Falls in seniors often start with problems in the feet, toes, or ankles that make walking less steady. Painful joints, reduced range of motion, or stiffness in the ankles can change gait and slow reaction time when stepping on uneven ground. Thickened toenails, numbness, or deformities like hammertoes can affect balance. Additionally, wearing shoes with inadequate support or worn-out flip-flops make slips more likely. Weak muscles in the lower legs or arthritis in the foot joints can cause a shuffling stride, which increases the chance of tripping. Previous injuries, swelling, or poor circulation can also interfere with safe movement, adding to the risk of fractures if bones are fragile. A podiatrist can evaluate the feet, correct gait problems, and recommend proper footwear to improve stability. For help in preventing falls or to address any existing foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule  an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate 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 Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. 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 Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot corn is a common foot problem that develops when thickened skin forms in response to repeated pressure or friction. Corns often appear on toes or areas that rub against tight or poorly fitted shoes, leading to pain, tenderness, and irritation. They can become more uncomfortable over time if the pressure continues. Preventing corns starts with choosing comfortable shoes that fit well and do not create the same pressure spots. Soft insoles and protective pads can also reduce friction. A podiatrist can safely remove thickened skin, evaluate the cause of the pressure, and recommend footwear or orthotics to stop corns from returning. If you have ongoing foot discomfort or think you may have developed a corn, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for expert care and relief.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Darren Day, DPM of Hawaii. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Type two diabetes can influence the health of the skin on the feet in ways that often develop slowly, but deserve early attention. Higher blood sugar levels may lead to dryness, cracking, slow healing, and a greater chance of infection. Some individuals notice dark, velvety patches, redness, or persistent itching related to circulation concerns or nerve changes. Others experience thickened skin on pressure points or recurring fungal infections that do not clear easily. These changes may signal that the skin is becoming less able to protect the feet and maintain normal healing. Addressing these issues promptly supports comfort and long-term foot health. If your feet are dry, have unusual discoloration, sores that do not heal, or repeated infections on your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for expert guidance and management tips.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morning foot pain can make getting out of bed uncomfortable and may signal an underlying issue in the feet or ankles. One frequent reason involves the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue along the sole that tightens during rest. When stretched suddenly upon standing, it can cause sharp heel or arch pain. Arthritis is another cause, leading to stiff, inflamed joints that feel worse after inactivity. Reduced blood flow at night can also slow the removal of waste products like uric acid, causing aching or throbbing feet. Swelling and fluid buildup during rest may add to discomfort, especially in people who stand for long periods during the day. Wearing high heels, flip-flops, or tight shoes can place extra stress on tendons and joints, worsening morning stiffness. A podiatrist can identify the cause through an exam and imaging if needed. If you experience morning foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. 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 Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.