Keeping Feet Healthy Through the Senior Years

Proper foot care becomes increasingly important with age because the feet often experience changes in circulation, skin texture, joint flexibility, and sensation. Elderly individuals may develop dry skin, thickened toenails, and bunions. Hammertoes, swelling, or balance problems also can affect comfort and mobility. Reduced circulation and medical conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, may increase the risk of infections, ulcers, and slow healing wounds. Foot pain can make walking difficult, and may contribute to falls or decreased activity. Wearing shoes that are too tight, worn out, or lacking support can place additional stress on aging feet. A podiatrist can examine the feet for changes in skin, nails, circulation, and nerve function while identifying problems before they become severe. Treatment may include routine nail care, callus reduction, and supportive footwear recommendations. Care for fungal nails or arthritis may also be provided. Regular foot examinations are especially important for seniors with diabetes or poor circulation. If you are experiencing foot problems related to aging, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Adler Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Hallandale and North Miami Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Reasons for Visiting a Podiatrist

Foot, toe, and ankle problems can affect comfort, balance, and the ability to stay active. A podiatrist is trained to diagnose and treat conditions that cause foot pain, swelling, or difficulty when walking. Common reasons to visit a podiatrist include heel pain, bunions, and ingrown toenails. Other concerns include ankle injuries, thick calluses, and fungal toenail infections. Diabetic patients also benefit from regular foot exams, because nerve damage and poor circulation can lead to serious complications. A podiatrist can perform a complete foot and ankle evaluation, and use imaging tests to identify injuries or joint problems. Treatment includes custom orthotics, supportive bracing, and surgery for severe conditions. Athletes and runners also visit podiatrists for help with sports-related injuries and foot alignment problems. If you have foot, toe, or ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Adler Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Hallandale and North Miami Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What is a Podiatrist?

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