Items filtered by date: September 2023

Creating a safe home environment for aging loved ones is a top priority in preventing falls and ensuring their well-being. This can begin by decluttering living spaces, removing obstacles, and securing loose rugs to provide clear pathways. Installing handrails and grab bars in key areas such as bathrooms and staircases can offer support for balance. Adequate lighting throughout the home is essential in preventing tripping and considering motion-activated lights for nighttime navigation can be helpful in fall prevention. Invest in non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen, where floors are often slippery. Make everyday items easily accessible, thereby reducing the need to climb or reach for them. Regularly check and maintain staircases, handrails, and flooring for any hazards. Finally, encourage loved ones to wear appropriate footwear with non-slip soles and ensure they receive regular vision and hearing checkups. These simple modifications can significantly reduce the risk of falls, allowing your aging loved ones to maintain their independence and safety at home. If you would like additional information about fall prevention techniques, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

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 Houston Foot and Ankle. 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 offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a condition caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that thrive in warm, damp environments like your feet. It often begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the toenail and can progress to thickening, discoloration, and even nail detachment if left untreated. Ways to treat and subsequently prevent toenail fungus include washing your feet daily with soap and water, paying special attention to the toenails, and then drying your feet thoroughly, including the spaces between your toes to prevent moisture buildup. Wear shoes made of breathable materials, like leather or mesh, to reduce moisture accumulation and avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes for extended periods. In addition, change your socks daily, and opt for moisture-wicking socks if you sweat excessively. Use antifungal foot powder or spray to keep your feet dry and prevent fungal growth. Wear flip-flops or shower shoes in communal showers, locker rooms, and pool areas to minimize the risk of exposure to the fungus. If your toenail fungus persists or worsens despite these measures, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can recommend prescription medications, laser therapy, or in severe cases, surgical nail removal.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

When it comes to choosing the right shoe size while online shopping, there are guidelines to avoid sizing mishaps. It is wise to measure your foot each time you buy from a new brand. To measure your foot accurately, stand on a flat surface with your heels against a wall. Place a ruler on the floor beside the inside of your foot from heel to toe. Position an object with a flat edge at the tip of your longest toe. Measure the length in centimeters where the flat edge crosses the ruler. When using size conversion charts, centimeters are used, as these charts are metric-based. In general, if you have shopped for a particular brand before, order your normal shoe size unless you have a wider foot or wear a half size, in which case, you might have to go up a half size. Account for brand differences as different shoe brands may have slight variations in sizing. By following these steps, you can confidently choose the right shoe size when shopping online, avoiding the frustration of returns, and ensuring a comfortable fit for your footwear. If you have additional questions about how to find the right size shoes for your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss this further.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot and ankle issues, from various causes like chronic conditions or ill-fitting shoes, can interfere with daily life. Consulting a podiatrist is important for conditions like joint pain, often accompanied by swelling, redness, stiffness, or tenderness, which could be due to arthritis. Diabetes increases the risk of foot problems, from dry skin to severe complications like neuropathy, and regular podiatrist foot exams significantly lower amputation risks. Persistent heel pain caused by things like heel spurs or inflamed tendons requires a podiatrist's diagnosis and tailored treatment. Stubborn ingrown toenails, a common issue, may lead to infection and a podiatrist can provide timely treatment, including nail removal in chronic cases. Suspected foot or ankle injuries, such as sprains or strains, demand prompt diagnosis and treatment. Corns and calluses, if left untreated, can be painful and a podiatrist can safely remove them and offer prevention advice. Runners prone to issues like shin splints benefit from a podiatrist's assessment and recommendations for suitable athletic footwear. Painful bunions worsen without treatment, and a podiatrist can suggest measures like padding, taping, or orthotics. Suspected athlete's foot, a fungal infection causing itchiness and scaliness between the toes, requires professional care if over-the-counter treatments do not work. If you have any sort of foot or ankle problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can address these concerns, and offer diagnosis, treatment, and preventative guidance to enhance mobility and well-being.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.