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. 

Hints for Happy Feet as You Age

Caring for your feet is important to your overall health, but is often underestimated in self-care routines. Establishing a routine for good foot hygiene is essential for keeping your feet healthy and happy as you get older. Daily washing, with extra attention to the spaces between your toes, significantly lowers the risk of infections. As the skin on your feet tends to become thinner and drier with age, follow up with moisturizing lotion, excluding the areas between the toes to avoid creating a damp environment conducive to fungal growth. Proper toenail maintenance is needed to prevent ingrown toenails. If you cannot trim them yourself, a care worker or a chiropodist can perform that task safely. Addressing calluses is equally important. Deep calluses can crack and bleed, posing a risk of infection. Regular self-examination of your feet is essential. Check the tops, soles, and under the toenails, in addition to the spaces between your toes for any changes, growths, or discolorations. Swelling or changes in color may indicate poor circulation or other problems that require prompt attention. For individuals with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, communicate with your chiropodist about any unusual or concerning developments. For guidance in the proper care for your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.

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 specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. 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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Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Participating in sports is great for maintaining your health and fitness, but can sometimes result in injuries to your feet or ankles. Common sports-related foot and ankle injuries include Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, stress fractures, turf toe, and plantar fasciitis. 

Achilles tendonitis is a common injury in which the Achilles tendon located at the back of your ankle becomes inflamed due to overuse or biomechanical issues with the feet. Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain in the lower calf, swelling, stiffness, redness, warmth, and reduced strength and range of motion. 

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may experience symptoms such as localized pain, swelling, and bruising at the site of the sprain, a limited ability to move the affected ankle, and difficulty walking. 

Stress fractures are fine cracks that occur in the bones when they can’t bear the load placed on them. These fractures often occur in the foot bones and get worse over time if they are not promptly diagnosed and treated. Symptoms of stress fractures in the feet include tenderness, deep and dull or sharp and localized pain, weakness, swelling, and bruising. 

Turf toe is a sprain of the largest joint in the big toe. It can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, or tenderness that vary in intensity depending on the severity of the injury. 

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot. This condition usually causes stabbing heel pains, arch pain, and pain when taking your first steps after a long period of rest.

If you have injured your feet or ankles while playing sports, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist who can diagnose and treat your condition and get you back on your feet. 

Causes of Foot Pain From Skiing

Throbbing ankles, aching shins, purple toes, arch pain, calf pain, and overall foot soreness after skiing may be signs that you need to examine your boots. The most common causes of foot pain from ski boots include bad fit, wrong flex, pressure points, packed out soles, bad buckle habits, and, yes, socks. Experts say your ski boots should be snug but not painfully tight, and they should provide good support to your feet and ankles. Make sure you choose boots with the right flex rating for your skiing style and experience level. Modern ski boots often offer customization options, including the ability to mold and modify specific areas to alleviate pressure points. If you experience throbbing or discomfort in the instep or arch of your feet, it could be due to soles that are flattened, compressed. Buckling your boots from the top down and leaning your shins into the tongue while sliding your feet to the back of the boot can ensure a snug fit without causing pain. Opt for lightweight, thin ski socks that provide warmth without overcrowding your boots. Socks with shin padding can help alleviate shin pain. If you experience persistent foot pain after skiing, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for guidance and solutions tailored to your needs.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Injuries Among Athletes: 

  • Achilles tendon injuries

  • Ankle strains or sprains

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Fractures

  • Turf toe 

  • Joint dislocations

  • Sever’s disease

  • Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

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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Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Foot Pain

Foot pain is a common symptom of a large variety of injuries and medical conditions. A diagnosis can be narrowed down by describing the locations and type of pain that you are experiencing. 

Pain in the heel is often caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis usually causes stabbing heel pains and the pain is at its worst upon arising in the morning or when taking your first steps after a long period of rest. Heel pain can also be caused by heel spurs, bruises on the fat pad of the heel, or heel fractures.

Pain in the ball of the foot can be caused by Morton’s neuroma, in which the tissue of the nerves between the bases of the toes become thickened, causing tingling and numbness. Other causes of pain in the ball of the foot include metatarsalgia or sesamoiditis. 

Pain in the arch of the foot can be caused by plantar fasciitis or having flat feet or fallen arches. Pain in the toes can be caused by many conditions, including gout, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, toe sprains or fractures, arthritis, and corns. 

To find out what is causing your foot pain, it is recommended that you consult with a chiropodist, who can diagnose your condition and offer the appropriate treatments. 

Causes of Top of the Foot Pain

Pain on the top of your feet can be uncomfortable and debilitating, affecting your daily activities and quality of life. This type of foot pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress fractures, ganglion cysts, osteoarthritis, tarsal fusion, and trauma. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones that are often the result of overuse, especially when there is a sudden increase in physical activity. A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled capsule near joints or tendons that can cause pain when it presses against nerves. Osteoarthritis can cause an arch collapse that leads to top-of-foot pain, particularly if linked to toe joints. Tarsal coalition is a fusion of foot bones in young individuals, resulting in stiffness, flat feet, and pain on top of the foot. Tendonitis is the Inflammation of tendons, often affecting the tibialis anterior tendon, which can cause localized pain on the top of the foot that is worsened by activity. Trauma includes any foot injury, such as fractures, sprains, or impact, that can lead to top-of-foot pain. If you are experiencing persistent pain on the top of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist who can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition.

Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have foot pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

When you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis. 

