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elderly foot care
23Sep

elderly foot care

in the elderly develop due to the aging process, poor circulation, and systematic diseases. The common causes of pain are disability, skin problems, calluses, corns, and nails. They can lead to structural problems and disorders that can cause the seniors immobility for a while. When seeking geriatric foot care, consult a foot health specialist who can identify minor and serious foot problems and conditions, and treat them accordingly.

How to offer services

 With aging, feet become wider and flatten because the fatty padding wears down. The joints and bones are exposed to tear and wear. There are elderly services that are readily available for seniors.  

  1. Maintain good feet hygiene

Whether an older adult needs help with bathes, the feet should be washed at least once a week. Maintaining foot hygiene prevents viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Foot cleaning can be done outside the shower. Regular foot wipe downs and foot massages promote relaxation and elevate blood circulation.

  1. Moisturize the feet

Older adults have drier skin that is more prone to breaking, flaking, and cracking that causes open foot sores. After thorough washing and drying the feet, apply a lotion that locks in moisture to keep the skin supple and soft. Cover the feet with cotton and acrylic blend socks for warmth and comfort.

  1. Toenail cutting service for the elderly

It is a crucial part of foot care because overgrown interfere with mobility and cause pain. However, toenail cutting service should be done by a podiatrist for elderly especially, if the older adult has health conditions such as diabetes or dementia to avoid causing , fear, or paranoia.

DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center specializes in treatment. Feel free to contact our office to book an appointment with our . Our , Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale can provide your elderly one with the care needed to keep them pain-free and on their feet.

  1. Regularly examine the feet

You need to closely monitor the senior’s feet and take note of any cracks, cuts, splinters, pressure sores, and blisters. The most common location for bedsores is on the heels of the feet. If the senior spends most time in bed or a chair, pressure or irritation on the skin can cause tissue breakdown. If these injuries do not show improvement within 24 hours, contact a specialist.

  1. Proper footwear

As I age, I also need to contact to have my feet measured to get the right shoe sizes. Oversize or small size shoes affect the comfort levels of the feet that can cause blisters and other ailments that can impair mobility. The shoe heels should not be higher than 1 inch, and they should support the foot arch type.

Proper elderly foot care is given to non-diabetic and diabetic elderly patients. Minor foot abnormalities that are preventable may lead to severe foot problems if not attended to on time. Injuries can impair the function of the feet and cause mobility and balance issues to the elderly. Podiatrists are well trained to give foot care programs following the pathophysiology of and provide nail care. 

foot corn
13Sep

foot corn

Corns occur at pressure points causing corn on bottom of foot or corn on top of foot or at the side of toes, the balls of the feet, and between toes. Corns on feet can be painful, but they are a response by the body to protect sensitive skin.

Types of

Hard corn – This is a patch of thickened dead skin with a central core that presses on the nerve endings, and it occurs on the tips, tops, and side of toes.

Soft corn – This usually appears between the 4th and 5th toes, it has a thinner surface, rubbery in texture, and appear to be gray or whitish.

Seed corn – It occurs at the bottom of the foot; it is tiny and very tender due to its location. It can be caused by plugged sweat ducts.

Causes of the corns

Corns develop due to improper walking motion and ill-fitting shoes. High-heeled shoes increase the risk of developing corns in women because they put additional pressure on the feet. Other risk factors include wearing sandals without socks due to friction on the feet and some foot deformities.

Pressure or rubbing causes soft corns or calluses. If a child develops foot corn with no source of pressure, consult a for proper diagnosis; it could be a foreign body or a wart.

Due to the wearing of shoes, the feet are in a moist environment ideal of bacteria breeding. If the bacteria enter through the skin of the corn causing pus and fluid, this leads to staph infections.

Foot

There are over the counter corn remover options, but it is a good idea to soak and scrape for the medications to work faster. When pressure and friction causing corns are relieved corns go away.

