Common Foot Problems in Older Adults

As people age, their feet naturally change, often becoming wider, flatter, and more prone to discomfort. Common foot problems in elderly people include gout, arthritis, ankle arthritis, bunions, neuropathy, and fungal infections. These conditions can cause pain, stiffness, numbness, or visible changes that affect mobility and daily activities. Risk factors include age, genetics, chronic health issues, wearing poor footwear, and repetitive strain. Symptoms may include swelling, inflammation, difficulty walking, or persistent soreness. A podiatrist can diagnose these conditions, provide treatment, recommend proper footwear, and offer preventive care to maintain foot health. If you are elderly and have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat various foot conditions.

If you need your feet checked, contact Richard Galperin, DPM of Texas. 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 office located in Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Avoiding Ankle Sprains and Fractures in Zumba

Zumba is a fun way to stay active, but its fast footwork and sudden movements can lead to ankle sprains or fractures. Sprains occur when ligaments stretch beyond their limit, while fractures happen from direct impact or awkward landings. Prevention starts with wearing the right shoes that provide cushioning and ankle support. Avoiding crowded classes reduces the chance of accidental collisions. A proper warm-up and cool-down improve flexibility, and staying hydrated helps muscles and joints perform safely. A podiatrist can evaluate ankle health, provide treatment for injuries, and guide a safe return to activity. If you have ankle pain from Zumba, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you relief and treatment solutions, enabling your return to this popular activity.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Richard Galperin, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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The Role of Foot Orthotics in Managing Foot and Ankle Conditions

Orthotic devices, including various foot inserts, orthoses, braces, and shoe modifications, serve as essential tools in the conservative management of numerous foot and ankle conditions. These conditions can range from congenital disorders like planovalgus and tarsal coalition to sports-related issues, such as plantar fasciitis and posterior tibial tendonitis. They are also important in managing systemic disorders with foot and ankle implications, like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The primary goal of using orthotics is to restore normal foot function as much as possible and to prevent further progression of the disease affecting the foot and/or ankle. Achieving this involves designing orthotics that offload high-pressure areas, minimize shear forces, provide cushioning at tender sites, correct flexible deformities, and offer necessary foot control and support. If you are interested in custom-made orthotics conforming to your specific foot structure, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for more information.

Experience a transformative solution to heel pain and foot pain through the personalized benefits of custom orthotics and shoe inserts. If you’re grappling with the persistent agony of plantar fasciitis, these customized inserts are designed to alleviate the strain on the plantar fascia, providing targeted relief. Engineered to adapt to your unique foot anatomy, custom orthotics tackle not only plantar fasciitis but also general foot and heel pain, offering unparalleled support and comfort. Don’t let every step be a reminder of discomfort; step into a world of tailored well-being. Say farewell to the limitations imposed by heel pain and embrace the freedom of pain-free mobility. Invest in your foot health and redefine your daily stride with the transformative power of custom orthotics and shoe inserts, ensuring each step is a step towards lasting comfort. 

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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How Over-Pronation Can Affect Foot Health

Over-pronation occurs when the foot rolls too far inward with each step, placing excess stress on the arch, ankle, and surrounding soft tissues. Instead of evenly distributing weight across the foot, the inward roll causes the inner edge of the foot and big toe to bear too much pressure. This can flatten the arch, limit shock absorption, and strain muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the feet and ankles. Over time, over-pronation may contribute to painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, heel pain, ankle sprains, and posterior tibial tendon problems. Over-pronation is often linked to flat feet, but can also develop from weak or imbalanced muscles, loose ligaments, or excessive flexibility in the foot and ankle. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait and foot posture, prescribe custom orthotics, recommend supportive bracing, or discuss surgery for severe cases. If you are experiencing foot pain, especially after activity, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Richard Galperin, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

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