Items filtered by date: December 2024

As people age, the feet undergo various changes that can impact their structure and function. A noticeable change is the flattening of the foot arch. Over time, the ligaments and tendons that support the arch weaken, causing it to collapse. This can lead to discomfort and conditions like flat feet. Additionally, the width of the feet often increases with age due to the loosening of ligaments and the natural spread of the bones. As the foot becomes wider, it may be harder to find properly fitting shoes, leading to discomfort or irritation. The skin on the feet can also lose elasticity, contributing to dryness and calluses. These changes to the feet can affect mobility and overall foot health, making it important to regularly check foot health and seek appropriate footwear for support and comfort. If you are elderly, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and help you to monitor your foot health. 

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. 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 offices located in Cedarhurst and Franklin Square, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters between the toes are often caused by friction, moisture, or infections. They can be painful and make walking uncomfortable. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and fluid-filled pockets that may burst and cause irritation. Among the causes of blisters are allergies to certain shoes or materials, fungal infections like athlete's foot, or poorly fitting shoes that create friction. Fungal infections often occur in damp environments and may lead to itching, cracking, and peeling skin between the toes. Allergies to shoe materials or detergents can also trigger blisters. Tight shoes or socks that trap moisture can worsen friction, increasing the likelihood of blisters forming. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For fungal infections, antifungal creams or powders can help, while wearng proper shoes and moisturizing can prevent friction-related blisters. A podiatrist can assess your condition and recommend the best treatment, whether it is antifungal therapy or advice on proper footwear. If you are struggling with blisters between your toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for professional care and advice.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Robert Stein, DPM of South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Cedarhurst and Franklin Square, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fibromas are benign growths of fibrous tissue that develop within the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the sole of the foot. These firm nodules are often found in the arch and may cause discomfort, especially when walking or standing. The exact cause is unknown, but plantar fibromas may develop due to genetic predisposition, minor injuries, or repetitive stress on the foot. People with a family history or those with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or liver disease, are more likely to experience them. Diagnosis involves a physical examination by a podiatrist, who may confirm the presence of fibromas with imaging tests like an ultrasound or MRI scans. Treatment options include custom orthotic inserts, corticosteroid injections, targeted exercises, and in severe cases, surgical removal. If you have symptoms of plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Robert Stein, DPM of South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Cedarhurst and Franklin Square, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.