Maintaining the health of one’s feet is important for everyone, regardless of their age. However, it is especially important for senior citizens, who tend to lose their natural fat cushioning and muscle strength in the feet. There are a number of tips that seniors might consider following to look after the health of their feet. First, you could consider taking walks regularly. Although this may seem simple, walking is one of the easiest ways to strengthen and exercise the feet. Walking can give seniors the full range of motion in the feet needed to keep the feet strong and agile. As an added bonus, walking can additionally improve circulation to one’s feet, helping blood flow throughout the feet and lower legs. Second, you can regularly examine your feet. If a senior can identify any cuts, calluses, or other abnormalities early enough, they might be able to prevent a larger complication down the road. If a senior is unable to examine their own feet, a loved one or care provider might be able to perform these examinations. If you are a senior, don’t take the health of your feet for granted  –see a podiatrist today.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. 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 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

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 the Upper West Side, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The medical condition known as flat feet exists as a result of little or no arch in the foot. It is easy to notice and can be seen by standing on the floor with the entire foot lying flat. It can be referred to as pes planus, or fallen arches, and most babies are born with this condition. It generally disappears as most arches are fully developed by the teenage years. There is a small percentage of patients who have flat feet throughout adulthood that may induce pain and discomfort. There are various types, and flexible flat feet are the most common. It is evident when the arch is visible as the foot is lifted. Additionally, a tight Achilles tendon may be a source of flat feet and often affects the arch. The heel can lift sooner than it should while walking and running, and it can cause pain and discomfort. If a foot injury occurs and the tendon that connects the inside of the ankle to the calf muscle becomes swollen or torn, the arch can be affected, possibly resulting in flat feet. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can prescribe custom-made orthotics, which may help to strengthen the area where the arch normally is.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Kohler disease, aseptic necrosis of the tarsal bone, or Osteochondrosis of the tarsal bone, are all one in the same. It is a rare condition that affects the tarsal navicular bone in the arch of the foot. The bone becomes compressed, breaks into pieces, and heals and hardens back into bone. Symptoms of this disease include tenderness, swelling, and redness. A limp or abnormal gait can develop in the foot affected with this problem. The exact cause of this condition is not known, but some scientists believe that it might be a result of excessive strain on the tarsal navicular bone or related to blood vessels before the bone is completely hardened. If you have pain in the arch of your foot, it is important to see a podiatrist to have this or any other cause diagnosed and treated.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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

Pregnant women produce about 50% more body fluids and blood than a developing baby needs for normal growth. This can lead to swelling in the overall body, including the ankles and feet. This is referred to as edema and may become worse as the pregnancy progresses. Research has indicated that extra fluid accounts for 25% of the total weight most women gain during their pregnancy. There may be additional reasons why there may be more swelling than usual, including heat from the summer months, standing for extended periods of time, and a diet that may be low in potassium. Among the effective relief methods are frequently elevating the feet, drinking plenty of fresh water daily, and reducing sodium intake. It also may help to wear loose clothing and apply cold compresses on swollen areas of the body. Wearing supportive tights or stockings may help to relieve some of the swelling. It is beneficial to refrain from drinking anything that is made with caffeine. If you have swollen feet and would like to know additional ways of managing this condition, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

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 Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. 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?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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