May 2023

The feet are the base of our body.  They carry our weight and get us from place to place. The older one is, the more wear and tear of life will show up on their feet. The feet change as people age, so it is common that foot padding is thinner and does not provide the cushioning of younger years. More pain may be felt in the foot and heel because of this. A senior may be prone to Morton's neuroma, which is a thickening of the nerve between the third and fourth toe on the bottom of the foot. It may feel like walking on a pebble, and it can be painful. Cracked heels is yet another common plague of aging. Mature skin has less oil and is drier. The skin on the feet may harden, crack, and hurt. In severe cases, fissures may develop, and care has to be taken to prevent potential infections. If you are older, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health care team. This foot care expert can examine your feet regularly, teach you how to prevent foot problems from happening, and treat any that do occur.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

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.

The foot condition that is known as athlete’s foot is generally not a serious ailment, despite how uncomfortable it can be. Prompt medical attention is often sought for relief, which may help prevent further foot conditions. Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that lives in warm, moist environments. These can include shower room floors, public swimming pools, and similar areas. Athlete's foot is considered to be contagious, and it is beneficial to refrain from sharing shoes, socks, and towels. Additionally, it is helpful to wear appropriate shoes while in these types of areas, such as flip-flops or water shoes. The beginning signs of this condition may consist of red patches that can form between the toes or on the bottom of the foot. In severe cases, small blisters may develop. If you have signs of having athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment options.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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 care needs.

People with a big toe joint problem often assume it is from a bunion. However, other things can look like a bunion but are entirely different. Bunions are bony bumps that form on the sides of big toes. They result from a misalignment of the big toe joint and are not bone growths. Arthritis affecting the big toe joint can look like a bunion because a bone spur can develop on the joint. The skin on the bone spur can be inflamed and red, resembling a bunion. These bone spurs often occur on the top of the big toe joint rather than on the side of the joint. A ganglion cyst is a firm, fluid-filled sac that can occur on the big toe joint and be mistaken for a bunion, but is softer to the touch. Gout is yet another affliction that can affect the big toe joint and cause symptoms of redness and swelling, looking like a bunion. If you notice something different about your big toe joint and wonder if it is a bunion, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 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 one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome or TTS is when the posterior tibial nerve in the ankle becomes compressed. This can happen from medical conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, repetitive stress activities, other foot conditions, or carrying excessive weight. While there is a higher incidence of this ailment among women and adults, it can happen to anyone. When this happens, pain, tingling, and numbness can radiate to the foot and worsen with walking. Rest is helpful when pain develops. This affliction is relatively uncommon and can be misdiagnosed. Because of this, if you have pain in your ankle or heel, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist who can properly evaluate what is causing it and provide treatment options. 

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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.

There are various reasons why falling may occur. One reason may be a lack of awareness of surroundings, and this can happen from a lack of sleep. The general health of the body may also contribute to the act of falling, which may determine the reaction speed. Getting adequate sleep may enhance the ability to avoid a fall, in addition to having a healthy and strong body. This is especially true of the feet, which can propel the body to stand up after a fall and maintain balance. Effective fall prevention methods can include regular physical and eye examinations. This can be helpful in updating existing medications and eyeglasses. Taking supplements daily may possibly have a positive effect on the brain and nervous system, in addition to having increased awareness. If you would like more knowledge about fall prevention techniques, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you the correct information.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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 care needs.