As people age, natural changes in gait can affect mobility and stability. Reduced calf muscle strength often leads to taking shorter steps, while balance issues may increase the period in the walking cycle when both feet are on the ground simultaneously. In younger adults, this phase typically makes up about 18 percent of the cycle, but it may increase to 26 percent or higher as people age or experience balance challenges. This added time on both feet offers greater stability, helping to lower fall risk. Joint changes, like reduced ankle flexibility, may further impact stride length. To maintain balance, older adults might shift their weight or adopt postural changes, leading to a wider stance and a less fluid movement. Neurological changes can make coordinating each step more difficult, slowing pace and reducing synchrony in body movement. A podiatrist can assess specific gait challenges in seniors and suggest exercises or custom orthotics to restore stability and improve gait mechanics. If you have trouble walking while carrying out daily activities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a gait analysis, exam, and treatment options.
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 Piedmont Podiatry Associates. 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 one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Big toe joint pain often involves the first metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint. The MTP joint connects the big toe to the foot and is supported by ligaments, cartilage, and a joint capsule. Common causes of big toe pain include arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or gout, where inflammation or uric acid crystals damage the joint, leading to swelling, redness, and difficulty in walking. Bunions, a bony bump at the base of the big toe, may also lead to joint pain, especially when the toe is pushed out of alignment. Turf toe, caused by hyperextension injuries to the joint, damages surrounding ligaments and tissues. Conditions like septic arthritis, a bacterial infection in the joint, require immediate attention due to severe pain and swelling. A podiatrist can assess the cause of the MTP joint pain, and provide diagnostic imaging if needed. Treatment options include custom orthotics, medication, or surgery for long-term relief. If you have pain in the big toe joint, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Podiatry plays an important role as the elderly population often faces unique foot health challenges. As people age, they experience changes in their feet such as decreased circulation, joint stiffness, and weakened muscles, which may lead to conditions like arthritis, diabetes-related foot issues, and balance problems. Podiatrists treating geriatric patients can provide tailored care to address these concerns, helping to prevent falls, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life. Proper foot care is essential for seniors, as untreated foot problems can lead to more serious complications, including infections and disability. Podiatrists also play an important role in educating patients and caregivers on proper foot hygiene, suitable footwear, and exercises to maintain foot strength and flexibility. If you are elderly, or caring for an elderly patient, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist who can expertly manage foot care for seniors.
Geriatrics and Podiatry When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.
It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.
Visiting Your Geriatrician As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities.
Taking Care of Elderly Feet Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.
Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
