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Falls can have a major impact on health, especially for older adults. A fall can lead to broken bones, reduced mobility, and a loss of confidence while walking. Many falls are linked to foot pain, poor balance, or changes in the way a person walks. Arthritis, reduced feeling in the feet, and foot deformities can make it harder to stay steady on uneven surfaces. Wearing shoes that fit properly and provide good support also plays an important role in maintaining balance. Shoes that are too loose or shoes that lack proper support can increase the risk of losing footing. Painful conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and heel pain also can change walking patterns and increase the chance of a fall.

A podiatrist can identify foot problems that affect balance before they lead to a serious injury. The examination includes checking foot structure, joint movement, and circulation. The podiatrist also evaluates the way the patient stands and walks because changes in gait can affect stability. Gait is the body's walking pattern. The evaluation also looks for reduced feeling in the feet, painful calluses, and other conditions that interfere with safe movement. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before foot problems become more severe. Regular foot examinations are especially important for older adults because age-related changes can increase the risk of falls.

Professional foot care helps improve comfort, stability, and confidence while walking. A podiatrist can recommend custom orthotics to improve foot alignment and distribute pressure more evenly across the feet. Care also includes treatment for bunions, fungal nail infections, and ingrown toenails that affect balance and mobility. The podiatrist can recommend shoes that fit properly and provide good support for everyday activities. Routine follow-up visits help monitor changes in foot health and reduce the risk of falls caused by painful foot conditions. If you have symptoms of foot pain, balance problems, or other foot conditions that increase your risk of falls, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

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 Dr. Eugenio Rivera from Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Bellaire, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot problems in older adults are common and can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. As the body ages, natural changes in skin, joints, and circulation increase the risk of developing foot conditions. Elderly foot problems often include corns, toenail disorders, and hammertoe deformities. These conditions may seem minor at first but can lead to pain, instability, and reduced independence if not addressed early.

Symptoms vary depending on the condition but often include pain, swelling, and visible deformities. Corns appear as thickened areas of skin caused by repeated pressure or friction. Toenail disorders may include thickened, discolored, or brittle nails that are difficult to manage. Bunions present as a bony bump at the base of the big toe, while hammertoe involves an abnormal bending of the smaller toes. Weakness, frailty, and balance difficulties are also common, increasing the risk of falls.

Risk factors include aging-related joint changes, reduced muscle strength, and poor circulation. Wearing ill- fitting shoes can worsen pressure points and contribute to deformities. Chronic conditions like arthritis and diabetes may further impact foot health. Limited flexibility and decreased sensation can make it harder to detect early signs of injury or irritation, allowing problems to progress. Preventive care and early treatment are essential for maintaining mobility. Wearing properly fitted, supportive shoes reduces pressure and improves balance. Regular foot inspections help identify changes before they worsen. Routine nail care and skin maintenance are also important. Strengthening and balance exercises can improve stability and reduce fall risk. If you are elderly and have developed foot problems, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera of Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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

Peripheral neuropathy is a diabetes-related condition that affects the nerves, most often in the feet and lower legs. High blood sugar can damage nerves and interfere with the signals they send to the brain. As a result, a person may lose normal feeling in the feet or experience uncomfortable sensations. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and burning pain. Some people notice sharp, shooting discomfort that becomes worse at night. Others develop reduced sensitivity to temperature or touch. Because nerve damage can make it difficult to feel injuries, even a small cut or blister can become a serious problem when unnoticed. Diabetic neuropathy can also affect balance and increase the risk of falls.

Several factors increase the risk of diabetic neuropathy. Poor blood sugar control is one of the most significant causes. The risk also rises with longer-lasting diabetes, smoking, and poor circulation. Nerve damage can lead to changes in the shape of the feet, and some people develop muscle weakness that affects how they walk. Others notice cramping, foot fatigue, or difficulty maintaining stability while walking. Loss of feeling in the feet is particularly concerning because it reduces awareness of injuries and pressure points. This increases the chance of skin breakdown, infection, and foot ulcers.

A podiatrist plays an important role in identifying and managing diabetic neuropathy. A podiatrist evaluates sensation, circulation, and foot structure. Regular foot exams help detect problems before they become severe. Treatment includes monitoring nerve-related changes, addressing pressure areas, and helping prevent wounds. A podiatrist can also recommend shoes that provide proper support and protection for feet affected by nerve damage. Patients with diabetic neuropathy benefit from consistent podiatric care because foot problems can develop without obvious warning signs. Prompt attention to numbness, burning, tingling, or unexplained foot pain is essential. It can help reduce the risk of serious complications and preserve mobility. If you have symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and management tips. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Eugenio Rivera from Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Foot pain that becomes worse at night can be frustrating and disruptive. Aching, burning, or throbbing pain can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Nighttime foot pain can develop from conditions that affect the bones, joints, nerves, or soft tissues of the feet. One common cause is plantar fasciitis, which is irritation of a band of tissue that supports the arch. Although plantar fasciitis is known for causing pain with the first steps in the morning, some people also notice discomfort when resting at night. Arthritis can also lead to aching pain and stiffness after a day of activity. Foot pain at night can be linked to inflammation that becomes more noticeable when the body is at rest.

Nerve-related problems are another possible source of nighttime foot pain. Nerves that become compressed or irritated can produce burning, tingling, or shooting sensations. Peripheral neuropathy, a condition that involves damaged nerves, can also cause discomfort that feels stronger in the evening hours. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of this type of nerve damage. Other foot conditions associated with nighttime pain include bunions, Morton’s neuroma, and tendon injuries. Morton’s neuroma develops when a nerve between the toes becomes irritated, leading to burning pain and numbness. A podiatrist can determine the cause of pain through a physical examination, a review of medical history, and X-rays or other imaging studies, when necessary.

Because nighttime foot pain has many possible causes, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is important. Once the podiatrist identifies the source of the problem, treatment options follow. Included are custom orthotics, medication, or other medical therapies designed to reduce pain and improve foot function. Early evaluation can also help detect underlying health conditions that contribute to ongoing discomfort. Addressing the problem promptly can improve sleep quality and help patients return to normal daily activities with greater comfort. If you have foot pain at night, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Eugenio Rivera from Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor 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)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

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 Bellaire, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.