Foot problems are prevalent among elderly individuals, often affecting mobility and overall quality of life. One common issue is plantar fasciitis, characterized by heel pain that can make walking uncomfortable. Another frequent concern is bunions, which can cause misalignment and pain in the big toe. Additionally, many seniors experience neuropathy, leading to numbness or tingling in the feet, which can increase the risk of falls. Arthritis can also cause stiffness and discomfort in the joints, further complicating mobility. Wearing proper footwear is essential in managing these conditions, as supportive shoes can alleviate pain and provide stability. Regular foot care, including nail trimming and moisturizing, is vital for preventing infections and maintaining foot health. If you are elderly and are experiencing pain or minor discomfort, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot problems can become increasingly common as we age, making everyday foot care especially important. To learn more about maintaining proper foot health, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Foot Problems

Certain foot problems may be more likely to affect older adults. 

Some examples of foot conditions that can be common in older adults include: 

• Dry, cracked skin

• Calluses and corns

• Blisters

• Ingrown toenails

• Deformities such as bunions or hammertoes

• Fungal infections

• Plantar warts

Systemic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, are also more likely to affect older people and manifest symptoms in the feet and ankles. 

Daily Foot Care Tips

Having a daily foot care routine can help detect problems early on and prevent future issues. 

Things that you can do at home to care for your feet include: 

• Washing the feet daily with warm water, drying them thoroughly, and then applying a moisturizer 

• Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails

• Performing daily foot exercises to improve foot strength and mobility

• Wearing shoes when walking to avoid injury

• Inspecting the feet daily for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities and seeking prompt treatment if any problems are discovered 

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

Foot neuropathy is a condition caused by nerve damage in the feet, often leading to pain, tingling, and numbness. One of the most common causes is diabetes, where high blood sugar levels damage nerve fibers over time, leading to diabetic neuropathy. An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, can also contribute to neuropathy by impairing nerve function due to reduced hormone levels. Chronic kidney disease may cause neuropathy as well, often as a result of toxin buildup that affects nerve health. Symptoms in the feet include a burning sensation, sharp pain, or a loss of sensation, which can interfere with balance and mobility. If you have signs of foot neuropathy, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can help you to manage this condition.

Neuropathy can cause permanent nerve damage if left untreated. If you are experiencing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that damages the nerves of the peripheral nervous system, which provide sensation to the limbs. The feet are often affected. Peripheral neuropathy can have many different causes, but it is most commonly associated with diabetes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Pain

• Numbness or tingling sensation

• Burning sensations

• Weakness

• Loss of balance

Diagnosis

Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed based on medical history and physical examination. Various tests performed during physical examinations can help determine the type of peripheral neuropathy you may have and what is causing it. 

Treatment

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy will depend on what is causing it. For example, if your peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes, then managing your blood sugar, exercising regularly to strengthen the legs and feet, and taking pain medications may be recommended as treatments. 

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

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and sometimes infection. This common condition typically affects the big toe and can be caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or injury to the toe. Genetics can also play a role, as some people have nails that naturally curve inward. To treat an ingrown toenail, start by soaking the foot in warm water several times a day to reduce swelling and soften the skin. Gently lifting the edge of the nail and placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss underneath can help guide the nail to grow outward. Mild pain relievers and antibiotic ointments can also help to manage discomfort and prevent infection. Prevention involves trimming nails straight across, avoiding cutting them too short, and wearing properly fitting shoes. If the condition worsens or becomes infected, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who may need to perform a minor procedure for partial nail removal. 

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include: 

• Pain

• Swelling

• Redness

• Warmth

• Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail. 

Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers. 

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

Cracked heels, or heel fissures, are a common condition where the skin on the heels becomes dry and thickened leading to discomfort and potential infection. The primary causes include prolonged standing, excessive pressure on the feet, and wearing open-back shoes that lack proper support. Dry skin, often worsened by cold or dry weather, can also contribute to the problem. It is essential to keep the feet moisturized by using thick, emollient creams designed for dry skin to find relief. Regular exfoliation can remove thickened skin and help to prevent cracks from deepening. Wearing supportive, well-fitting shoes and using orthotic inserts can reduce pressure on the heels. If your cracked heels are severe or show signs of infection, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for appropriate treatment.

Dry, cracked heels are more than a cosmetic inconvenience. For many people, they are uncomfortable, deep, painful, and may even bleed. If you suffer from cracked heels, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Causes

• Prolonged standing

• Wearing open-back shoes

• Wearing shoes that don’t cushion the heels

• Living in a cold or dry climate

• Taking long, hot showers

• Not moisturizing the heels

• Eczema

• Psoriasis

• Palmoplantar keratoderma

• Juvenile plantar dermatosis

Treatments

• Soaking the feet

• Exfoliating with a pumice stone

• Moisturizing the heels

• Wearing closed-back shoes that cushion heels

• Avoiding prolonged standing 

• Taking warm, rather than hot, showers

• Treating underlying skin conditions 

While milder cases of cracked heels can be treated at home, some patients present with deep, painful, bleeding heel fissures that are at risk of becoming infected and may require medical care. Additionally, patients with diabetes or any other conditions that affect the immune system should be monitored by a chiropodist. 

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