Many older adults suffer from swelling in the feet and ankles. This swelling can reduce mobility, make falls more likely to occur, and decrease overall comfort. Doing simple exercises can help reduce swelling in the lower limbs by helping the body pump fluids up from the feet and back into the center area of the body. Once the excess fluid is in the trunk of the body, it can be eliminated via urine. A simple exercise that you can do at home to reduce swelling in the ankles is ankle pumps. To do this exercise, lie down and elevate the feet. Moving only the feet, point your toes up towards your head, and then down away from your head. Go back and forth 30 times, completing this exercise three times per day. For more information about what you can do to reduce swelling in the lower limbs, consult with a podiatrist today.
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 Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. 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 left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
Plantar hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessively sweaty feet. It is fairly common, affecting 1-3% of the population. Plantar hyperhidrosis typically begins during childhood or adolescence. If you have this condition, you will find that both feet are often excessively sweaty, though the amount of sweating can range from mild to severe and constant. More severe cases of plantar hyperhidrosis can increase your risk of developing other foot problems, such as fungal or bacterial infections and friction blisters. If you suffer from plantar hyperhidrosis, there are many treatments available, including topical antiperspirants, iontophoresis, botox injections, and oral medications. To find out which treatments may be right for you, please consult with a podiatrist today.
Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.
Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.
In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.
A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media and Glen Mills, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Many older adults suffer from swelling in the feet and ankles. This swelling can reduce mobility, make falls more likely to occur, and decrease overall comfort. Doing simple exercises can help reduce swelling in the lower limbs by helping the body pump fluids up from the feet and back into the center area of the body. Once the excess fluid is in the trunk of the body, it can be eliminated via urine. A simple exercise that you can do at home to reduce swelling in the ankles is ankle pumps. To do this exercise, lie down and elevate the feet. Moving only the feet, point your toes up towards your head, and then down away from your head. Go back and forth 30 times, completing this exercise three times per day. For more information about what you can do to reduce swelling in the lower limbs, consult with a podiatrist today.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessively sweaty feet. It is fairly common, affecting 1-3% of the population. Plantar hyperhidrosis typically begins during childhood or adolescence. If you have this condition, you will find that both feet are often excessively sweaty, though the amount of sweating can range from mild to severe and constant. More severe cases of plantar hyperhidrosis can increase your risk of developing other foot problems, such as fungal or bacterial infections and friction blisters. If you suffer from plantar hyperhidrosis, there are many treatments available, including topical antiperspirants, iontophoresis, botox injections, and oral medications. To find out which treatments may be right for you, please consult with a podiatrist today.