Podiatrists play a critical role in the health of elderly individuals. Fewer than 30% of patients over the age of 75 have the ability to look after the health of their lower extremities. Elderly individuals find it increasingly difficult to reach their feet, have the strength or eyesight to perform regular maintenance on the feet, and often cognitive disorders hinder the person’s awareness.

Podiatrists, like me, not only treat patients in an office, but still make house calls. We also make regular visits to long-term care facilities and assisted living centers. When I evaluate an elderly person’s lower extremities, I identify, manage, and treat those problems. Often, I perform simple tasks like trimming toenails and finding appropriate shoes.

Education is critical. The elderly patient should be informed on how to properly take care of their feet, especially if they have foot problems. Caregivers, whether at home or in long-term care facilities, should also be updated frequently on the status of the patient’s feet and how to continue providing care of the lower extremities. Pedicure treatments and general care differ if the elderly patient has a neurological or vascular disorder. Certain medication can also complicate other disorders so it is imperative that the patient and caregiver understand what complications can arise and how to minimize those complications.

The most important tip I have for the elderly population is to make an appointment for a clinical examination of the feet at least once a year.

Citation:
Imabe by myfuture.com. (2011). Checking in with a patient. Flickr. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/myfuturedotcom/6052491503/

Vacation Essentials

When planning your summer vacation, remember to pack these essential items:

Band-aids: Scrapes and minor cuts are bound to happen in unfamiliar settings. Pack a few in the luggage instead of traveling to the store to buy an entire pack when you should be enjoying vacation.

Antibiotic cream: Neosporin or similar products are very versatile and treats an array of skin injuries.

Lotion: Keep feet and legs hydrated while spending time in the sun.

Blister pads or Moleskin: A lot of people purchase new shoes right before vacation. Don’t let a blister get you down, pack blister pads in advance to keep you walking pain free.

Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, etc: There are many over the counter anti-inflammatory medications that can come in handy from headaches to swollen feet.

Sunscreen: Remember to use sunscreen on the top and bottom of your foot. Feet burn just like every other part of the body. Sunscreen also helps to prevent UV rays which can cause cancer.

Aloe Vera: If you do get a sun burn on your feet, use Aloe Vera to alleviate the burn and start the healing process.

Flip Flops: Always wear flip flops or shoes in hotel rooms, never go barefoot. There is an increased chance of catching Athlete’s foot and warts. They are also good for around the pool, spa, or airport security check points.

Toenail Clippers: You never know when a toenail will break, so bring toenail clippers with you.

Emery board: After clipping your nails, use an emery board to smooth those rough edges. Sometimes toenail clippers are not needed, and the emery board can smooth a broken nail.

Pumice Stone: If while relaxing you notice that your feet’s skin is a little callused, use a Pumice Stone to soften the skin.

If the unfortunate happens, and you injure your foot or ankle when you are on vacation, contact a podiatrist right away. They will be able to help fix the problem immediately. To find the nearest podiatrist, call the American Podiatric Medical Association’s phone number (800.FOOTCARE) or visit their website at www.apma.org. Remember to contact my office when you get back for a follow up visit.

Citation:
Image by epSos.de. (2009). Lazy Feet on a Blue Ocean Beach vacation. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/epsos/3520212719/

Serious Side of Poor Circulation

Prior blogs and information I've shared about poor circulation has focused on the typical pins and needle feeling that we all experience from time to time. But, poor circulation in the feet and legs can be caused by PAD, peripheral arterial disease. When the arteries become blocked, plaque builds up in the legs, thus the arteries harden and narrow resulting in poor circulation. PAD most commonly occurs in the feet and legs and affects 8 to 12 million Americans. Another scary statistic is that 1 in 5 people over 70 years old currently have PAD.

How can one limit the risks of PAD?

• Stay physically active & lose weight if obese
• Stop smoking
• Keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check
• Carefully monitor diabetes

If you or someone you know has any of the following symptoms, visit a podiatrist right away. Early detection can slow the progression of the disease. If left unattended, narrowing of the arteries can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

• Foot or toe pain when resting
• Slow healing skin wounds or ulcers on feet or toes
• Pain in legs, thighs, or buttocks when walking or working out
• Fatigue

Citation:
Photo by Adams999. (2011). Peripheral-Artery-Disease. Retrieved from Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/42045498@N05/5814509608/

Soccer Injuries

Soccer may not be America’s pastime, but it sure is growing in popularity. One thing to consider next time playing soccer is that soccer differs in respect to injuries.  Most sporting injuries are often due to the overuse of the foot and ankle muscles. Soccer injuries on the other hand tend to be caused by trauma.

Trauma in soccer? Yes, soccer is a physical contact sport, and can lead to a direct hit to the lower legs from other player’s legs and body. Here are some common lower extremity injuries associated with soccer.

• The soccer ball itself can cause considerable amount of bruising.
• Collision injuries account for 30% of all soccer injuries.
• Ankle sprains are the most common soccer injury, averaging roughly 20-30% of all soccer injuries.
• Players may experience turf toe from the rubbing of the toe on the inside of the cleat, or from stubbing a toe.

If an injury does occur while playing soccer, seek medical treatment and make an appointment to see a podiatrist. For less severe injuries, treatment can include RICE; rest, ice, compression, and elevation. For more severe injuries, the lower extremity may need to be immobilized with a brace or a cast. The most severe injuries may require surgery if the injury is not healing properly.

Soccer is a great sport for children because of the amount of physical exercise they get and helps to fight obesity in children. Just be aware of the physical injuries that can occur.

Citation:
Image by bobrpics. (2008). Soccer Forward. Flickr. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobrpics/3102237250/

Children's Feet: The Early Years - 5 Tips

The first year mark many milestones in a child’s life. Do you know that during a child’s first year, the foot grows so fast that it reaches almost half of what their adult foot size will become? Luckily their not usually walking for most of the first year, otherwise buying shoes to fit would become very expensive. That doesn't mean that feet should be neglected, as the first year is the most important to the development of a child’s feet. Follow these 5 tips.

1. Inspect your baby’s feet often for anything that may look out of place or discolored. If you notice a change that you are unsure is normal, make an appointment for the child to be evaluated. Early detection is best during developmental phases.
2. It’s common to bundle up the little bundle of joy, but be aware that the baby’s feet and lower extremities need to move for normal development to occur. Don’t cover the child too tightly where it restricts movement.
3. Be careful of the baby’s skin as it is very sensitive to over the counter medications. If at any point the child’s skin is red or swollen, make an appointment.
4. The first few nail trimmings are critical. Toenails should be trimmed straight across, not rounded. Rounded toenails can lead to ingrown toenails.
5. Let your child walk indoors without shoes when he/she begins to walk. This will allow for the foot to grow and strengthen. They will also learn the art of grabbing with their toes. If walking outdoors, the child should wear shoes and socks to avoid fungus's, cuts, and abrasions. 

Photo by nmoira. (2005). Walking Girl. Flickr. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/kindredspirits/18993747/