As people age, the feet often undergo changes that can affect comfort, mobility, and overall health. Common issues include loss of muscle strength, thinning skin, reduced circulation, and changes in toenail thickness or color. These changes can lead to discomfort, instability, or an increased risk of falls. Elderly people may notice aching feet, reduced balance, numbness, or difficulty fitting into shoes. These symptoms are often caused by a combination of natural aging, chronic conditions like arthritis, bunions, or diabetes- related problems. A podiatrist can evaluate these changes, and offer strategies for maintaining foot strength and flexibility. Treatment often includes lifestyle changes, orthotics, or targeted exercises. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to ensure your feet remain healthy, comfortable, and supportive as you age.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of South Jersey Foot & Ankle Institute. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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

Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe joint that occurs when the toe bends too far backward, stretching or tearing the soft tissues that support it. This injury commonly affects athletes who play on hard or artificial surfaces, such as football or soccer players. But this type of toe sprain can also develop in gymnasts, dancers, or wrestlers who frequently push off the front of the foot. Symptoms include pain at the base of the big toe, swelling, bruising, and stiffness, which can make walking or bending the toe difficult. The severity can range from mild overstretching to complete tearing of the ligaments around the joint. Turf toe can develop suddenly from a single forceful movement or gradually through repetitive stress on the toe. A podiatrist can diagnose turf toe, determine the extent of damage, and provide treatment options ranging from conservative care to surgery, in severe cases. If you are experiencing symptoms of turf toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of South Jersey Foot & Ankle Institute. Our doctors 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 contact our office located in Mullica Hill, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, most often affecting the big toe. It has long been called the disease of kings, due to its association with rich foods and indulgence. A gout attack can bring sudden, intense pain, swelling, and redness, making it difficult to walk or wear shoes. To help manage gout, it is best to avoid foods high in purines such as red meat, shellfish, and alcohol while choosing more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low fat dairy. A podiatrist can provide treatment for pain relief and guidance for prevention. If you are experiencing gout symptoms, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with effective management and prevention tips. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from South Jersey Foot & Ankle Institute. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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