February 2019

There are many people that experience unwanted foot conditions as the aging process occurs. This may be a result of poor circulation or a loss of cushioning. It is important to wear shoes that fit properly and are comfortable, and it may be beneficial to measure your feet regularly, which may ensure a correct fit. Circulation may be improved by performing specific foot stretches, in addition to walking frequently during the day. Some of the typical foot ailments that many seniors face may include athlete’s foot, corns and calluses, or dry skin. Diabetic patients may need to check their feet daily for any cuts or bruises that may be present. If these should go unnoticed, complications may arise as a result of the inability to heal properly. If you would like additional information about how to care for elderly feet, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can properly guide you.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Inc. . 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 Sycamore, and Yorkville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Research has indicated that foot pain women may experience may come from from wearing high heels. The balance in the body may be altered as a result of the ankles bending forward, and this is a feeling that is similar to standing on tiptoes. Additionally, the calf muscles may be shortened which may affect the Achilles tendon, and this may lead to painful injuries. It may be helpful to limit wearing high heels, or to choose a lower and wider heel. Stretching and resting the feet frequently throughout the day may be beneficial in preventing unwanted foot conditions that may be associated with wearing this type of shoe. If you would like additional information about the possible hazards associated with wearing high heels, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can properly assist you.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Inc. . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sycamore, and Yorkville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you notice a small thickened area in the heel or bottom of your foot producing severe pain and discomfort, you may have what is referred to as a verruca wart, which is more commonly known as a plantar wart. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and will typically attack the skin on the bottom of the feet. It typically lives and thrives in moist and warm environments which may include public pools and surrounding areas, shower room floors and locker rooms. It is known to enter the body through tiny cracks in the skin and grows into the heel as a result of pressure the foot endures while walking. Many people may notice a small and callused area where the wart has formed, and small black dots may be present in the center. If you have developed a plantar wart, please speak to a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Inc. . Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sycamore, and Yorkville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.