Staying steady on your feet becomes easier when you build habits that support balance, strength, and awareness. Choosing supportive shoes with slip resistant soles can make everyday movement more secure. Clearing walkways, improving lighting, and keeping frequently used items within easy reach also reduce chances of accidental missteps. Simple daily movements, such as rising slowly from a chair and pausing before walking, can help your body adjust and prevent sudden unsteadiness. Regular activity that strengthens the legs and feet improves stability over time, while paying attention to dizziness, vision changes, or medication effects can reveal issues that need attention. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, evaluate your gait, and recommend footwear or inserts that make each step more confident. If you are noticing increasing unsteadiness, recent near falls, or injuries to your feet or ankles from falling, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can treat foot and ankle injuries, and guide you on additional 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 Richard Galperin, DPM from Texas. 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 office located in Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal skin infection that affects the feet, especially between the toes, and thrives in warm, moist environments. Symptoms may include itching, burning, redness, peeling skin, cracking, and discomfort that can worsen with sweating. Causes often involve exposure to fungi in locker rooms, public showers, or shared footwear. Risk factors include excessive sweating, wearing tight or non- breathable shoes, weakened immunity, and prolonged damp conditions. A podiatrist can help by accurately diagnosing the infection, prescribing effective antifungal treatments, and providing guidance on proper foot hygiene and prevention. Early care can prevent the infection from spreading or recurring. If you notice persistent foot irritation or scaling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Richard Galperin, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often leading to weakness, numbness, and pain in the feet. It can develop from diabetes, certain cancer treatments, or an accident or injury that harms nerve function. Symptoms may include tingling, burning, loss of sensation, or difficulty walking due to reduced balance and coordination. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve health, provide protective footwear, treat related foot problems, and offer strategies to improve circulation and reduce discomfort. If you are noticing unusual sensations or changes in your feet, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose peripheral neuropathy, and offer you additional management tips.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Richard Galperin, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Diabetes-related foot ulcers are open sores that develop due to poor circulation, nerve damage, and prolonged pressure on the feet. They often appear on the bottom of the foot or near bony areas and may look like a shallow or deep wound with redness, drainage, or darkened surrounding skin. Because of nerve damage, it may not feel very painful at first, but some people notice pressure, aching, or signs of infection, such as swelling or odor. Causes include uncontrolled blood sugar, loss of sensation, and delayed wound healing. A podiatrist can help from the start by diagnosing the ulcer, assessing circulation and nerve function, and identifying risk factors. Early treatment may include wound care, debridement, and pressure relief. Care can then progress into advanced wound therapies, custom footwear, and long-term prevention strategies. Early intervention helps protect foot health and mobility. If you have foot complications from diabetes, it is suggested that you regularly see a podiatrist.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Richard Galperin, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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