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 Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our podiatrists 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 Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When a toenail separates from the skin beneath it, the condition is called onycholysis. This can make the nail look white or yellow where it has lifted, while the rest of the nail remains pink. The area may collect debris and can sometimes develop an odor or mild discomfort. Causes of toenail separation include repeated pressure from shoes, direct injury, and fungal infection. Certain medical conditions that affect nail growth may also be a factor. In some cases, the nail edge becomes uneven or thickened as it pulls away from the nail bed. A podiatrist can examine the nail closely, determine the cause, and check for infection or underlying disease.  Trimming the damaged portion and testing nail samples may also be involved. Treatment plans include managing infection, reducing pressure on the nail, and guiding healthy regrowth. If your toenail lifts from the nail bed, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cold feet can be more than a comfort issue fixed by putting on a thicker pair of socks. This discomfort may signal peripheral artery disease, where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. When circulation is limited, the skin can feel cool, look pale, or become numb. People may also notice leg pain with walking that improves when stopping. Risk factors for peripheral artery disease include diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. A podiatrist can assess circulation by checking pulses in the feet, comparing blood pressure in the arms and ankles, and ordering imaging tests. Treatment focuses on improving blood flow and protecting the feet from skin breakdown or slow-healing wounds or ulcers. If you have cold feet on a regular basis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our podiatrists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, especially those involved in sports or frequent activity. It occurs when the growth plate in their heel becomes irritated from repetitive stress and pulling of the Achilles tendon. Children may complain of pain at the back or bottom of the heel that worsens with running or jumping and improves with rest. The area may look slightly swollen and feel tender to the touch, and some children may begin to limp or avoid activity. A podiatrist can diagnose Sever’s disease through a physical exam and by reviewing activity levels and growth patterns. Treatment includes supportive footwear, heel cushions, activity modification, and targeted exercises to reduce strain on the heel. Most cases improve as the growth plate matures. If your child has heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our podiatrists can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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