Items filtered by date: September 2024

Discoloration of the feet in elderly adults, such as purple, black, or blue hues, often signals underlying health issues. These colors can result from bruising due to minor trauma or falls, which may be more common in those with fragile skin and weakened blood vessels. Poor circulation or conditions like peripheral artery disease can also cause the feet to appear discolored, as blood flow becomes restricted. Additionally, venous insufficiency can lead to the pooling of blood and subsequent color changes. In some cases, these symptoms might indicate more serious concerns, such as blood clots or infections. It is vital for elderly individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek medical attention from a podiatrist to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. If you are elderly or caring for an elderly person, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can regularly 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 Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. 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 office located in Leander, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Claw toe is a deformity where the toes curl into a claw-like shape due to an imbalance in the muscles and tendons responsible for straightening the toes. The condition often causes the toes to bend upward at the joint closest to the foot and then sharply downward at the middle and third joints, leading to discomfort and the formation of painful calluses. Common causes include nerve damage, foot or ankle trauma, and conditions like diabetes or arthritis. If left untreated, claw toe can worsen over time, making early intervention important. A podiatrist can help manage claw toe by recommending non-invasive treatments such as custom orthotics, toe exercises, and footwear adjustments that provide more room for the toes. In more severe cases, surgery might be necessary to correct the deformity. If you notice a deformity in your toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM of Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 office located in Leander, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.