If you are over the age of 50, you are likely familiar with foot pain. Studies indicate that 20 percent of older adults regularly experience foot pain, often attributed to factors like excess weight or poorly fitting footwear. However, foot pain also can be a sign of more significant health concerns that affect balance and foot function, and increase the risk of falls. Persistent foot pain may signal underlying health issues, such as stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, and gout. Stress fractures, common in older adults due to thinning bone tissue, may require rest, special shoe inserts, or braces. Plantar fasciitis, involving inflammation of the ligament connecting the heel to the front of the foot, should be examined if it persists. Neuropathy, common in individuals with diabetes, causes tingling, burning, and foot numbness. Prompt investigation is essential, as neuropathy can stem from various causes, including alcohol overuse or infections like Lyme disease and cancer. Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, is often misdiagnosed and overlooked. It typically begins in the big toe, causing severe pain, especially at night. Diagnosis involves blood work to check uric acid levels, fluid sample analysis for urate crystals, and ultrasound. If you are feeling foot pain on a continued basis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a complete examination and proper diagnosis. Treatment options will follow. 

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails, a discomfort that can disrupt the rhythm of your daily life, often stem from a combination of factors. The primary cause lies in the toenail's edge growing into the surrounding skin, triggering inflammation and pain. Improper toenail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or sustaining injuries to the toe can contribute to this unwelcome development. Recognizing the signs of an ingrown toenail is vital for timely intervention. Persistent pain, redness, and swelling around the toenail, coupled with potential drainage of pus, signify the onset. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can escalate into infections, posing greater challenges. Understanding the causes and recognizing early signs empowers individuals to address ingrown toenails promptly, restoring comfort and preserving the health of their feet. Ingrown toenails can be a serious foot condition. If you have symptoms of this ailment, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer you correct treatment options.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Gout is not only about discomfort. If not addressed, especially when it is ongoing, it can evolve into major health challenges over the years. There are formations called tophi, which essentially are hardened clusters of urate crystals. These can emerge in various areas, including the feet. Even though they might not always be painful, neglecting them can harm your bones, cartilage, and joints. With prolonged gout, individuals often experience regular joint inflammation. This consistent swelling, combined with tophi, can result in permanent joint alterations and rigidity. In extreme situations, surgical intervention might be necessary to rectify or even replace damaged joints. Additionally, gout raises the likelihood of kidney stone formation. This happens because urate crystals can accumulate in the urinary system. Over time, if these stones block your kidneys, it can lead to scarring and damage. There's a belief that this kind of kidney damage, if not treated, can progress to chronic kidney ailments. Moreover, the persistent pain due to chronic gout can be mentally taxing. It can hinder daily activities like walking and working, leading to emotional strain. If you have gout, it is strongly suggested that you make a n appointment with a podiatrist to get treatment for this painful affliction before it takes more of a toll on your body and mind.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Whether you are dealing with chronic discomfort, the aftermath of an injury, or the wear and tear of daily life, Multiwave Locked System, or MLS, laser therapy may be a solution. MLS laser therapy is a non-invasive approach to foot pain. It aids in recovery from a variety of foot ailments, including sports injuries, arthritic pain, and nerve pain from diabetes, as well as heel pain from plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon injuries. It has also been helpful in dealing with wounds that will not heal. MLS laser therapy does not involve medication, needles, or surgery and is FDA-approved for both safety and effectiveness. Furthermore, MLS laser therapy addresses the challenge of inflammation, a common hindrance to mobility and a source of discomfort in podiatric conditions. It actively reduces inflammation, decreasing pain and increasing comfort. MLS laser therapy not only accelerates the healing process but also allows for treatment plans that cater to specific foot care needs. To determine if MLS laser therapy is right for you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

MLS Laser Therapy is a successful alternative for treating any pain you may be experiencing related to certain podiatric conditions.  If you are interested in MLS Laser Therapy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

MLS Laser Therapy

Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy is a patented, FDA-cleared technology that helps relieve pain and inflammation from a number of podiatric conditions, including:

• Heel Pain
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Sports Injuries
• Wounds
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Arthritis
• Neuropathy
• Neuromas

MLS Laser Therapy is an ideal alternative to surgery and prescription medication, as it has no negative side effects and encourages accelerated healing. Among its many clinical benefits, MLS Laser Therapy also:

• Reduces swelling due to bruising or inflammation
• Blocks pain
• Reduces formation of scar tissue
• Improves nerve function

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