Foot disorders in the elderly population are common due to natural aging, changes in biomechanics, and the long-term effects of chronic conditions. As people age, their feet may lose strength, flexibility, and cushioning. This process increases the risk of developing arthritis, bunions, hammertoes, and poor circulation. Biomechanical changes can alter walking patterns, leading to instability and discomfort. These issues can impact mobility, independence, and overall well-being. A podiatrist can assess the feet, diagnose underlying problems, and provide personalized treatment, including custom orthotics and footwear recommendations. If you are experiencing any foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on foot care tips.

If you need your feet checked, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore Podiatry. 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 Massapequa, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, most commonly affecting the big toe. This condition leads to sudden, intense pain, redness, swelling, and difficulty walking. Foods high in purines, such as red meat, shellfish, and sugary drinks, can trigger gout attacks. To help prevent flares ups, incorporate more low-fat dairy, whole grains, vegetables, and water into your diet. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through examination and testing, provide medications to reduce inflammation, and recommend lifestyle adjustments to manage symptoms. If you suffer from joint pain in your foot, particularly in the big toe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage gout.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Pain in the foot can show up in many places, and each one tells a different story. Heel pain may point to plantar fasciitis or a strained ligament. Pain in the ball of the foot could mean a nerve issue, joint inflammation, or overuse from certain activities. If the pain is near the arch, it might relate to flat feet or a tendon problem. Even the toes can be a source of trouble, especially when joints become stiff, irritated, or misshapen. Where the pain begins, how it feels, and when it shows up all help identify the problem. Because feet carry the body every day, even minor discomfort can grow into a bigger issue if ignored. A podiatrist can examine the entire foot, uncover the cause, and offer effective treatment. If your foot pain is not going away, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a  podiatrist and take the first step toward lasting relief.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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