May 2020

It can be difficult for older people to properly care for their feet. This can be a result of having trouble bending down to trim the toenails, and they may not notice if there are existing cuts or bruises on the feet. Wearing shoes that fit properly is crucial in possibly preventing painful foot conditions from developing. These can include corns, bunions, and calluses. Cracked heels is a common ailment among seniors, and mild relief can be felt when a good moisturizer is frequently applied. When the toes are not trimmed on a routine basis, or when they are trimmed improperly, ingrown toenails can develop, and can become infected without prompt treatment. Many elderly people are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide them with properly taking care of their feet.

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 Riznyk Podiatry. 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 office located in Orchard Park, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Believe it or not, many illnesses are often initially detected by podiatrists. Our feet can hint at a variety of issues that are occurring throughout the rest of our bodies. For example, problems with blood circulation can cause the feet to change color or feel cold. Simple toenail discoloration can indicate diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease. A podiatrist can also tell if toenail discoloration is actually a bacterial or fungal infection. Various kidney diseases can be shown in the feet through ankle swelling or toenail discoloration. Therefore, when experiencing unknown symptoms in the feet, it is important that you consult with a podiatrist to make sure that these symptoms are not indicating a more serious, underlying condition. 

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Orchard Park, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Obesity affects a large percentage of people worldwide. The additional weight the feet endure can lead to the development of painful foot conditions. Heel pain is a common ailment, and it can be indicative of specific foot complications. These can include plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or different types of arthritis. Many people who are overweight are faced with the dilemma of lacking the desire to exercise. Performing frequent stretches and exercises is beneficial to losing weight, despite that it may be difficult to accomplish. If you have gained weight and have frequent heel pain, it is recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose you and help to manage your weight.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Orchard Park, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.