October 2024

Swollen feet in elderly people can arise from several serious health conditions, including kidney or liver diseases, venous insufficiency, and congestive heart failure. These conditions often disrupt the body's ability to manage fluid balance, leading to swelling in the extremities. When blood flow is compromised due to venous insufficiency, fluid may accumulate in the feet and ankles, causing discomfort and limiting mobility. Reduced mobility can create a dangerous cycle, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Seniors may find it challenging to navigate their surroundings, furthering possible health issues. Timely identification and management of the underlying causes of swelling are critical. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist can ensure appropriate interventions, ultimately enhancing mobility and minimizing fall risks. If you are a senior or are taking care of one, it is suggested that you consult this type of doctor to schedule regular appointments to monitor foot health.

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 Ankle & Foot Care Center. 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 office located in Jupiter, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Same level falls occur when individuals trip, slip, or stumble on surfaces at the same height they are standing on, often leading to injuries that can affect productivity and morale. To prevent these incidents in the workplace, it is vital to implement several strategies. First, using appropriate flooring can significantly reduce the risk. Non-slip surfaces are ideal in high-traffic areas. Regularly removing obstacles such as clutter, cords, and equipment can create a safer environment. Promptly cleaning up spills and ensuring that wet floors are marked with clear signage is essential for alerting employees to potential hazards. Additionally, wearing protective gear, such as slip-resistant shoes, can further enhance safety. Falling can seriously impact the feet, which may cause a loss of work and wages. If you have had a foot injury from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot injuries, and guide you on appropriate fall prevention methods in the work environment.

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 one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot Care Center. Our doctors 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 Jupiter, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe can cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily activities. Common symptoms include intense pain at the site of injury, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. The toe may appear deformed or misaligned, and there can be tenderness when touched. Various factors contribute to broken toes, with osteoporosis being a notable cause. This condition weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. Stress fractures, which occur from repetitive impact or overuse, can also lead to breaks in the toe. Additionally, dropping a heavy object on the foot is a frequent cause of toe fractures. There are various treatment methods for a broken toe, depending on the severity of the fracture. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat it effectively.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Skin fissures are a common cause of cracked heels, often resulting from dry and thickened skin. When the skin on the heels becomes excessively dry, it loses its elasticity and flexibility. This lack of moisture causes the skin to become rough and hard, making it prone to splitting or cracking. Factors contributing to skin fissures include prolonged standing, wearing open-back shoes, and environmental conditions like low humidity. Additionally, underlying health issues like diabetes or eczema can cause dryness and skin damage. As the skin continues to bear weight and pressure, these fissures deepen, leading to painful cracks. Cracked heels can be painful, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you treatment remedies, which may include prescribed medication.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition affecting the peripheral nervous system, which consists of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This system relays information between the central nervous system and the rest of the body, controlling sensations, movements, and autonomic functions. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when these nerves are damaged, leading to symptoms like tingling, numbness, pain, and weakness, often in the hands and feet. It can result from diabetes, infections, autoimmune diseases, toxins, or even trauma. Small fiber neuropathy specifically affects the small sensory fibers responsible for pain and temperature regulation. This type of neuropathy can cause burning or stabbing pain, tingling, or sensitivity to temperature. It often occurs in conditions like diabetes, but it can also be caused by other factors such as genetic disorders or autoimmune diseases. If you are feeling symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an early diagnosis and management to prevent worsening of symptoms and nerve damage.

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 one of our podiatrists  from Ankle & Foot Care Center. Our doctors 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 Jupiter, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.