Items filtered by date: June 2024

Geriatrics is a branch of medicine focused on the health care of older adults. As people age, their bodies undergo various changes, making them more susceptible to certain health conditions, including foot and ankle problems. Geriatric podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating these issues, particularly arthritis, diabetic foot complications, and decreased circulation. Thinning skin and age-related foot deformities are also examined. Additionally, podiatrists provide comprehensive care to help seniors maintain mobility and an independent lifestyle. Regular foot exams by a geriatric podiatrist can help prevent falls, alleviate pain, and address any concerns related to foot health in older adults. If you or a loved one are experiencing foot problems associated with aging, scheduling a consultation with a geriatric podiatrist can be beneficial. By placing emphasis on preventive measures and early intervention, geriatric podiatrists will assist in advocating for healthy aging and enhanced quality of life among older adults. For guidance on foot problems related to aging, it is suggested that you consult a geriatric podiatrist for an effective approach to maintaining a vibrant lifestyle.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Sesamoiditis is a painful condition that affects the sesamoid bones, which are the small bones located beneath the big toe joint in the foot. These bones act as pulleys, aiding in movement and providing support for the tendons. Sesamoiditis occurs when these bones become inflamed or irritated, typically due to overuse or repetitive stress. Dancers, runners, and individuals who engage in activities that involve high impact on the feet are particularly susceptible to this condition. Common symptoms of sesamoiditis include pain and swelling surrounding the base of the big toe, which may worsen with activity and improve with rest. In some cases, there may be difficulty bending or straightening the big toe. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat sesamoiditis.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ensuring accurate shoe fitting in older adults is essential for comfort and mobility. The Brannock device, a traditional tool used for decades, measures foot length and width manually. While it is reliable for basic measurements, it does not capture the full complexity of foot shape. In contrast, three-dimensional, or 3D, foot scanning technology offers a more comprehensive analysis. This advanced method creates a detailed digital model of the foot, accounting for variations in arch height, toe shape, and other nuances. Older adults, who often experience changes in foot structure due to aging, can benefit significantly from the precision of 3-D scanning. This technology provides tailored recommendations, enhancing both comfort and support. Although the Brannock device remains a valuable tool, the detailed insights from 3-D foot scanning represent a significant advancement in ensuring the best fit for older individuals. If you are wearing shoes that do not fit properly and have developed a foot condition, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can help you with relief options and guide you on the best way to determine your shoe size.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Common sports injuries that affect the ankle and foot include sprains, strains, swollen muscles, and fractures. Acute injuries, such as sprains, occur suddenly due to a specific incident like twisting the ankle. These injuries result in pain, swelling, and instability, often requiring immediate attention. Chronic overuse injuries, like plantar fasciitis, develop over time from repetitive stress and can cause persistent pain and stiffness. Ankle sprains happen when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear, typically from a sudden twist or impact. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. It causes sharp heel pain, especially in the morning or after prolonged activity. If you have persistent foot or ankle pain from sports participation, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for professional guidance. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis, treatment plan, and preventive strategies to help you recover and return to your sport.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.