Walking Canes Archives - Mobility Center

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

17 January 2024

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is a condition caused by impairment of the airways or other areas of the lung that obstructs airflow making it difficult to breathe.

Discover who is at risk for COPD, what symptoms to look out for, and how the disease impacts the lungs.

COPD can cause coughing that creates large amounts mucus. It can also cause breathing issues, shortness of breath, tightness of the chest, and other symptoms. Since COPD is a progressive disease, its symptoms usually develop gradually but get worse over time and can restrict your ability to do normal activities. Serious COPD may top you from doing even simple activities like walking, taking care of yourself or even cooking.

In the US, the term COPD is in reference to two primary conditions.

Emphysema emerges when there is impairment to the walls among the air sacs in the lungs. Typically, these sacs are flexible or stretchy. While breathing in, each air sac fills with air, similar to a small balloon. While breathing out, they empty, and the air gets dispelled. In emphysema, it is more difficult for your lungs to push air out of your body.

Chronic (long-term) bronchitis is caused by repetitive or persistent inflammation and irritation in the lining of the airways. A lot of thick mucus is produced in the airways, making it difficult to breathe.

A lot of people that have COPD have a mixture of both conditions in various scopes, and how serious each ailment is differs by individual.

In the US, COPD impacts almost sixteen million adults, and a lot more are unaware they have it. More than fifty percent of those tested positive are women. COPD is a primary cause of disability, and it is the sixth major cause of death in the US as reported by the CDC.

The positive news is that COPD can usually be prevented, primarily by not smoking. In the US and other higher-income countries, cigarette smoking is a main cause of COPD in which most people that have COPD smoke or smoked in the past. In the developing world, nevertheless, air pollution plays a much bigger role, and fifty percent of all cases across the world are not associated with tobacco. An uncommon genetic condition known as alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency could also be a cause of COPD.

Even though there is no cure, treatments, and changes in lifestyle like quitting smoking could help you feeling better, staying more active, and slow the advancement of the disease. You might also need pulmonary rehab, oxygen therapies, or medicines to treat hindrances.

Symptoms of COPD

The more common symptoms of COPD are having trouble breathing, persistent cough (occasionally with phlegm) and feeling exhausted.

COPD symptoms can worsen quickly. These are known as flare-ups. These typically last for a couple of days and usually require additional medicine.

Those with COPD additionally have a higher risk for other health problems. These comprise of:

lung infections, such as pneumonia or flu
lung cancer
heart issues
weakened muscles and fragile bones
anxiety and depression.

Typical symptoms of COPD develop from middle age onwards. As COPD advances, people find it more challenging for carrying out their normal day-to-day activities, usually due to shortness of breath. There may be a significant financial burden because of limitation of workplace and home productivity, and expense of medical treatments.

Mobility Center In Mesa, Arizona

Mobility Center has been proudly serving the entire Phoenix, Arizona area since 1975 with the finest in mobility aids, scooters, wheel chairs, lifts and support equipment. Visit our convenient location to see the products and receive the individual attention that you deserve. Our service area includes Mesa, Apache Junction, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Surprise, and Sun City. More Articles About Senior Living

COPD, Plantar Fasciitis, Walking Canes, Wheel Chairs

Plantar Fasciitis

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

3 November 2023

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a dense membrane underneath the feet. It attaches the calcaneus (heel bone) to the toes, creating the foots arch. When this membrane becomes painful or inflamed, it is referred to as plantar fasciitis.

Causes

Swelling happens when the dense band of membrane underneath the foot (fascia) is overextended or overworked. This can be agonizing and make walking more challenging.

You are more prone to pick up plantar fasciitis if you:

Have foot arch issues (both high arches and flat feet)
Run great distances, downhill or on irregular surfaces
Are overweight or gain weight abruptly
Have a firm Achilles tendon (the tendon attaching the calf muscles to the heels)
Are wearing shoes with inadequate arch support or softer soles
Alter your activity levels

Plantar fasciitis is seen in men as well as women. It is one of the most typical orthopedic foot grievances.

This condition was commonly believed to be initiated by a heel spur. Nevertheless, research has established that this isn’t the case. Through x-ray, heel spurs been observed in individuals with, as well as without, plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms

The most typical symptom is pain and rigidity underneath the heel. The heel pain could be dull or severe. The bottom of the foot could also burn or ache.

The pain is typically worse:

In the morning when you are taking your first steps
Following standing or sitting after awhile
When going up stairs
Following intense activity
Through walking, running, and jumping activities

The pain could develop gradually over time or come on abruptly following intense activity.

