracture occurs to start caring for your bones and protecting them. It’s better to start strengthening your bones as soon as possible, preferably throughout the first two decades of life. However, starting late is better than never, especially since healthy habits may be followed at any time to create strong bones and improve their health. Healthy habits to maintain healthy bones Many habits can help you like: 1.     Eat calcium-rich foods Calcium is a necessary nutrient for strong, healthy bones. Most people need at least three servings of calcium-rich foods each day, such as dairy products. A serving size is a glass of milk (250 mL) or eating a slice of cheese (40 g). However, if you are unable to get enough calcium from your diet, your doctor may advise you to take a calcium supplement. 2.     Get adequate amounts of vitamin D Vitamin D controls calcium levels in the body, which aids in maintaining healthy bones and teeth. We can get Vitamin D from food such as fatty fish, liver, and egg yolk. As well as the body can produce vitamin D when exposed to direct sunshine. But the quantity of sun exposure needed is determined by your skin type, the time of year, and other environmental factors. Prolonged sun exposure, on the other hand, can cause considerable damage to your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. 3.     Eat a balanced diet Your meals should contain protein from meat, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables, and carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, potatoes, and rice. 4.     Pay more attention to your drinks Alcohol, tea, coffee, cola, and other soft drinks reduce the amount of calcium you absorb and weaken your bones! Therefore, try to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and replace caffeinated drinks with water. 5.     Reduce the amount of salt in food Try to limit the amount of salt you eat daily as there are beliefs that salt accelerates the body’s loss of calcium! Adults are advised to consume less than 2,000 mg of sodium per day, which equates to less than a teaspoon of salt. You can replace the salt with some herbs or lemon juice. Don’t forget to read nutrition labels and look for foods with 120 mg of sodium or less per 100 grams. 6.     Maintain a healthy weight Can you believe that being underweight puts you at risk for osteoporosis and that losing a lot of weight on a strict diet too rapidly might raise the risk of osteoporosis? Being underweight in women can affect the amount of estrogen in your body, which can harm your bones and cause women to stop having monthly periods. 7.     Be physically active When bones are used, they become stronger. One of the greatest methods to strengthen bones is to engage in weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, dancing, and tennis. 8.     Quit smoking Smoking decreases bone mass and raises your risk of osteoporosis! You should try to quit smoking, and you can get aid from your doctor to do so.

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Man hands giving foot massage to yourself after a long walk, suffering from pain in heel spur and plantar fasciitis

What’s Heel Spur? Advice on how to avoid

Heel spur affect around 15% of the world’s population! They are bony growths that emerge from the bottom of the heel bone inside the foot as a result of strain on the foot ligaments. Is it a heel spur or plantar fasciitis? It is true that heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are related problems, but they are not the same. Because: Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia is overly torn or stretched, resulting in severe heel pain that comes and goes throughout the day. It differs in that it eases while walking, then returns when sitting, and then increases to move for a longer time. As for the heel spur, it occurs as a response to plantar fasciitis for a long time, so that the body builds additional bone tissue that turns into a spur in the heel! Heel spur treatment A heel spur is treated in the same way as plantar fasciitis is. Because plantar fasciitis causes heel pain that indicates a heel spur. So, treating the symptoms of plantar fasciitis aids in the relief of the associated pain. Treatment includes: Resting your heels after running. Using cold compresses or ice. Taking anti-inflammatory medications, if needed. Stretching before activity Wearing shoes or using shoe inserts that protect the plantar fascia. Your doctor will help you choose what is right for you. A few cases may need surgery to remove the heel spur as part of plantar fasciitis surgery. Tips you can take to prevent There are several factors that increase the risk of infection. Fortunately, some factors can be changed, but some factors cannot be changed. The following tips can help you: Choose soft surfaces such as grass and paths over hard surfaces when running. Wear shoes that fit and support your foot. Do not walk barefoot on any hardwood or tile floors. Walk properly to alleviate strain on your heels. You may get advice from Health and Style Medical Center and have a walking gait assessment. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your heels. Change your daily routine to avoid standing on your feet for long periods as much as possible. Non-modifiable factors Age; some natural changes occur as we get older such as: The plantar fascia becomes less flexible and more susceptible to plantar fasciitis. Lose the natural fat pads under your feet gradually. You have high arches.

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Close up on Woman feet on scale to measure her weight. Obesity and foot problems concept

Can obesity cause foot problems?!

Our feet do a lot of tasks in our daily lives such as supporting our bodies and carrying our body weight. Therefore, being overweight or obese causes pain in the feet, because it means increased load and pressure on the joints! So, yes, obesity cause foot problems! Given that the prevalence of obesity is increasing all over the world, resulting in an increased incidence of foot problems, increased joint pain, and damages from being overweight in recent years. Does weight cause foot problems? Indeed, studies have proven that the higher the weight of the individual, the greater the pressure on his feet and the greater the chance of getting foot problems. Obesity and foot problems Being overweight or obese may cause a lot of foot problems, for example: Feet pain due to increased pressure on the joints People who are overweight are more likely to develop flat feet. Obesity and overweight increase the risk of nerve damage and diabetic foot in people with diabetes, and increase the risk of diabetes itself! Obesity and being overweight are among the factors that increase the incidence of gout. Overweight increases your risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Although the causes of osteoarthritis are unknown, obesity increases the risk of it due to the extra pressure it places on your joints, especially the knees. Overweight and obesity? Being overweight or obese occurs as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle that results in an abnormal or excessive buildup of fat. BMI is a cheap technique to determine a person’s weight category, whether they are underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese. You can calculate it yourself by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by his height in meters squared. If a person’s BMI is more than 25, he or she is considered overweight. Weight loss tips Do not miss breakfast Eat foods rich in fiber and increase fruits and vegetables. Keep healthy food on hand. For example, keep a bowl of fruit on the counter and prepackaged vegetables in the fridge. So, when you feel hungry, you will have a healthy snack. Reduce your temptations If you can’t control yourself in front of sweets, don’t keep stocks at home. Be more active and exercise. In addition to its role in overall health, it helps in weight loss or maintenance. Always avoid eating all of the dishes directly from the bowl or bag because it causes overeating.

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About us

The Abu Dhabi Podiatry heel pain Clinic  at Health and style Medical Center renders services to frequent patients per year. In Abu Dhabi Podiatry Clinic Diabetic foot care and general preventative care services are emphasized in the clinic while special procedures including nail and skin reconstruction are also available.

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