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December 2018

The importance of properly taking care of your feet is crucial to overall foot health, and it amplifies as the aging process occurs. Research has shown women to have approximately four times as many foot conditions than men, and this may be due to wearing high heels for many years, which may not allow adequate room for the toes to move about in. Aging may cause the feet to change sizes, and this may be a result of the feet becoming flattened and spread out as time evolves. Wearing shoes that do not fit properly can cause corns to form, and this is mainly because of increased friction the toes may bear. Additionally, a fungus may develop that is known as Athlete's foot, and this is extremely contagious and may be prevented by wearing appropriate shoes in public pools and surrounding areas. It is suggested to consult with a podiatrist for additional information on how to avoid potential foot ailments in elderly people.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Tina Oliver from Astro Foot Care, PA. 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 Houston, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Friday, 21 December 2018 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet.

Want to wear open toe shoes again? ...Special occasion? Vacation? ...You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails.

Published in Blog
Monday, 17 December 2018 00:00

What Is the Definition of Plantar Fasciitis?

There is a portion of tissue that is located on the bottom of the foot, which is referred to as the plantar fascia. The purpose of this tissue is to connect the heel bone to the toes. Severe pain and discomfort may develop in the heel area if the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. It may feel worse in the morning upon arising, and the pain may gradually diminish as the day progresses. This condition is known as plantar fasciitis, and there may be several reasons why this ailment may develop. Common causes may include being obese, which may exert excess weight on the heels, wearing shoes that fit incorrectly, in addition to standing on hard surfaces for extended periods of time. Research has shown there may be gentle stretches that can be performed, which may bring temporary desired relief. If you suspect you may have this uncomfortable condition, it is advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can perform a correct diagnosis and proper treatment techniques can begin.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Tina Oliver from Astro Foot Care, PA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

 

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Published in Blog
Monday, 10 December 2018 00:00

Are Broken Toes a Serious Condition?

The bones in the toe are known to be fragile, and may easily break if a foot injury occurs, or if something heavy is dropped on it. A broken toe is serious if the bone is protruding through the skin, which may make an infection likely to occur. There are common symptoms that people may experience if they have broken a toe, including stiffness in the toe and surrounding area, pain, swelling, or bruising that may gradually disappear. If something heavy was dropped on the toe, the nail bed may become bruised as a result of the injury, which will diminish as the nail grows. It may be beneficial to demonstrate care in performing specific daily activities including walking and jogging until the toe is completely healed, which may take up to six weeks. If you have broken your toe, please consult with a podiatrist to learn about correct treatment options.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Tina Oliver from Astro Foot Care, PA. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Throbbing pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising on the skin and toenail
  • The inability to move the toe
  • Toe appears crooked or disfigured
  • Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

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Published in Blog
Friday, 07 December 2018 00:00

Heel Pain Can be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning?

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People who enjoy the sport of cycling may understand the importance of wearing proper shoes while biking. These specific shoes are designed to attach to the pedals by cleats that are located on the bottom of the shoe, which may allow foot pain to be avoided. This improved method may prevent the shoes from slipping while pedaling, which may possibly result in more efficient use of the foot muscles. Research has shown that the late afternoon may be a beneficial time in choosing the correct shoe, when the feet are generally at their largest. Most shoes that are worn for cycling will stretch minimally over the course of time, and it is advised that they fit properly at the time of purchase. If you would like to have additional information about the benefits of wearing cycling shoes, please speak with a podiatrist.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Tina Oliver from Astro Foot Care, PA. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

  • Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
  • Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
  • Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
  • Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

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