Items filtered by date: March 2024

Foot pain in older people is often a result of various factors, including structural disorders like corns, calluses, nail disorders, bunions, and hammertoes. In addition, foot pain in older adults may be caused by systemic conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and diabetes. This pain can significantly restrict mobility, inhibit daily activities, affect balance, and diminish overall quality of life. Seeking help from a podiatrist is essential for dealing with the many types of foot pain brought on by the aging process. Podiatrists specialize in addressing foot and ankle problems, offering expertise in assessing, diagnosing, and treating conditions specific to the feet. With their guidance, older individuals can receive personalized care aimed at relieving pain, improving mobility, and improving well-being. For help with foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Are you often hiding your feet in closed-toe shoes, even at home? Crooked toes, including conditions like hammertoes, claw toes, and mallet toes, can cause embarrassment and discomfort for many individuals. They often result from a combination of genetic predisposition, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or underlying foot deformities. Besides the physical appearance, crooked toes can lead to pain, corns, and calluses due to friction against the footwear. Podiatrists offer various approaches to relieve symptoms and correct crooked toes. Conservative treatments may include wearing wider shoes, padding to reduce pressure, and custom orthotics to improve toe alignment. In more severe cases, surgical options like toe-straightening procedures may be recommended to alleviate pain and restore normal toe function. If you have bothersome crooked toes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for tailored treatment and relief.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

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 feel free to contact our office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pregnancy is a transformative journey marked by numerous bodily changes, including those affecting the feet. As the body undergoes hormonal shifts and weight gain, the feet bear the brunt of these transformations, often resulting in the development of various foot conditions. Swelling, or edema, is a common occurrence due to fluid retention, causing the feet to appear puffy and uncomfortable. Additionally, the increased pressure on the arches may lead to the onset or exacerbation of conditions such as plantar fasciitis or flat feet. Hormonal changes can also impact ligaments and joints, potentially causing instability and discomfort in the ankles and feet. To mitigate these issues, pregnant individuals are advised to wear supportive footwear, elevate their feet when possible, and engage in gentle exercises to improve circulation and alleviate swelling. If you have developed foot conditions during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can guide you toward finding relief.

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 New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Leaving cracked heels untreated poses several risks that can affect your health. When the skin on the heels becomes excessively dry and develops calluses, it leads to deep fissures or cracks. These openings increase the risk of foot infections and leave an entry point for bacteria. Cracked heels can also lead to pain, discomfort, and difficulty walking, which may interfere with day-to-day activities. In severe cases, untreated cracked heels may result in bleeding and increase the risk of cellulitis, a serious bacterial skin infection. Foot wounds may develop when cracked heels become infected, and this is especially important to avoid for people with diabetes and the associated loss of circulation in the feet. Cracked heels may also signal underlying health issues, such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid disorders. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat the issue and prevent complications.

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 Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. 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

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

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 New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.