Foot problems are a common but often overlooked reason why older adults may be at higher risk of falling. Conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, or nerve pain can affect balance and stability. Thick or curved toenails, poor circulation, and loss of sensation in the feet may also lead to unsteady walking. Wearing ill-fitting shoes or worn-out soles can make the problem worse by limiting support or grip. Many older adults adjust how they walk to avoid pain, which can throw off posture and increase the chance of tripping. Regular foot care, comfortable footwear, and addressing pain early can help reduce this risk. If walking feels uncertain or there has been a recent fall, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to assess foot health and explore ways to improve safety and confidence when moving around.

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 Amir Shalev, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. 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 Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Walking is generally safe for people with gout, especially when the condition is under control. Gout commonly affects the big toe joint, but it can also involve the lesser toes and ankles. Symptoms include intense pain, redness, and swelling during flare-ups. While joint-friendly activity like walking may help reduce stiffness and maintain mobility, such activity during a flare can increase discomfort and affect function. Pain in the foot or ankle may alter a person’s walking pattern and lead to slower steps or reduced ankle movement, especially in chronic cases. During a gout flare, rest is often needed to avoid worsening inflammation in the affected joint. Once the flare subsides, gradual walking may resume with wearing supportive footwear and care to avoid strain. A podiatrist can assess joint health, suggest exercise goals, and monitor for permanent joint changes. If you have foot pain from flare-ups of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance regarding appropriate levels of activity.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Amir Shalev, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Soaking the foot in warm water with Epsom salts can help reduce inflammation and soften the nail. Keeping the foot clean and dry afterward is essential. Gently lifting the nail edge with a clean piece of cotton or dental floss may relieve pressure, but this should only be attempted in mild cases. Wearing tight shoes or socks can worsen the condition and should be avoided. Mild pain relievers may help with discomfort. If the area becomes increasingly red, warm, or begins to drain pus, these are signs of infection. Recurrent or severe ingrown toenails may require a minor in-office procedure to remove part of the nail or the nail root. If home care is not effective, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for safe and lasting treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Amir Shalev, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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