Elderly Foot Care

Like any other part of the body, the feet are vulnerable to wear and tear throughout our lives. As we age, our feet may require more care and attention. Elderly people are especially prone to developing a variety of foot problems, including dry skin, corns, calluses, blisters, ingrown toenails, deformities, arthritis, fungal infections, and plantar warts. Additionally, systemic conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation can have noticeable effects on foot health. 

The first step to preventing foot health problems at any age is to establish a good daily foot care routine. Washing the feet with soap and warm water daily, then drying them thoroughly is very important. Applying a moisturizer to the soles of the feet can help prevent dry skin. When trimming the toenails, use nail clippers to trim them straight across. This can prevent painful ingrown toenails. Doing daily foot exercises and stretches can help maintain the strength and flexibility of the feet. 

A critical step of the daily foot care routine, especially for those who have systemic conditions like diabetes, is the daily foot inspection. Check your feet each day for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities. By catching and treating any foot problems early, you can prevent infection and other serious complications. A hand mirror can be used to help you see any hard-to-reach areas. 

Another important aspect of caring for your feet is wearing the right shoes and socks. Footwear should be comfortable, supportive, flexible, and made of breathable materials. For some people, orthotic inserts can help make shoes more comfortable. 

If you have any foot problems, or questions about maintaining the health of your feet, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Common Foot Problems in Elderly People

As we age, our feet undergo various changes that can lead to common foot problems among elderly individuals. One prevalent issue is bunions, where the big toe joint becomes swollen and painful due to the misalignment of the bones. Another common concern is hammertoes, characterized by the abnormal bending of the toes, often causing discomfort and difficulty in wearing shoes. Additionally, elderly individuals frequently experience foot pain from conditions such as arthritis, which can cause inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Furthermore, decreased circulation and nerve damage can lead to peripheral neuropathy, resulting in numbness, tingling, and a heightened risk of foot injuries. To alleviate these issues, it is essential for seniors to wear comfortable and supportive footwear, maintain proper foot hygiene, and seek regular care from a chiropodist to address any emerging problems promptly. If you are elderly and are experiencing any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you are under the care of this type of doctor who can help you find relief.

Foot problems can become increasingly common as we age, making everyday foot care especially important. To learn more about maintaining proper foot health, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Foot Problems

Certain foot problems may be more likely to affect older adults. 

Some examples of foot conditions that can be common in older adults include: 

  • Dry, cracked skin

  • Calluses and corns

  • Blisters

  • Ingrown toenails

  • Deformities such as bunions or hammertoes

  • Fungal infections

  • Plantar warts

Systemic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, are also more likely to affect older people and manifest symptoms in the feet and ankles. 

Daily Foot Care Tips

Having a daily foot care routine can help detect problems early on and prevent future issues. 

Things that you can do at home to care for your feet include: 

  • Washing the feet daily with warm water, drying them thoroughly, and then applying a moisturizer 

  • Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails

  • Performing daily foot exercises to improve foot strength and mobility

  • Wearing shoes when walking to avoid injury

  • Inspecting the feet daily for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities and seeking prompt treatment if any problems are discovered 

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

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Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows into the surrounding skin rather than over it. This can affect any toe, but most often happens on the big toe. Signs of an ingrown toenail include the surrounding skin becoming tender, painful, swollen, red, and warm. In some cases, the area can become infected, and white or yellow pus may drain from the area. If an ingrown toenail is showing signs of infection, it is recommended that you seek medical treatment. 

Ingrown toenails are usually caused by wearing poorly fitting shoes or trimming the toenails improperly. Shoes that are too tight and have narrow, pointed toes or high heels can compress the toes and cause the toenails to curl and grow into the skin. Trimming your nails into a rounded shape or cutting them too short can cause the edges of the nail to grow into the skin. Other potential causes for ingrown toenails include sustaining an injury near the toenail, having a fungal nail infection, using certain prescription medications, and having an abnormal nail shape. Some people also have a genetic predisposition to developing ingrown toenails. 

Preventing ingrown toenails begins with proper trimming. Trim your nails regularly using nail clippers rather than nail scissors. Nail clippers cut the nail straight across, avoiding the rounded edges that can make ingrown toenails likely to develop. Make sure that while trimming the nails that you do not cut them too short. Wear comfortable shoes with low heels and a wide toe area to keep your toes from squishing together. 

For more information about ingrown toenails, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Stages and Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and inflammation. In stage one, the toe is swollen and tender with mild pain. Stage two involves increased pain, redness, and possible infection with pus. In stage three, the inflammation is severe, and there is significant infection and overgrowth of skin tissue. Symptoms progress from discomfort and redness to intense pain and oozing fluid. Preventing ingrown toenails involves proper nail care, consisting of trimming toenails straight across without rounding the corners, avoiding cutting them too short, and wearing shoes that fit well to reduce pressure on the toes. Maintaining good foot hygiene and regularly inspecting the feet can also help prevent the development of ingrown toenails and the complications associated with them. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, there may be significant pain, and it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can effectively treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include: 

  • Pain

  • Swelling

  • Redness

  • Warmth

  • Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail. 

Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers. 

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

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Biomechanics of the Feet

Foot biomechanics is an area of foot care that examines the structure, function, and motion of the feet. When these factors are carefully examined, they can provide more information about potential causes of foot and ankle pain and help your chiropodist find the best treatments for the unique needs of your feet. 

The study of biomechanics dates back to ancient times but became more well known in modern history when findings claimed that changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and foot can lead to positive clinical outcomes when treating various foot and ankle conditions. 

The advent of modern technology, such as computer analysis, has continued to expand on these discoveries and helps medical professionals make informed decisions about patient care. Understanding the biomechanics of the feet can help in the diagnosis of various conditions and prescribing targeted treatments that reduce or eliminate pain. For example, a chiropodist can analyze your gait, or walking pattern, and determine if there are any abnormalities that can be treated with custom orthotics or footwear modifications.

Achieving the Perfect Running Foot Strike

The proper running foot strike is a critical element in enhancing performance and preventing injury. It refers to the part of the foot that first makes contact with the ground during a stride. There are three main types of foot strikes, which are heel, midfoot, and forefoot. Experts often recommend a midfoot or forefoot strike for most runners as these methods can promote a more natural running form, reduce the impact on joints, and improve overall efficiency. To achieve this, runners should focus on landing softly with their foot directly beneath their hips, rather than in front of the body. This technique helps in maintaining proper alignment and balance. A slight forward lean from the ankles, not the waist, can also aid in promoting a more efficient foot strike. Additionally, increasing cadence, or the number of steps taken per minute, can help in adopting a lighter and more responsive foot strike. If you have endured a foot injury due incorrect running form, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can offer you relief methods, in addition to guiding you toward the correct running form.

The biomechanics of your feet play an important role in your foot health. To learn more, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Foot biomechanics refers to the study of the structure, function, and motion of the feet. The feet and ankles are a complex system consisting of many bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that work together to move your feet. Understanding the unique biomechanics of your own feet can help you and your chiropodist make informed decisions about your foot health care. This includes decisions about the best preventive measures to avoid foot pain, the best treatment options for various foot problems, and finding the best shoes for your feet. 

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

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Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Corns on the Feet

Corns are hardened lumps of skin that are caused by excess friction. When wearing shoes or socks that don’t fit properly, the skin can become irritated from the shoes rubbing against them, or from squished toes rubbing against each other. This can lead to the development of a corn. Corns are usually benign, but they can sometimes cause discomfort or even pain. In those cases, seeking the care of a chiropodist is suggested. 

There are three types of corns. Hard corns are commonly found on the tops of toes. They are characterized by a hard core surrounded by dry, irritated skin. Soft corns are typically found between the toes. They are soft due to continuous exposure to sweat. Seed corns are tiny and typically found on the soles of the feet. They usually do not cause any symptoms. Generally speaking, corns can be uncomfortable or painful when excess pressure is applied to them while standing, walking, or wearing poorly-fitted shoes or socks. 

The best way to prevent corns is to wear shoes and socks that fit properly. Pain from a corn can be relieved by using over-the-counter corn pads, soaking your feet in lukewarm water, exfoliating and moisturizing the skin of the feet, and wearing comfortable shoes and socks. If these measures don’t help, then you may want to consult with a chiropodist for more treatment options.

Treatment Options for Corns on the Feet

Corns are painful, thickened areas of skin that commonly form on the small toes due to increased pressure from bony prominences. This pressure causes the skin to harden and thicken, resulting in discomfort, especially while walking. Non-operative treatment options for corns include padded corn sleeves, which distribute pressure more evenly, and toe spacers, which reduce friction between the toes. Corn donuts are another useful tool, off-loading pressure from the central painful area to the surrounding skin. Regularly trimming the callus can also help, though it is best to be done by a chiropodist, as the corn often recurs if the underlying issue is not addressed. In some cases, an X-ray may be necessary to identify the bony prominence causing the corn. Surgery is rarely needed, but can be considered if conservative treatments fail. Surgical options focus on removing the bony prominence and possibly straightening the affected toe joint. If you have painful corns, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Corns are small bumps or dry, hardened skin that can arise on the feet, usually in response to friction. Corns can be asymptomatic, or they can be uncomfortable or painful. If you have corns that are bothering you, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

There are three types of corns:

  • Hard corns

    • Often occur on the tops of toes

    • Feature a hard core surrounded by dry, irritated skin

    • Can be painful

  • Soft corns 

    • Often occur in between the toes

    • Soft due to constant exposure to sweat

    • Can be painful 

  • Seed corns

    • Tiny

    • Often occur on the soles of the feet

    • Usually asymptomatic

Corns can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit properly. They are typically benign and don’t require medical treatment. However, if your corns are causing you pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to a chiropodist near you for treatment options. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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