Falls prevention begins with simple habits that help strengthen the body and create safer movement. Staying aware of your surroundings, keeping pathways clear, and choosing supportive footwear can greatly reduce your chances of slipping. Tai chi is a gentle form of exercise that promotes better balance, coordination, and stability through slow and controlled movements. It helps improve muscle strength and body awareness, both of which are important for preventing falls. A podiatrist can identify foot or ankle issues that may affect balance, recommend proper footwear, and create a personalized plan to support safer mobility. If you have injured your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle injuries, and guide you on additional falls prevention techniques.
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 Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. 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 Honolulu, HI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Bunions and gout can both cause pain and swelling around the big toe, but they have different causes and treatments. A bunion is a bony bump that forms when the big toe joint becomes misaligned, often due to genetics, tight shoes, or abnormal foot structure. It usually looks like a hard bump on the side of the toe and feels achy, stiff, or sore, especially when walking. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint, leading to sudden, intense pain, redness, and warmth that may come on overnight. The toe may appear red, shiny, and extremely tender to touch. A podiatrist can help determine whether it is a bunion or gout through a physical exam, imaging, and possibly lab testing. Treatment may involve medication, footwear changes, or custom orthotics. If you are dealing with pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and relief.
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Honolulu, HI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Foot pain caused by bruises, such as contusions and hematomas, can be both uncomfortable and concerning. These injuries occur when blood vessels beneath the skin are damaged, typically from a direct impact or trauma, like dropping something heavy on your foot or stubbing your toe. Contusions result in pain, swelling, and discoloration, while a hematoma occurs when blood collects in a confined area, creating a larger, more painful swelling. The primary symptoms of bruises on the foot include pain, swelling, and a visible darkening or redness of the skin. If the pain persists or if there is significant swelling, a podiatrist can assess the injury and ensure there are no underlying fractures. They can also recommend appropriate treatments for faster healing. If you are dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Honolulu, HI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
