Falls can cause serious injuries and reduce a senior’s ability to remain active and independent. Age-related changes in balance, vision, and muscle strength can raise the risk. Foot pain, numbness, and joint stiffness can also make each step less stable. Other concerns include poor circulation, weak ankles, and changes in foot shape. Shoes that lack proper support or do not fit correctly can create further problems. Because many falls are never reported, seniors should discuss balance concerns and recent stumbles with a podiatrist. A fall-risk evaluation can identify problems before a major injury occurs.

A podiatrist can examine the feet and ankles to find issues that affect balance. The examination includes checking skin health, joint movement, and muscle strength. The podiatrist can also assess how the patient stands and walks. This can reveal an uneven gait, which means the feet and legs do not move in a steady pattern. Treatment options include custom orthotics to improve foot position and stability. A podiatrist can recommend shoes with proper support, secure fasteners, and slip-resistant soles. They can also treat painful corns, thick toenails, or other foot problems that make walking difficult.

Falls prevention also requires attention to the places where seniors move each day. Clear pathways, strong stair railings, and good lighting can reduce hazards. Grab bars near the toilet and shower provide added support. Regular eye and hearing examinations can help seniors notice obstacles and respond to their surroundings. Seniors should also report changes in sensation, recurring ankle problems, and difficulty lifting the feet. Routine podiatric visits help track changes in foot health and allow treatment plans to be adjusted. Early care can support safer movement, greater confidence, and continued independence. If you are a senior and have fallen, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions, and additional guidance on fall prevention tips.

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 Cary Golub, DPM from New York. 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 offices located in Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a change in foot shape that develops when the big toe slowly shifts toward the smaller toes. As the toe moves, the joint at its base becomes more prominent, and forms a bump along the side of the foot. Doctors call this condition hallux valgus, but bunion is the name most people recognize. Some bunions cause very little discomfort, while others lead to pain that makes standing and walking difficult. The enlarged joint can become swollen, tender, and irritated from pressure inside shoes. The big toe can also crowd nearby toes, causing them to rub together or change position. As the deformity progresses, the joint can become stiff, making it harder to move the toe comfortably.

Several factors increase the chance of developing a bunion. Family history is one of the most important, because inherited foot structure can place extra stress on the big toe joint. Flat feet and joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis also increase the risk. Shoes that lack proper support, especially narrow styles or high heels, do not usually cause bunions by themselves. They can make an existing bunion more painful and allow the deformity to progress. A podiatrist can diagnose the bunion by examining the foot, checking toe movement, and watching how the patient stands and walks. Standing X-rays show bone alignment and help determine the severity of the bunion.

Treatment depends on the amount of pain, the severity of the bunion, and its effect on daily activities. A podiatrist can recommend properly fitted shoes, custom orthotics, and protective padding to reduce pressure on the joint. These treatments improve comfort and help patients stay active. When the deformity becomes severe and continues to interfere with walking, surgery can straighten the big toe and improve foot alignment. If you have pain from a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain while hiking is a common concern that can affect comfort, performance, and overall enjoyment on the trail. This type of pain develops from repeated stress placed on the feet during long walks over uneven terrain. The constant impact of the foot hitting the ground, combined with elevation changes and extended activity, can strain muscles, ligaments, and joints. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis may also be aggravated during hiking, especially without proper support. Understanding the causes of foot pain helps hikers take steps to prevent injury and improve endurance.

Symptoms of foot pain during hiking may include soreness, swelling, and stiffness in the arch, heel, or forefoot. Some individuals experience sharp pain in the heel, which may indicate plantar fasciitis, while others report fatigue and tenderness throughout the foot. Pain may worsen after long distances or steep descents. Inflammation can make walking uncomfortable and may lead to compensatory movement patterns that increase strain on other areas of the body. Recognizing these symptoms early allows for timely intervention.

Several risk factors contribute to foot pain while hiking. Wearing improper footwear, lack of arch support, and over use are common causes. Carrying heavy loads and hiking on uneven surfaces increase pressure on the feet. Tight muscles and poor conditioning may also raise the risk of discomfort. Trekking poles offer a practical solution by redistributing weight and reducing the load placed on the lower extremities. They help improve balance, decrease the risk of falls and injury, and support a more stable walking pattern. Trekking poles can also help relieve plantar fasciitis pain by reducing strain on the heel and arch.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Cary Golub, DPM from New York. 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 offices located in Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe pain can make every step uncomfortable and interfere with work, exercise, and daily activities. The pain can begin suddenly after an injury or develop because of changes in the bones, tendons, or nerves. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones and help your toes move. Pain can affect one toe or several toes at the same time. Some people notice pain while walking, while others feel it even when resting. Swelling, stiffness, or trouble bending the toe can also develop. A careful evaluation by a podiatrist helps identify the cause so treatment can begin before the problem becomes more serious.

Many conditions can lead to toe pain. Broken toes, arthritis, and bunions are well-known causes. Hammertoes and nerve problems can also create discomfort. Ingrown toenails and infections can make the area tender and swollen. Plantar warts sometimes cause pain when they develop on the bottom of a toe or nearby. Additionally, shoes that lack proper support or fit too tightly can place extra pressure on the toes and make existing problems worse. A podiatrist performs a physical examination and discusses your symptoms. X-rays or other imaging tests help confirm certain conditions and guide treatment decisions.

Treatment depends on the cause of the pain and its severity. A podiatrist can recommend custom orthotics to improve foot alignment and reduce pressure on painful toes. Other treatments include medications, padding, or splints to support the affected toe.   When these treatments do not provide enough relief, surgery can correct certain problems and restore function. Early diagnosis also helps prevent complications and supports better movement. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.