Falls in the workplace are a common cause of injury and can often be prevented with proper safety habits. Using the right size ladder for the task helps ensure stability and reduces overreaching. Standing on the lowest rung possible provides better balance and control while working at height. Keeping the body centered on the ladder helps maintain proper alignment and lowers the risk of tipping or slipping. Additionally, wearing supportive footwear with good traction is also important for maintaining grip and balance. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot health, balance, and gait, as well as recommending proper shoes or custom orthotics to improve stability on the job. If you have foot or ankle pain from falling at work, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer additional fall prevention tips.

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 Mercer Ocean 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 Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Weight loss can have a significant effect on the structure and function of the feet. As body weight decreases, the stress on the arches, joints, and soft tissues of the feet is reduced, which can alleviate pain and improve mobility. Changes in weight can also alter gait and balance, affecting how the feet absorb shock and distribute pressure during walking or exercise. While these changes are often positive, they may also reveal underlying issues such as flat feet, bunions, or joint stiffness that were previously masked by excess weight. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics, and guide exercises to maintain proper alignment. If you have foot discomfort during or after weight loss, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

The foot is a highly intricate structure made up of 26 bones and more than 100 ligaments, muscles, and tendons that work together to support movement and stability. This delicate system allows you to walk, run, and stand with ease, but even small imbalances can lead to significant foot problems. When the foot does not function in proper alignment, issues such as arch pain, heel pain, tendon strain, and joint stress can develop and affect your mobility. A podiatrist can assess your foot mechanics, identify underlying imbalances, and create a personalized treatment plan that may include custom orthotics, strengthening exercises, and guidance on proper footwear. Whether you have persistent foot pain or mild discomfort, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment tips for various foot conditions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Surgery for big toe bone spurs is designed to ease pain and restore movement when extra bone around the big toe joint limits motion and causes ongoing discomfort. A podiatrist can examine the joint to determine if a procedure called a cheilectomy is appropriate. During this big-toe surgery, the podiatrist removes excess bone from the MTP, or metatarsophalangeal joint, which allows the big toe to bend. These bone spurs often form from arthritis, repeated stress, or long-standing stiffness known as hallux rigidus. Clearing the extra bone creates more room for the toe to move and helps reduce irritation when walking or pushing off the ground. In some cases, the podiatrist may smooth areas where cartilage has worn down to support better joint function. After surgery, the focus is on protecting the foot as it heals, especially when returning to regular shoes too early. If you are experiencing pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and suggested treatment.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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