Maintaining Foot Health in Seniors

Elderly foot care becomes increasingly important as aging brings changes to the structure and function of the feet. As people age, the natural cushioning beneath the feet becomes thinner, reducing protection against pressure during walking and standing. The arches may gradually flatten, while joints become stiffer and less flexible. Aging also affects the skin and toenails, often causing dryness and increased brittleness. These changes may make the feet more vulnerable to discomfort and injury. Some older adults notice that their feet become longer or wider, affecting how their shoes fit. Common health conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, and circulation problems, may create additional challenges. Because the feet support balance and mobility, even minor problems may interfere with daily activities. Understanding these age-related changes helps explain why regular foot examinations are important for maintaining comfort and independence.

 

Older adults frequently experience foot conditions that affect walking and stability. Bunions develop when the big toe shifts toward the smaller toes, creating a painful bump along the base of the joint. Hammertoes occur when the toes bend abnormally, sometimes making shoes uncomfortable. Corns and calluses also develop when repeated friction causes the skin to thicken. Other concerns include fungal infections and ingrown toenails, which can cause irritation or discomfort. Arthritis limits joint movement and makes walking more difficult. Diabetes presents additional risks because nerve damage can reduce sensation in the feet. As a result, people sometimes overlook small injuries that develop into more serious wounds. Reduced circulation also interferes with healing. These conditions sometimes affect balance and increase the likelihood of falls. Recognizing changes in foot appearance, sensation, or movement helps patients identify problems before they worsen.

 

Podiatric care focuses on maintaining foot health and addressing conditions that commonly affect older adults. A podiatrist examines the feet for changes in skin condition, joint movement, and circulation. The evaluation also includes checking toenails and identifying areas of excessive pressure. Depending on the findings, treatment may involve professional nail care or careful removal of painful corns and calluses. A podiatrist also evaluates bunions and other structural changes that interfere with walking. Recommendations for properly fitted footwear or supportive inserts may help improve comfort and stability. Regular podiatric examinations are especially important for older adults with diabetes or reduced sensation. If foot pain or age-related changes are affecting your mobility, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

If you need your feet checked, contact Edward Orman, DPM of Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor 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 our offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Taking Care of Elderly Feet

Signs of a Broken Ankle

A broken ankle, also known as an ankle fracture, occurs when one or more bones forming the ankle joint break. The ankle includes the lower ends of the leg bones, which connect with a bone in the foot to support movement and stability. Ankle fractures often result from sudden twisting injuries, falls, or direct impact. These injuries may occur during sports or everyday activities, particularly when the foot lands awkwardly. The severity of a broken ankle depends on the number of bones involved and whether the broken pieces remain properly aligned. Some fractures involve a small crack, while others cause significant damage to the ankle joint.

 

Symptoms of a broken ankle often include severe pain, swelling, and bruising around the injured area. Some individuals experience immediate difficulty standing or placing weight on the affected foot. The ankle may appear unusually shaped when the bones have shifted out of position. Tenderness around the joint and limited movement are also common. Although ankle sprains and fractures share similar symptoms, a broken ankle involves damage to the bone rather than only the supporting ligaments. In certain cases, individuals remain able to walk despite having a fracture. This makes a professional evaluation important after a significant ankle injury. Without appropriate treatment, an ankle fracture may lead to ongoing discomfort or problems with joint stability.

 

A podiatrist evaluates a suspected ankle fracture by examining the injured area and assessing swelling, tenderness, and joint position. X-rays are commonly used to confirm the fracture and determine its severity. Treatment depends on the location and alignment of the broken bones. Stable fractures may require immobilization with a cast or walking boot, while more complex injuries sometimes require surgery. Follow-up examinations help monitor healing and restore ankle function. If you are experiencing severe ankle pain or swelling after an injury, it is suggested that you seek prompt podiatric evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Edward Orman, DPM from Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  • Swelling around the area
  • Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Read more about All About Broken Ankle

How a Podiatrist Can Help With Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop in response to repeated pressure or rubbing. Calluses usually form on areas that carry weight, like the heels or balls of the feet. Corns are usually smaller and can develop on the tops or sides of the toes. They can also form between the toes. Corns tend to have a firm center surrounded by irritated skin, while calluses are usually wider and flatter. Symptoms can include tenderness, discomfort, and hardened skin. Some areas can become painful when standing or walking. Shoes that fit poorly can create repeated rubbing and pressure. Changes in foot structure can also increase pressure in certain areas and contribute to the development of corns and calluses.

A podiatrist can examine corns and calluses to determine what is causing the repeated pressure. An evaluation can include checking the location of the thickened skin, areas of tenderness, and the structure of the foot. The podiatrist can also assess how pressure is distributed while the patient stands and walks. Professional treatment can reduce thickened skin and relieve painful pressure. A podiatrist can carefully remove layers of hardened skin using appropriate instruments. Custom orthotics can help redistribute pressure across the foot and provide support where it is needed. A podiatrist can also recommend properly fitted shoes that reduce rubbing and provide enough space for the toes.

Recurring corns and calluses can be a sign that certain areas of the feet are receiving excessive pressure. This pressure can affect comfort and change the way a patient walks. A podiatrist can identify the source of the pressure and develop a treatment plan based on the patient's foot structure and symptoms. Care can focus on improving pressure distribution, reducing friction, and protecting sensitive areas. Regular evaluations can also help manage recurring areas of thickened skin before they become increasingly painful. Professional foot care is especially important for patients who have reduced feeling in their feet or problems with circulation. If you have symptoms of corns and calluses, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Edward Orman, DPM of Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Read more about Corns: What Are They, and How Do You Get Rid of Them

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Foot Stretches for Better Flexibility and Mobility

Stretching the feet can help maintain flexibility and support comfortable movement. The feet and ankles work together with muscles in the lower legs to provide stability for standing and walking. When these tissues become tight, normal movement can feel restricted. Stretching can target the calf muscles and the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. Maintaining flexibility in these areas can support the foot and ankle as they move through everyday activities. A structured stretching program can also be useful when recovering from certain foot or ankle problems.

Different stretches focus on specific tissues that support the feet. A heel-cord stretch targets the calf and tissues near the back of the ankle. Keeping the back knee straight during one version focuses on the larger calf muscle. Bending the back knee slightly changes the stretch and reaches a deeper calf muscle. Plantar fascia stretches focus on the bottom of the foot. A podiatrist can assess foot and ankle movement before recommending stretches. This evaluation helps identify areas of tightness or limited motion that can affect the way a patient stands or walks.

A podiatrist can create a stretching plan based on the patient’s mobility and examination findings. Guided exercises can focus on improving flexibility while maintaining proper form. Podiatric care can also address movement in the ankle, foot, and nearby joints when restrictions affect normal function. Strengthening exercises can complement stretching by supporting the muscles that control the foot and ankle. A podiatrist can monitor progress and adjust exercises as mobility changes. This approach can help patients work toward better flexibility and more comfortable movement. If you have foot or ankle stiffness, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Edward Orman, DPM from Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

  • Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
  • Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
  • Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
  • Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about How to Stretch Your Feet

Connect With Us

scroll to top