Chronic foot pain is a common concern among older adults, and it often increases with advancing age. Years of wear and tear can weaken bones, joints, ligaments, and soft tissues, making the feet more vulnerable to discomfort and injury. Risk factors include being female, excess body weight, and conditions such as osteoarthritis, which can cause stiffness, swelling, and ongoing pain. Depression may also play a role by altering pain perception and reducing physical activity, which can further strain the feet. A podiatrist can identify the source of chronic foot pain through a thorough evaluation and imaging, when needed. Treatment may include custom orthotics, footwear guidance, targeted therapies, and management of underlying conditions. If foot pain is limiting your mobility or quality of life, it is suggested that you seek professional care with a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and guide you on elderly foot care tips.

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 Metro Foot & Ankle. 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 Tempe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle fractures involve breaks in the bones that form the ankle joint. This includes the tibia and fibula, which are leg bones that meet at the talus, which supports the foot as it moves up and down. Some injuries also affect the back or inner edges of the tibia, known as the posterior and medial malleolus. These fractures typically occur when the ankle twists inward or outward, but they can also result from falling, missing a step, or landing awkwardly in worn-out shoes with inadequate support or while wearing flip-flops. Stable fractures keep the joint aligned, while unstable fractures cause the talus to shift, raising the risk of long-term pain and arthritis. A podiatrist can assess bone position, review imaging, and determine whether the ankle can heal with protection or if surgery is needed to regain alignment. If you believe you have fractured an ankle bone, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Metro Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. Symptoms often include sharp or stabbing heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged standing, tenderness along the arch, and swelling. Causes include overuse, repetitive stress, high impact activities, wearing improper footwear, and biomechanical issues such as flat feet or high arches. Risk factors include obesity, age, occupation, and certain sports. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot mechanics, recommending stretching and strengthening exercises, providing custom orthotics, and offering treatments to reduce pain and inflammation. If heel pain is affecting daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on. 

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 one of our podiatrists from Metro Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 Tempe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Medical professionals spend long hours on their feet, making the right shoes essential for comfort and support throughout the day. Good footwear should offer comfort, versatility, durability, and a proper fit to prevent fatigue and strain. Popular choices include clogs, slip on shoes, and supportive sneakers, each offering unique benefits such as cushioning, stability, and ease of movement. A well-constructed shoe can reduce stress on the feet, ankles, and lower back while improving overall posture. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure and recommend footwear that best matches your work demands and comfort needs. If your current shoes are causing discomfort or fatigue, or if you have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on the correct shoes to wear. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Metro Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Tempe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.