Unfortunately, everyone is aware that as the human body ages, health issues inevitably begin to arise. The elderly are prone to a multitude of ailments that make their life painful or uncomfortable. Oftentimes, feet are indicators of other health issues that may be starting in the body. It is not uncommon for podiatrists to be the first doctors to recognize signs of larger underlying problems after evaluating one’s feet. Systemic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory disease can be spotted early on when looking for the right symptoms in the feet. Symptoms of these conditions to look for include dry skin, brittle nails, burning and tingling sensations, numbness, coldness, and discoloration. Not all foot issues are indicators of serious diseases, but they are all still important to check up on, because they can lead to knee, hip, and lower back pain that can lessen the mobility of an older individual. If you have noticed issues regarding your feet, then it is highly recommended that you consult with a podiatrist to ensure your overall health.
If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.
It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.
Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities.
Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.
Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Geriatrics and Podiatry
A red, tender, and swollen area will appear on the side of the big toe if you are experiencing an ingrown toenail. This uncomfortable condition is typically a result of wearing shoes that fit too tightly, enduring an injury to the toe, or trimming the toenails incorrectly. In more severe cases, there may be an excess of fluid that builds up surrounding the affected area, or the toe could bleed or have pus draining from it. Ingrown toenails develop when the nail grows into the skin on the side of the toe, and pain generally accompanies this ailment. It is suggested to seek treatment as quickly as possible, and this may prevent infection. There are several ways to prevent ingrown toenails from developing, including wearing shoes that fit properly, wearing clean socks, and washing the feet daily. Research has shown that a common treatment method is referred to as a partial nail avulsion, and this involves removing a portion of the infected toenail. If you feel you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is advised to counsel with a podiatrist, so the best treatment option can be determined.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
If you are experiencing pain, stiffness, or swelling in the joints of your feet, you may have what is known as arthritis. A common area of the foot where arthritis may appear are the toes, and severe pain and discomfort may be felt while lifting the toes to walk. You may notice a permanent bend in the joints of the toes, and this may make it difficult for the foot to lie flat on the floor. Some patients notice a bump developing on top of the toes, and this may possibly result from the joints rubbing together. Additionally, the toenails may separate from the nail bed, or pain may be felt in the rest of the foot. Possible treatment options can include injecting steroids, which may aid in reducing any inflammation that may be present. Having surgery performed, which may be helpful in reshaping the bones in the feet may be an additional option. It is advised to speak to a podiatrist who can assist you in determining which treatment is best for you.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Arthritic Foot Care
The condition that is referred to as athlete’s foot is known to be a contagious fungal infection. It may typically occur as a result of fungus entering the feet through tiny cracks in the skin. A perfect environment for this type of fungus to thrive in are warm and moist areas, which may include the inside of shoes and socks. It most commonly affects the space between the toes, and noticeable symptoms may include severe itching and redness, in addition to the skin becoming cracked, which may be painful. It is typically spread by walking barefoot in public pools and surrounding areas, including locker rooms and shower stalls. There may be some patients who have specific medical conditions that may encourage athlete’s foot to develop easier. These may include poor blood circulation, dermatitis, or a genetic trait. If you have any of the symptoms that are associated with athlete’s foot, it is advised to speak to a podiatrist who can properly assist you in choosing the correct treatment.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
People who pursue a career in podiatry are interested in the diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders, which may originate from disease or injury. They are qualified to perform surgery, prescribe medication, and are educated in state-of-the-art procedures. Many podiatrists are trained to notice other health issues as a result of specific foot conditions that may be present. After several years of school are completed, and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) degree is obtained, a choice will be made to practice in group or private practice, in addition to exploring the possibility of teaching in schools of nursing and medicine. If you would like additional information about the benefits of practicing podiatric medicine, speak with a podiatrist.
If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.
What Do Podiatrists Do?
On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:
It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Atlanta Foot and Ankle - Default
