Wrinkles and back pain aren’t the only issues you may deal with as you get older. You may also notice changes in your feet that can leave you prone to aches, pain, cracked heels and other unpleasant issues. As you get older it’s important that you provide your aging feet with what they need, and sometimes that means consulting a podiatrist for additional care and treatment. Here are some tips to keep your aging feet looking and feeling their best,Clean Feet Daily
It’s easy for our feet, just like the rest of our bodies, to pick up bacteria and fungus. Washing your feet with soap and water every day can help to remove these germs to prevent infections. Just remember to always dry your feet off thoroughly after bathing to reduce your risk for fungal infections. While you can do this at any time of the night, bathing and washing your feet in the evening could help you relax prior to bedtime.
Keep Feet Moisturized
You may notice that as you get older your skin also gets drier. While staying hydrated will certainly help to keep skin supple and moisturized, it’s also a good idea to apply a moisturizer to your feet to prevent cracking or broken skin (which can lead to infection). Once you’ve applied moisturizer to the feet it’s a good idea to cover the feet with socks made from breathable material such as cotton.
Trim Nails Properly
If you neglect to trim nails regularly you may find that long nails are prone to fungal infections and ingrown toenails. If you are able to trim nails yourself you will want to trim them so they are level with the tips of the toes (any lower and you could risk an ingrown toenail). Always trim nails straight across, never curve the edges of the nails. If you are having trouble trimming your own nails you can turn to a podiatrist for proper foot care.
Wear Appropriate Footwear
With all the changes that occur to your feet as you get older, it’s particularly important that you wear the proper footwear that will provide additional support and cushioning. It’s also important that you have your feet properly measured (best done in the afternoon when feet are at their largest due to swelling) and shoes fitted by a specialist. If you are dealing with blisters, calluses, and sore feet then you’ll want to talk with your podiatrist about getting different shoes or about getting custom orthotics/arch support.
Fungal infections, bunions and ingrown toenails can appear almost instantly, so having a podiatrist that you can turn to for regular care and treatment can provide you with peace of mind. Talk with your podiatrist about how to keep your aging feet feeling young and healthy.
The cold winter weather can be brutal on our skin, particularly our feet. If you find yourself dealing with dry, cracked, and painful feet every year, it’s important to understand the best ways to keep feet supple and healthy throughout the winter months. While some people such as diabetics will need to get regular podiatry care from a qualified medical professional everyone needs to turn to a podiatrist to protect their feet from infamous fungal infections and painful winter heels.Moisture, Moisture, Moisture
Need we repeat ourselves? Moisturizer is going to be your feet’s best friend, particularly during the wintertime. It’s time to lather on an emollient-rich moisturizer immediately after stepping out of the shower or tub when your skin is best able to lock in moisture. Hydration is key to preventing dry, cracked skin. Some moisturizing creams also offer other great skin perks such as anti-inflammatory and self-repair properties. If you are particularly prone to dry feet, you may choose to moisturize 2-3 times a day.
Exfoliate
One way to keep that dry skin at bay is to use a scrub or a pumice stone on your feet so dry skin doesn’t even have a chance to build up. Make sure to soak your feet in warm water for several minutes to soften the skin before exfoliating. You may choose to do this yourself, or if you have a condition such as diabetes you may want to turn to a podiatry professional to have your feet properly cared for to prevent complications. Using a pumice stone and exfoliating your feet regularly can prevent the development of painful and unsightly calluses.
Don’t Forget Your Toenails
Your poor toenails often get overlooked, especially during the winter months. Don’t get lazy on us! It’s important to keep toenails properly cared for to prevent issues such as ingrown toenails and fungal infections. Make sure that you are clipping your toenails properly. Regularly apply cuticle oil around the nails to help lock in moisture and to strengthen the nails. Don’t have cuticle oil? Coconut oil also works great!
Be kind to your feet this winter. If you have questions or concerns about your feet, it’s important to turn to a podiatrist who can provide you with the care you need.
So, one of our Columbus, OH, podiatrists just told you that you have a bunion. Now what? The good news is that if this problem was detected early on it can be managed through home care and simple lifestyle modifications. Our goal here at Clintonville Foot & Ankle Group is to manage your foot pain and to prevent the bunion from getting worse. Here’s what you can to treat your bunion,
Try an OTC Pain Reliever
If you are dealing with a bout of bunion pain then you may be looking for a simple, effective way to, at the very least, temporarily quell the pain. In this case, it won’t hurt to take a simple non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) such as ibuprofen. This type of medication won’t just alleviate pain but also reduce swelling. While you won’t want to take this medication every day or for any long period of time, it is a great way to provide relief when your bunions are really acting up.
