Items filtered by date: October 2024

Tuesday, 15 October 2024 00:00

The Importance of Foot Care For the Elderly

As people age, foot care becomes increasingly important to maintain mobility and comfort. Common issues among the elderly include bunions, corns, and blisters. Blistering skin lesions on the feet of the elderly can be a common and concerning issue. These lesions, often filled with fluid, can result from various factors, including friction, pressure, and decreased skin integrity associated with aging. The skin of elderly individuals tends to become thinner, drier, and more fragile over time, making it more susceptible to damage and blister formation. If left untreated, blistering skin lesions can increase the risk of infection and other complications, particularly in elderly individuals with compromised immune systems. If you are elderly and experiencing such blisters, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Scott Amoss, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Whiting and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Foot pain can originate from various sources, depending on which part of the foot is affected. Pain in the heel, often attributed to conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis, can result from excessive stress or inflammation. The ball of the foot may hurt due to metatarsalgia or neuromas, often caused by high-impact activities or wearing poor footwear. Pain in the arch can indicate issues such as flat feet or arch strain. Toe pain, on the other hand, might be due to bunions, hammertoe, or gout, conditions that affect toe alignment or joint health. Each area of the foot can be vulnerable to specific problems, so identifying the precise location and nature of the pain is vital for effective treatment and management, ensuring relief and improved mobility. If you have pain in one or more areas of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Scott Amoss, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

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Tuesday, 01 October 2024 00:00

What to Do if You Break Your Toe

A broken toe, though seemingly minor, can be a serious injury with significant implications. Symptoms of a broken toe include severe pain, tenderness, swelling, and bruising. In some cases, the toe may appear deformed if the bone has been displaced. Treatment varies based on the injury's severity. Your doctor may tape the broken toe to an adjacent one or use a device to stabilize it while it heals. If the broken bone protrudes through the skin, if the foot feels numb or cold, or if you notice signs of infection, seek immediate medical attention. For tailored treatment and to ensure proper healing, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide expert care for your broken toe.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Scott Amoss, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

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