Exams and Tests

The specialist is going to perform a physical exam. This may show:

Pain on the bottom of your feet.
Pain along the sole of the feet.
High arches or flat feet.
Moderate foot redness or swelling.
Stiffness or rigidity of the arch underneath your foot.
Stiffness or tension with your Achilles tendon.

X-rays may be taken to leave out other issues.

Treatment

Your specialist is going to often recommend these steps first:

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy with focus on foot and heel stretching exercises.
Night splints to wear when sleeping for stretching the foot.
Resting as much as possible for a minimum of a week.
Wearing shoes with proper support and cushioning.

You also can put ice on the painful area(s). Do this at a minimum of two times a day for ten to fifteen minutes, more frequently in the initial couple of days.

Should these treatments not work, your specialist may suggest:

Wearing a boot cast, kind of like a ski boot, for three to six weeks. It can be taken off for bathing.
Custom-fitted shoe inserts (orthotics).
Steroid injections into the heel.

Occasionally, foot surgery is required.

Prognosis

Non-surgical treatments most of the time improve pain relief. Treatments could last from several months up to two years before symptoms improve. A lot of people recover within six to eighteen months. Seldom, surgery may be required to alleviate the pain.

Mobility Center In Mesa, Arizona

Plantar Fasciitis, Walking Canes, Wheel Chairs

Plantar Fasciitis

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

30 July 2021

Best Walking Canes

Not all walking canes are made the same way. If you’re searching for “canes for the elderly,” then this post is for you! Take a look at the best types of canes for the elderly on the market today.

The walking cane is the most favorable and broadly used support for individuals with limited mobility. Whether it is for a brief need or for support permanently, the cane is presently used by more than 5 million American citizens (about 70 percent of those individuals use a mobility device, such as a wheelchair, scooter, or walker).

When used properly, the right cane is able to improve balance and decrease the danger of falling by broadening the base of support and reduce the amount of weight spread over lower body joints such as individual’s hips, knees, ankles, and feet.

Whereas clearly the right cane could be a convenient and easy to use supporting apparatus for your elderly loved one, finding the best one could prove challenging because of the many options and types available.

What Kinds of Walking Canes Are Available?

There are many types of walking canes available for various uses, read below and find out which walking cane is best for you or your loved one.

Single-Point Canes

These walking canes have a single point of contact to the ground and is usually one of the most widely used kind of walking cane. These types of canes are available in a variety of designs and styles.

Multiple-Point Canes

Multiple-point canes usually have 3 or 4 points of contact to the ground. Quad and tri-pod style canes are able to stand on their own to offer more stability for individuals requiring a little extra assistance with balance.

Hemi-Walker Canes

Such walking canes are different from quad canes because their base is a lot larger. Many individuals transferring from a walker to a cane because of paralysis, frailty, or limited functionality of an arm, leg, or both consider these canes to be the ideal choice.

Folding Canes

These types of canes break down to easily be stored away and make a perfect choice for individuals that don’t require use their cane all the time. Folding canes are usually made of very light-weight materials and come with a strap or satchel for easy transport.

Seat Canes

These canes un-fold to offer a convenient place to reset when the individual needs to take a small break. Seat canes are usually made of durable material and sometimes weigh a little more than conventional single-point canes.

What Attributes Should You Look For In Walking Canes?

As you start to explore what kind of walking cane is ideal for you or a loved one, think about the primary functionality and various cane attributes listed below to help you make a decision. The ideal kind of handle and grip is going to offer the strength, comfort, and mobility required to carry out activities of day to day living.

Walking Cane Handle Designs

C-Cane
Off-set Handle
Function Grip
Fritz Handle

Besides the design of these handles, you should also think about the different materials available when it comes to grips. Foam Grips, Jell-Grips, and Orthopedic Grips have been designed for comfort and to decrease joint pain and exhaustion and might be available for your style of preferred cane.

Walking Cane Body Design

The cane’s design is vital for comfort and well-being. The ergonomically designed wood and aluminum canes provide you with the ideal support possible. Additionally, think about what attributes come on it’s body (for instance, a LED Light)

Cane Tips

Finding a cane tip that is non-slip (such as rubber) is going to provide extra stability and aid in preventing falls. Cans tips can be purchased separately if they wear out.

Height & Weight Capacity

The individual’s height and weight are important factors when choosing a cane. The cane should meet your hand to provide you with an upright position and support your weight dispersion without causing exhaustion in your back, arm, or wrist.

Mobility Center In Mesa, Arizona

Canes, Mobility Aids, Senior Living, Walking Canes

Canes, Walking Canes