Elderly foot care issues can affect comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life. Cold feet may result from reduced circulation, changes in skin thickness, or chronic health conditions. Wounds that do not heal are another serious concern, often linked to poor blood flow, nerve changes, or pressure points that go unnoticed. These problems can increase the risk of infection and limit daily activity, if not addressed early. A podiatrist can evaluate circulation, skin health, and foot structure to identify underlying causes. Treatment may include routine foot care, wound management, pressure relief, and guidance on proper footwear. Ongoing podiatric care helps an older person maintain independence and prevents complications. If you are elderly and have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions.
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 our office located in Lemont, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that can develop on the feet of individuals with diabetes, often caused by poor circulation, neuropathy, or pressure on certain areas. These ulcers progress through stages, from superficial skin breakdown to deeper tissue involvement. Classification systems, such as the Wagner diabetic foot ulcer classification, help determine severity by assessing wound size, depth, and the presence of infection or gangrene. Proper assessment allows for targeted treatment and reduces the risk of complications. A podiatrist can evaluate the ulcer, provide wound care, recommend protective footwear, and guide therapies to promote healing and prevent recurrence. If you have diabetes and notice any sores, swelling, or changes in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lemont, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all 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!
A broken foot can happen from a fall, a heavy object landing on the foot, or even repeated stress from activities that place too much pressure on the bones. Many people notice sudden pain, swelling, bruising, or difficulty putting weight on the foot right after the injury. In some cases, the discomfort may seem mild at first, but quickly worsens with walking. The area might feel tender to touch, and shoes may become uncomfortable due to swelling. Even small fractures can interfere with balance and everyday movement if they are not recognized early. Rest, elevation, and avoiding weight on the foot are usually important first steps until proper care is given. If you suspect a foot fracture because of persistent pain, swelling, or trouble walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
Bruising
Pain
Redness
Swelling
Blue in color
Numbness
Cold
Misshapen
Cuts
Deformities
Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lemont, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
