January 2025

Falls are a major concern for older adults and can result in serious injuries. As people age, they may experience a decline in muscle strength, balance, and coordination, which increases the risk of falling. Vision and hearing impairments, common in older adults, can make it difficult to detect obstacles or changes in the environment. Certain medications can also cause dizziness or affect coordination, contributing to falls. In addition, conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, and neurological disorders can impair mobility and stability. To prevent falls, it is important to engage in regular physical activity to improve strength and balance. Wearing proper footwear with non-slip soles and removing tripping hazards in the home, such as loose rugs, can also help reduce the risk. By staying active and making adjustments at home, older adults can significantly reduce their risk of falling. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from falling, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective remedies for 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 Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden and severe pain, often affecting the joints, particularly the big toe joint. The condition occurs when excess uric acid builds up in the body, forming crystals in the joints. The most common sign of gout is intense pain, typically starting in the middle of the night, along with swelling and redness in the affected area. The joint may become warm to the touch and feel tender, making movement difficult. In some cases, gout attacks can recur, leading to joint damage over time. Elevated uric acid levels in the blood can result from factors such as diet, dehydration, obesity, or kidney problems. Excessive consumption of purine-rich foods like red meat, seafood, or alcohol can trigger or worsen gout attacks. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and management tips.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and swelling. Common causes include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, and foot injuries. Symptoms include throbbing pain and discomfort, especially when wearing shoes. Treatment typically begins with conservative measures like soaking the foot and using roomy shoes. However, for persistent cases, the Winograd procedure may be necessary. This surgical method involves removing the ingrown portion of the nail and the underlying tissue to prevent the nail from growing back incorrectly. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, minimizing discomfort and ensuring a quick recovery. A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating ingrown toenails, providing personalized care and expert guidance. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. They can offer effective treatments, including the Winograd procedure, to relieve your pain and restore your foot health.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM of Bellaire Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.