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:

  • Stress fractures

  • Sinus tarsi syndrome

  • Extensor tendonitis

  • Tibialis anterior tendonitis

  • Gout

  • Athlete’s foot

  • Ganglion cysts

Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Foot cramps

  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome

  • Plantar fibromatosis

  • Posterior tibial tendonitis

  • Stress fractures

  • Flat feet

Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:

  • Ankle sprain

  • Cuboid syndrome

  • Peroneal tendonitis

  • Stress fractures

  • Bunions

  • Corns or calluses

  • Posterior tibial tendonitis

Heel pain may be caused by:

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Achilles tendonitis

  • Bone spurs

  • Heel fractures

  • Retrocalcaneal bursitis

  • Sever’s disease 

Pain in the toes may be caused by:

  • Gout

  • Hammertoe

  • Turf toe 

  • Bunions

  • Ingrown toenails

  • Blisters 

  • Arthritis

These and many more conditions can be treated by a chiropodist. 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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Flip-Flops and Feet

When getting ready for a trip to the pool, the beach, or the boardwalk during the summer months, you may slip on a pair of flip-flops. While wearing these shoes for short periods of time is typically not a problem, wearing flip-flops all day, every day, all summer long is not great for your feet. Frequent flip-flop wear is associated with a host of foot and ankle problems. 

Flip-flops are usually flimsy, providing no arch support to the feet. This can make foot pain more likely, particularly in the arches and heels. Your ankles, legs, hips, and even back can also be affected. Flip-flops also provide no protection from the elements or from injury. Cracked heels, direct impacts to the feet, and viral, fungal, and bacterial infections may be more likely to occur if you wear flip-flops often. 

Perhaps one of the biggest problems with flip-flops is how difficult they are to keep on your feet. As you walk with flip-flops on, several changes are taking place. Your gait, or walking pattern, shifts to shorter strides, and your toes grip the edges of the flip-flops to keep them on your feet. Over time, these changes can cause toe and foot deformities, such as hammertoes and bunions. You’re also more likely to slip and fall as your shoes flop on your feet and catch on things on the ground below. 

To learn more about the dangers of flip-flops, and for help finding alternative summer shoe options, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Potential Foot Problems Caused by Wearing Flip Flops

Summertime calls for laid-back footwear, and flip-flops have long been a popular choice for their simple and stylish appeal. However, beneath the relaxed vibes, frequently wearing flip-flops can take a toll on our feet. Wearing these types of shoes may lead to a range of foot problems. These flat, open-toed sandals offer minimal arch support and cushioning, leading to issues like arch pain, plantar fasciitis, and possibly stress fractures. The lack of straps can cause the toes to grip the sole tightly, potentially leading to conditions such as hammertoes and calluses. While flip-flops are convenient and attractive, it is vital to acknowledge the potential harm they may pose to our foot health. If you choose to wear flip flops during the majority of the summer months, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can guide you toward additional stylish shoes to wear which can help to protect your foot health.

Flip-flops, though they may seem harmless, are bad for your foot health. If you would like to learn more about the many problems that can be caused by frequent flip-flop wear, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Flip-flops are the quintessential summer shoe, seemingly perfect for the beach or pool. Unfortunately, these flimsy shoes are not a good choice when it comes to keeping your feet healthy. 

Frequently wearing flip-flops is associated with: 

  • Hammertoes

  • Bunions

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Heel spurs 

  • Cracked heels

  • Plantar warts

  • Athlete’s foot

  • Foot pain

  • Foot and ankle injuries

  • Gait changes

  • Leg, hip, and back pain

The best way to avoid these issues is to swap your flip-flops for more protective and supportive shoes. If you must wear flip-flops, wear them only for short periods of time. 

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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Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the entire body, rather than a single organ or body part. When a patient presents with a systemic disease, they may also exhibit foot and ankle symptoms. Some of the most common systemic diseases that affect the feet and ankles include peripheral artery disease (PAD), peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, arthritis, and gout. 

Peripheral artery disease is a condition caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply the lower limbs. This causes the arteries to narrow and harden, thereby reducing blood flow to the feet and ankles. Though often asymptomatic in its early stages, people with PAD can develop symptoms as the disease worsens. These may include pain in the lower limbs, cramping, numbness, tingling, difficulty walking, discoloration, hair loss, and wounds. 

Peripheral neuropathy refers to nerve damage in the lower limbs. This condition is often accompanied by diabetes. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include numbness, a pins and needles sensation, sharp, throbbing, or burning pain, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking. 

Diabetes affects blood sugar. When blood sugar levels in the body are too high, multiple organ systems and biological processes are damaged. Diabetics often develop poor circulation, peripheral neuropathy, and a weakened immune system. Together, these problems can lead to wounds forming on the lower limbs. Because of neuropathy, the wounds may go undetected until they have become serious. Poor circulation means that the wounded tissues do not receive enough nutrients to heal properly, leading to slow and poor healing. Meanwhile, a weakened immune system could make the wound more likely to become infected. Proper wound care is a must for people with diabetes. 

Arthritis is a condition characterized by damage to the lining of the joints. There are various different types of arthritis, but the symptoms are similar. Arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and inflammation that makes it difficult to retain your mobility. 

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by urea crystals lodging themselves in your joints. These crystals aggravate the joint, leading to sudden and intense pain, swelling, and inflammation. 

If you are living with a systemic disease that affects your lower limbs, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist. 

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