Items filtered by date: Wednesday, 07 May 2025

Many people experience various foot conditions during their lifetime, and this may be prevalent among elderly people. Reasons this can happen may include general weakness, a change in walking style, or balance difficulties. After many years of walking and standing, it is not surprising that seniors may develop unwanted foot conditions. These can include toenail disorders, bunions, hammertoe, and corns. The feet have fat pads that provide shock absorption to the body, and these may decrease as the aging process occurs. This can lead to forcing other parts of the foot to absorb the pressure which has no protection, causing pain and discomfort. Poor circulation is a common ailment among elderly people and can result in feet that become numb. It is beneficial for seniors to implement simple practices into their daily routines that can protect their feet. These can include washing and drying the feet, followed by looking at the soles of the feet in a mirror for existing cuts and scrapes. Wearing the proper shoes will allow the toes to have ample room to move freely, and this can help prevent bunions and hammertoe. If you would like more information about how to care for an elderly person’s feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer you helpful tips.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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 Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It may be surprising, but one area of the body that is often neglected is the feet. When everyday foot care is practiced, the feet can look and feel their best. Investing time in foot care may help to prevent unwanted foot conditions from developing. There are simple and effective methods to implement that consist of washing and drying the feet daily, followed by applying a good moisturizer. Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short is important to possibly prevent an ingrown toenail. Calluses may be minimized by exfoliating the skin on a regular basis and this can be done by gently using a pumice stone. Additionally, this may help improve the overall appearance of the feet. The feet are susceptible to bacterial and fungal growth, which could lead to athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. If you would like more information and have questions about how to perform proper foot care, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Stress fractures are a common occurrence among people who enjoy running. A stress fracture, also known as a hairline fracture, generally occurs due to excessive strain on the foot bones. Stress fractures may result from increasing speed or distance too quickly and can be a runner's worst nightmare. The number of stress fractures may be reduced when good running shoes are worn, in addition to stretching the feet before and after running. Many runners experience an emotional condition that is known as runner’s blues. This may happen from the inability to run as the healing process occurs. This can take several weeks, depending on how severe the fracture is. Many people choose to use crutches as this can help restore mobility. If you have foot pain, please consult a podiatrist who can determine if a stress fracture has occurred and can offer you treatment options.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Foot conditions, including gout, plantar fasciitis, and calluses can be related to being overweight or obese. Feet and legs hold you up, and the more weight they sustain, the more pressure they are under. It is like a support beam holding up a bridge that is too heavy and susceptible to collapse. Being overweight can also cause medical issues that can negatively affect the feet, such as diabetes, and can make exercising more uncomfortable. Fortunately, we can appreciate our own unique bodies while still working on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing foot pain. Improving diet and exercise are the first things that should be tended to. Simply cutting back on high sugar foods and alcohol can make a difference in one’s weight. Adding even a small amount of exercise will reduce pressure on your feet as well. Make it a routine, and have patience with yourself in developing new habits. If you are overweight and have foot pain, consider consulting with a podiatrist who can provide further suggestions for reducing pressure on your feet.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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