Exercise Your Feet
Don’t ignore the importance of foot exercises for improving the health of your feet even with a bunion. Sure, it won’t get rid of a bunion, but exercises can keep your feet limber and strong to prevent the problem from getting worse. There are tons of exercises out there that are geared to those with bunions, but feel free to ask our Columbus, OH, foot doctors to show you different exercises that could help you.
Say Goodbye to Improper Footwear
One of the most important steps you can take to prevent your bunion from getting worse is to avoid any and all shoes that could agitate the problem and make it worse. This means getting rid of shoes with a pointed toe, shoes that bunch up your toes or put pressure on the bunion, shoes with a heel that’s higher than 2 inches, and any old, worn-out shoes. When it comes to shopping for new shoes, ask someone in the store to measure your feet to ensure that you get shoes that don’t just provide you with support and cushioning but also fit your feet perfectly from the start.
Have questions about bunion exercises to alleviate pain or want to know how to manage your bunion symptoms? If so, the team at Clintonville Foot & Ankle Group can provide you with the bunion care you need at their Columbus or Dublin, OH, office. Looking for a podiatrist? Then call us today. For North High Street in Columbus, phone (614) 267-8387. In Dublin, call (614) 761-1466, and on Briggs Road in Columbus, reach us at (614) 272-2313.
Know the signs that it’s time to turn to a medical professional for heel pain treatment.
Mild heel pain is a problem that you can sometimes treat with simple home care and rest; however, it’s important not to ignore the pain or to push through the pain, as this can result in more damage and inflamed tissue. The longer you leave heel pain untreated or improperly treated the worse it can get. Wondering if it’s time to visit our Columbus, OH, podiatrists to care? It might be time if,
You can’t put weight on the foot
Sure, heel pain can make it more challenging to get around, but it shouldn’t be impossible. If you have trouble even just putting weight on the heel then this could be a sign of a fracture or more serious issue that requires immediate medical attention from our Columbus, OH, podiatrist.
Your pain is severe
If your heel pain develops suddenly or is severe then do not try and treat the problem at home, you should play it safe and see your podiatrist as soon as possible. While heel pain is most often caused by simple overuse injuries such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, they don’t often result in severe pain. In this case, severe pain could be a sign that there is something more urgent going on.
You develop a fever
Heel pain is a localized issue; however, if a fever also appears, this is another reason to see a medical professional. After all, increased inflammation or redness, red streaks in the foot, fever and increased pain could all be signs of an infection. A foot infection needs to be treated right away to prevent complications.
You have diabetes
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, then you know how important it is to keep your feet healthy. You also understand that you are at risk for foot-related complications such as ulcers and nerve damage. This is why it’s so incredibly important that you see your foot doctor right away if you develop any kind of foot or ankle problems (including heel pain), no matter how minor they may seem.
With two offices in Columbus, OH, and one in Dublin, OH, Clintonville Foot & Ankle Group is your premier podiatrist here in Central Ohio. If you are dealing with heel pain that just won’t quit, give us a call. For North High Street in Columbus, phone (614) 267-8387. In Dublin, call (614) 761-1466, and on Briggs Road in Columbus, reach us at (614) 272-2637.
Foot and ankle injuries are fairly common and can happen to anyone, not just athletes. While minor strains and sprains can be nursed back to health by simply resting and icing your injury, it’s important to be able to discern when you need to see a podiatrist for care. Put your feet up and check out these signs that it might be time to schedule a podiatry appointment.You are dealing with persistent heel pain
Heel pain is a common complaint and most often the result of an overuse injury such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. The good news is that heel pain will usually go away on its own with rest and home care; however, if the heel pain is severe or persists for weeks without getting better than it’s time to see a podiatrist and find out what’s going on.
You’re dealing with a sprained or fractured foot
If you are dealing with a new foot and ankle injury that you’ve never experienced before, then it’s a good idea to see a podiatrist who will be able to examine it to determine the extent and severity of the sprain or break. Since untreated or improperly treated injuries can lead to long-term foot and ankle pain and instability, it’s a good idea to get proper podiatry care when you sustain an injury.
You have been diagnosed with diabetes
People with diabetes know that they are also at an increased risk for other foot-related complications including neuropathy, ulcers, and infections. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes it’s a good idea to have a podiatrist that you can turn to for regular care, especially when problems arise. Even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms, you should still see your podiatrist once a year for a routine checkup.
You’re dealing with regular joint pain and stiffness
While there are many reasons why someone may deal with a bout of joint pain, if this is a persistent problem, you may be dealing with arthritis. Since arthritis is progressive, it’s important to diagnose this problem early when medications and treatments can help to slow the progression of joint damage.
If you are experiencing a foot or ankle injury or experiencing symptoms that have you concerned, it’s best to consult foot care professionals for comprehensive podiatry care.
This website includes materials that are protected by copyright, or other proprietary rights. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use, as defined in the copyright laws, requires the written permission of the copyright owners.