Many people who are elderly may develop uncomfortable foot conditions as they age. Research has shown there may be many reasons for this to occur. This may include a loss of cushioning in the skin and the nails losing moisture, which may become brittle. If you are contending with poor circulation, any sores that may be present may prove difficult to heal. People of all ages should check their feet regularly to look for cuts, blisters, or ingrown toenails. This is especially true of the older population who may experience difficulty in seeing clearly or bending down. Some patients find it helpful to use a mirror to see the bottom of their feet, or may ask a family member or friend for assistance. It’s important to have your feet measured frequently to ensure the correct size shoe is worn, in addition to wearing socks that fit snugly but are not too tight. If you find conditions such as ingrown toenails, bunions, or corns have developed, it’s suggested to speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible for correct treatment.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Warren, Livingston, and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you’ve worn shoes that fit incorrectly or are too tight, the friction that occurs may cause blisters to form on the toes and feet. They are observed as small areas that are filled with fluid, which is often seen in the top layer of the skin. The blister serves as a defense mechanism to protect the skin against germs and infections from entering the body, as a result of the skin disintegrating from excess pressure. There may be many causes of blisters, including sunburn, frostbite, or a skin condition such as dermatitis. Some people may find that insect bites may be a cause of blisters, in addition to having an allergic reaction to specific chemicals. Research has shown the importance of leaving the bister alone until it can dissolve naturally, which generally occurs when the skin is fully healed. Preventative measures can be taken by ceasing to wear the shoes or stopping the activity that caused the blisters. For severe blisters on the feet, please speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to learn how they can be treated properly.

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 Dr. Kenneth Donovan of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Warren, Livingston, and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has shown that when proper foot care is maintained, many foot ailments may be avoided. It may typically begin with choosing shoes that correctly fit your foot. It’s beneficial to have your feet measured before purchasing shoes to ensure you are buying the correct size. This is especially important due to the fact that the feet may change sizes as you age. Additionally, it’s helpful to measure the feet when they are at their largest, and this most often occurs at the end of the day. After you find a comfortable fit, it’s important to make sure there is enough room between your longest toe and the top of the shoe. The feet may feel more comfortable when the material flexible and soft, and conforms to the shape of your foot. If you would like additional information about how to properly fit yourself for shoes, please consult with a podiatrist.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Warren, Livingston, and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

You should always take care of your feet to make sure they stay at their best. If you are looking for ways to practice proper foot care, you should start with washing your feet every day in warm water. When you are finished washing your feet, you should carefully dry them and make sure the spaces between your toes are dry as well. Additionally, you should check your feet every day to see if there are any sores, blisters, or cuts on your feet. Trimming your toenails is another important step in foot care. When you cut your nails, be sure to cut them straight across instead of in a rounded shape. If you find it difficult to trim your nails or need guidance on how to properly care for your feet, an appointment with your podiatrist can help.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Warren, Livingston, and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.