Items filtered by date: October 2024

Swollen feet in elderly people can arise from several serious health conditions, including kidney or liver diseases, venous insufficiency, and congestive heart failure. These conditions often disrupt the body's ability to manage fluid balance, leading to swelling in the extremities. When blood flow is compromised due to venous insufficiency, fluid may accumulate in the feet and ankles, causing discomfort and limiting mobility. Reduced mobility can create a dangerous cycle, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Seniors may find it challenging to navigate their surroundings, furthering possible health issues. Timely identification and management of the underlying causes of swelling are critical. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist can ensure appropriate interventions, ultimately enhancing mobility and minimizing fall risks. If you are a senior or are taking care of one, it is suggested that you consult this type of doctor to schedule regular appointments to monitor foot health.

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 Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 our offices located in Shepherdsville and Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot surgery for plantar fasciitis is considered when conservative treatments fail to alleviate persistent pain. One common procedure is the plantar fascia release, where the podiatric surgeon cuts part of the fascia to relieve tension and reduce inflammation. This can be done through traditional open surgery or an endoscopic procedure, which utilizes small incisions and a camera for a minimally invasive approach. The endoscopic method often results in less postoperative pain and quicker recovery times. However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks, including infection, nerve damage, and the possibility of persistent pain. Patients may also experience complications, such as scarring or limited mobility during recovery. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Shepherdsville and Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A dislocated toe occurs when the bones in the toe become misaligned, often leading to significant discomfort and mobility issues. Common symptoms include intense pain at the site of the injury, noticeable swelling, and bruising. The affected toe may appear deformed or out of place, and there may be difficulty moving it or walking without pain. Several factors contribute to dislocated toes, with sports injuries being a leading cause. Activities involving running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction can put excessive stress on the toe joints. Also, accidents such as stubbing the toe or dropping a heavy object on it can lead to dislocation. If you have sustained an injury that may have dislocated your toe, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 our offices located in Shepherdsville and Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Skin fissures are a common cause of cracked heels, often resulting from dry and thickened skin. When the skin on the heels becomes excessively dry, it loses its elasticity and flexibility. This lack of moisture causes the skin to become rough and hard, making it prone to splitting or cracking. Factors contributing to skin fissures include prolonged standing, wearing open-back shoes, and environmental conditions like low humidity. Additionally, underlying health issues like diabetes or eczema can cause dryness and skin damage. As the skin continues to bear weight and pressure, these fissures deepen, leading to painful cracks. Cracked heels can be painful, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you treatment remedies, which may include prescribed medication.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve damage condition that frequently accompanies diabetes and can lead to significant foot problems. This condition often manifests as tingling, a pins and needles sensation, burning pain, or numbness in the feet. In severe cases, it can result in reduced mobility, foot deformities, and even ulcers. Managing peripheral neuropathy involves addressing these symptoms and preventing complications. If you are experiencing any of these things or have concerns about your foot health, it is important to seek professional help. A podiatrist can conduct a thorough examination of your feet to diagnose peripheral neuropathy and recommend appropriate treatments to manage pain and improve your quality of life. For expert advice and personalized care, it is suggested you scheudle an appointment with a podiatrist.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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