It’s important to practice good foot hygiene and care at any age, and this is especially true for elderly people. As people get older, there are many factors that can impede making sure the feet are taken care of. These may include poor vision, being overweight, and possibly being unable to bend easily to inspect the feet for cuts, bruises, or sores. Ingrown toenails may develop as a result of improper toenail cutting, in addition to the formation of cracked heels, which may be due to a lack of moisture in the skin. If blisters, nail discoloration, or bleeding wounds are evident, these may be indicators of infections, and should be treated as quickly as possible. Caretakers of the elderly should advise their patients to wear comfortable shoes that fit correctly in addition to wearing clean and dry socks daily. Research has suggested that elderly people should be in the care of a podiatrist, so that frequent inspections of the feet may be performed.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. 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
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 Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Cracked heels can be painful for your feet, and anyone of any age can develop them. This condition may even be made worse by underlying problems, such as diabetes or thyroid disease. A dry climate, a poor diet, or a poor choice of footwear can lead to the development of cracked feet. However, before seeking professional treatment, you may be able to find relief through home remedies and over-the-counter moisturizers. If these do not work for you, you may find it helpful to speak with your podiatrist regarding ways to treat your cracked heels.
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 Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor 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
Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels
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 office located in Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Each second of each day in the United States, an elderly person falls. This statistic is why falls are the number one cause of injuries and death among older adults according to the CDC. Since over 10,000 Americans turn 65 each day, the number of fall-related deaths and injuries suffered is expected to increase. Some of the risk factors that influence the amount of falls experienced by the elderly are reduced muscle strength, decreased activity, more severe chronic health conditions, and increased use of medications. One of the main causes of falls are deterioration in balance and strength. A solution to this issue could be found by taking vitamin D supplements to improve bone, muscle, and nerve health. If you are an older adult, you should practice strength and balance training. Activities such as Tai Chi are recommended because they will help make your legs stronger and improve your balance.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Falls PreventionMany women enjoy being pregnant, but will often complain about their feet becoming swollen as the pregnancy progresses. It’s a common condition that often develops as a result of excess fluid the body produces in addition to pressure exerted from the growing baby. Most of the swelling will dissipate after the baby is born, but until then, there are specific ways to find moderate relief. Research has shown the importance of lying on your left side while sleeping, in addition to consuming plenty of water and exercising regularly. The majority of pregnant women may find that elevating their feet as often as possible and not standing for extended periods of time may help to reduce a portion of the swelling. If you are pregnant and are experiencing severely swollen feet, please consult with a podiatrist for additional information on how to properly care for your feet.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.