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 Philip C. Caswell, DPM from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 Sparta, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is a deformity that causes one or more toes to bend abnormally at the middle joint, creating a curled or hammer-like appearance. Hammertoe most commonly affects the second toe, and may begin as a flexible deformity before becoming stiff and difficult to straighten. Patients often experience pain, corns, or calluses from the toe rubbing against footwear. The top of the toe may appear red or swollen, and discomfort can increase while walking or standing for long periods of time. Hammertoe may develop because of muscle imbalance, arthritis, or injury. Shoes that crowd the toes and place pressure on the joints can also be a factor. The deformity can worsen and affect balance or foot function. A podiatrist can evaluate the alignment of the toes and determine the severity of the condition. Treatment may include wearing wider footwear, targeted exercises, or splinting. In more advanced cases, surgery can help to improve toe position and reduce discomfort. If you have hammertoe pain or deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM of Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

A tailor’s bunion, also called a bunionette, is a bony enlargement that develops at the base of the fifth toe along the outside of the foot. This condition can cause redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain that worsens while wearing shoes or walking for long periods of time. The area may appear enlarged or irritated from rubbing against footwear. Some patients notice burning discomfort or thickened skin over the bump. Tailor’s bunions often develop because of inherited foot structure, abnormal pressure on the foot, or shoes that are too narrow in the toe area. Over time, the fifth toe may begin to shift inward as the bump becomes more noticeable. A podiatrist can evaluate the alignment of the foot and determine the severity of the deformity. Treatment may include wearing wider footwear, padding, targeted exercises, or anti-inflammatory care to reduce irritation and pressure. In more severe cases, surgery may be considered to correct the deformity. If you have a tailor’s bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM of Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It often affects the big toe because this joint is more prone to cooler temperatures and stress, which can encourage crystal formation. Symptoms include sudden intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected area. Flare-ups can occur suddenly and may limit movement. Risk factors include a diet high in purines, dehydration, certain medications, and underlying health conditions. A podiatrist can help manage symptoms, provide guidance on lifestyle changes, and recommend treatments to reduce inflammation and prevent future attacks. Gout can be painful and may impact daily activities. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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