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Daily Habits and the Podiatrist’s Role in Elderly Foot Care

Proper foot care is essential for elderly people to maintain mobility, comfort, and overall health. A daily examination helps detect cuts, sores, or infections early, especially for those with diabetes or circulation issues. Washing the feet with warm water and drying them thoroughly prevents fungal and bacterial infections. Keeping nails trimmed and smooth reduces the risk of ingrown toenails and discomfort. Wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes helps prevent falls and relieves pressure on sensitive areas. Promoting healthy blood flow through regular movement and foot elevation is also important. A podiatrist can assist with routine care, identify potential problems early, and provide treatments that support foot function. If you are elderly, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on additional foot care tips.

If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Michael T. Hames of Florence Foot Center. 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 Florence, Alabama . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Hammertoe Deformity and Its Common Causes

Hammertoe is a deformity where one of the smaller toes bends abnormally at the middle joint, creating a shape that resembles a hammer. This condition often results from muscle or tendon imbalances that cause the toe to remain in a bent position. Common causes include wearing tight or narrow shoes, injury, or having an unusually high foot arch. Over time, the toe may become stiff and difficult to move. Symptoms often include pain when wearing shoes, corns or calluses on the top of the toe, and redness or swelling around the joint. The deformity may start as flexible but can become rigid, if not addressed. If you have symptoms of this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions. Early recognition and treatment are important to relieve discomfort and prevent further progression that may require more advanced medical or surgical care.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Michael T. Hames from Florence Foot Center. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the affected toes
  • Development of corns or calluses due to friction
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

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Symptoms and Treatment of Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. Athlete’s foot can happen to anyone, not just athletes. Symptoms may include itchy, white or scaly patches, redness, or skin that cracks and becomes sore. In some cases, blisters may appear, and the infection can spread to the soles or toenails. If left untreated, the infection can worsen or spread to other parts of the foot. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete's foot through a physical exam and may take a skin sample, if needed. Depending on the severity, a podiatrist may prescribe medicated creams, antifungal tablets, or, in rare cases, surgery if the infection affects deeper tissue or the nails. If you have an athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for immediate treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Michael T. Hames from Florence Foot Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

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Morton’s Toe and and Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's toe is often confused with Morton's neuroma, although they are different foot conditions. Morton's toe refers to a structural variation where the second toe appears to be longer than the big toe. In reality, it is the big toe that is shorter. This imbalance can shift weight improperly across the foot, sometimes leading to pain, calluses, or stress fractures. Morton's neuroma involves a thickening of tissue around a nerve between the toes, typically causing sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot. A podiatrist can conduct an examination and order imaging tests in order to recommend the appropriate treatment for either condition. For Morton's toe, options include custom orthotics to better distribute weight or, if necessary, surgery to correct the bone structure. Morton's neuroma may be managed through footwear changes, injections to reduce nerve irritation, or surgery to remove the affected nerve, if pain is severe. If you are experiencing toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Michael T. Hames of Florence Foot Center. 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 contact our office located in Florence, Alabama . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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