Falls are a leading concern for elderly individuals and are often linked to underlying health conditions that affect balance and stability. Poor vision from conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration can make it difficult to navigate safely, increasing the risk of tripping or misjudging steps. Diabetes can contribute to falls through nerve damage in the feet, known as peripheral neuropathy, which reduces sensation and affects coordination. Cardiovascular conditions, including irregular heart rhythms or low blood pressure, can cause dizziness or fainting episodes that lead to sudden falls. Other factors such as muscle weakness, joint pain, or medication side effects may also play a role. Falling can seriously impact the feet, possibly causing difficulty in maintaining independence. If you have injured your feet or ankles from falling or want your fall risk assessed, it is suggested that you consult 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 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.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition involving the thickening of tissue surrounding one of the nerves leading to the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. This irritation causes nerve compression, often resulting in a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, as well as numbness or tingling in the toes. The condition can be triggered by repetitive stress, improper footwear, or foot deformities like flat feet or high arches. Wearing tight shoes or high heels can place added pressure on the forefoot, increasing the risk of developing this condition. Athletes who engage in high-impact sports may also be more vulnerable. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

Toe fractures usually result from direct trauma, such as stubbing the toe or dropping something on the foot. The most frequently affected areas are the lesser toes, especially the part of the toe closest to the rest of the foot. Types of toe fractures include simple fractures, where the bone remains intact under the skin, and compound fractures, where the bone breaks through the skin and may lead to infection. Avulsion fractures occur when a tendon or ligament pulls a piece of bone away, while comminuted fractures involve the bone shattering into multiple fragments. Intra-articular fractures extend into the joint and may affect long-term toe mobility, and dislocation fractures combine a bone break with joint misalignment. A podiatrist can assess the injury using imaging such as X-rays to determine the type of fracture and the degree of bone displacement. Treatment may involve immobilization with a cast or walking boot, or in more severe cases, surgery to realign and secure the bones. If you have broken or severely bruised your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

A biomechanical assessment of the feet and ankles evaluates how they function during movement. Podiatrists use this exam to identify issues like abnormal gait patterns, misalignment, or imbalances that may contribute to pain or injury. The assessment typically begins with a static evaluation, where a podiatrist examines foot posture, arch height, and weight distribution while standing. Next comes a dynamic assessment, analyzing how the feet move during walking or running. This may involve video gait analysis or pressure mapping technology. Joint mobility, muscle strength, and flexibility are also tested. Findings from the assessment help determine if orthotics, footwear changes, or strengthening exercises are needed. If you would like to better understand foot pain, injury prevention, or athletic performance enhancement, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a biomechanical assessment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 and ankle needs.

Gout attacks at night can be particularly debilitating, causing severe pain, swelling, and redness in the feet that can interfere with sleep. This form of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints, often targeting the big toe, which is more susceptible to stress and cooler temperatures. Factors such as dehydration, lower body temperature, and reduced cortisol levels during sleep, can trigger these nighttime flare-ups. The pain from a gout attack can be so intense that finding relief becomes a challenge without professional help. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms, confirm the diagnosis, and provide treatment to help prevent future flare-ups. Recommendations may include lifestyle adjustments like dietary changes, weight management, and anti-inflammatory treatments to ease pain and swelling. Effectively managing gout not only helps protect your feet and joints but also promotes better sleep. If you are struggling with painful gout attacks at night, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

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 and ankle needs.