Maintaining healthy feet is an essential component to maintaining overall health and wellness–this is especially true for senior citizens. The elderly ought to take particular care of the health of their feet because if a senior does not have excellent feeling in their feet, infections and other afflictions can go unnoticed. This can lead to further complications down the road. Seniors also ought to take an interest in the health of their feet because as an individual ages, they may experience poorer circulation in their feet. For instance, blood may not travel as fast to the feet as it used to. An elderly person can be diligent about keeping their feet healthy simply by maintaining a daily foot care routine, including properly cleansing and moisturizing the feet. If you are a senior citizen, contact a podiatrist about foot care techniques today.

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 Community Foot Specialists. 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 offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, Springboro, and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Patients who have hard or flattened nodules on the bottom of their feet may have a foot condition known as plantar fibromatosis. A specific type of this ailment is referred to as Ledderhose disease and it is a rare foot condition. Patients may notice it affects both feet and typically is painless in the beginning stages. Pain and discomfort may gradually occur while walking and medical attention is often sought from a podiatrist who can treat this condition. There are several reasons why this condition may occur, including genetic history, long-term alcohol use, chronic liver disease, and diabetes. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition may be joint pain in other areas of the body and some people may experience a tingling or numbing sensation. If you have small bumps on the bottom of your feet, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat Ledderhose disease.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, Springboro, and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Different kinds of doctors specialize in a particular part of the body. For example, otolaryngologists specialize in the ear, nose, and throat, while optometrists specialize in treating the eyes. Podiatrists are doctors that primarily focus on all things related to the feet. Podiatrists must complete a rigorous academic course of study, first obtaining a bachelor’s degree and then earning a degree in Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, referred to as DPM. You might find podiatrists working in a variety of environments. For example, you could find them working in hospitals, private or group practice settings, the armed services, or even in the U.S. Public Health Service. A podiatrist’s work is pertinent because the feet are critical parts of the human body. Not only are feet responsible for movement and balance, but they must also bear the full weight of a human’s body. Since the feet are vulnerable to conditions like plantar fasciitis, plantar warts, athlete’s foot, Morton’s neuroma, and tarsal tunnel syndrome, a podiatrist’s work is essential. If you are interested in taking good care of your feet or you have an existing foot condition, contact a podiatrist. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, Springboro, and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.