Items filtered by date: September 2024

Routine foot care is essential for seniors, as they are more prone to foot problems due to age-related changes in circulation, skin, and joint health. Ignoring aches, pains, or minor issues can lead to complications, potentially affecting mobility and overall quality of life. Seniors should regularly check their feet for signs of dryness, cracks, or sores, especially if they have conditions like diabetes, which can increase the risk of infection. Keeping feet clean, moisturized, and toenails properly trimmed can prevent discomfort and reduce the chance of developing serious issues. Foot pain may signal underlying problems like arthritis, bunions, or poor circulation. Untreated, these can worsen and interfere with walking or standing. If you are a senior and have foot problems, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist at the first sign of discomfort to help prevent minor issues from becoming major.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Jill Scholz, DPM from Town Square Family 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 office located in Coralville, IA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, affects blood flow to the extremities, often causing pain, numbness, and discomfort in the feet. To find relief from PAD, managing underlying conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure is essential. Regular exercise, such as walking, can improve circulation and reduce symptoms by encouraging blood flow. Wearing well-fitting, comfortable shoes helps alleviate pressure points and prevent sores. Maintaining a healthy diet and quitting smoking can also significantly benefit vascular health. In more severe cases, medical interventions like angioplasty or surgery might be necessary to restore blood flow. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can perform regular foot health checks.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Jill Scholz, DPM from Town Square Family Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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

Engaging in regular exercises focused on the toes, feet, and ankles can significantly enhance foot health and alleviate discomfort. These foot exercises, such as stretching the Achilles tendon, rotating the ankles, and performing heel raises, are beneficial in improving flexibility, strength, and balance. They can be particularly helpful for individuals experiencing foot pain or stiffness. Starting slowly and gradually increasing intensity is advisable, especially for those new to exercise. While these exercises can be done at home, it is wise to consult a podiatrist before beginning any new regimen. A podiatrist can provide personalized advice, ensuring that the exercises you choose are safe and effective for your specific foot condition. This foot doctor can also identify underlying issues that may need professional treatment. If you have problems with your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jill Scholz, DPM from Town Square Family Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Coralville, IA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Puncture wounds on the foot occur when a sharp object, such as a nail or splinter, penetrates the skin and underlying tissues. These injuries can lead to localized pain, swelling, and redness at the site of the puncture. In some cases, infection can develop, resulting in increased pain, pus, and fever. The presence of a foreign object may not always be visible, making proper diagnosis important. A podiatrist will typically perform a thorough examination, possibly including X-rays or other imaging tests, to determine the extent of the injury and whether any debris remains embedded. Timely treatment is essential to prevent complications. If you have sustained a puncture wound on your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can successfully treat this condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Jill Scholz, DPM from Town Square Family Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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