  1. Soak the corn for five to 10 minutes in warm water to soften the skin.
  2. Dip the pumice in warm water then use it to gently file the corn in sideways or circular motion to remove dead skin. Please be careful to not take too much skin to avoid infections and bleeding.
  3. Use donut-shaped adhesive pads to protect corns from further irritation during activity and to prevent any direct contact with the shoes.
  4. Wear properly fitting shoes because the wrong size and shape of your feet could lead to the development of corns. To get the right fitting shoe shop for the shoes at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen.
  5. Keep your trimmed because long toenails can push the toes and against the shoe causing a corn to form over time.

If you have poor circulation or fragile skin, or you have underlying conditions such as diabetes or peripheral arterial disease visit a for foot .  If you notice signs of infections such as pus, very painful, redness, or swelling visit a podiatrist. The foot doctor can cut away the thickened skin with a scalpel to relieve pressure on the tissue beneath it. If you have questions about foot corn(s) on your feet, you should reach out to a . Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Our Houston , Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free on your feet.

Laser toenail
7Sep

Laser toenail

Laser fungus treatment is effective with no risk of toxicity to the liver or side effects due to medication interaction.  There has been clinical evidence that improves the condition of severe fungus toenail infections and clears the infection. infections lie under the nail; this poses a challenge to get rid of the fungus using topical medications. Oral medications and antifungal nail polish are associated with harmful drug interactions and side effects because of persistent fungus infections. Home remedies also improve the condition for some time, then it reoccurs. The laser fungus treatment is known to penetrate through the nail to destroy the fungus without damaging the tissue around the nail.

Several studies conducted over the use of the laser to treat have led manufacturers to improve their laser design to better their equipment and maximize the therapeutic effects.

Advantages of laser treatment for toenail fungus

  • The laser treatment cures different fungal infections
  • No anesthesia
  • The procedure is safe and painless, but some people feel a warm sensation
  • No side effects and no drugs are needed
  • No recovery time needed – you will walk out after the treatment
  • It takes about 20 minutes for a to administer the treatment
  • The treatment does not harm the nail or the surrounding skin

How is the laser toenail treatment administered?

Studies have shown that laser toenail treatment has over a ninety percent success rate. These depend on the use of the latest generation laser equipment and how long the treatment is administered. To eradicate the fungus, it is a requirement that a patient attends repeat visits for over 3 months. The treatment takes 10-15 minutes to be administered, over a 30day interval for three months. This administration has proven to be very effective in healing even severe cases of fungal toenail infection.

Most cases have proven to improve with a single treatment. Even with laser treatment, it is essential to maintain proper post-treatment care to avoid the fungus attacking again.

How long after treatment does one notice the improvement of the ?

It depends on the origin of the infection, but as early as three weeks, one can notice the improvement of the nails. From then on, the improvement is gradual until the nail grows out. It takes 9-12 months for the toenails to grow out.

Is it safe to apply nail polish?

The day before the treatment, remove all nail decorations and nail polish. After the treatment, you can apply nail polish without fear of any side effects.

Laser has several advantages over other treatments that have limited success rates. If you have questions about fungus in your toenails, you should reach out to a . Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Our Houston , Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale, can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free on your feet.

childrens feet
1Sep

childrens feet

A pair of last a lifetime, and the best way to ensure that is by caring for your child’s feet. As your child grows, regular monitoring of the feet development is necessary for early detection of any unusual changes. These should be resolved early by seeking baby feet treatment from a pediatric . The child’s feet ligaments and muscles need time to develop stiffness because their bones are soft with flexible cartilage that hardens over time, until their teenage years.

How to keep your child’s feet healthy

  1. Encourage your child to walk around barefoot or with soft-soled shoes as much as possible. It is terrific for growing feet because the soles of the feet send sensory information from the ground. The foot muscles develop and get stronger and allow air circulation around the entire foot.
  2. Kid’s feet are always moist and sweaty; they need to be washed and dried daily. Pay special attention when drying between the toes to avoid athlete’s foot kids.
  3. Always keep the trimmed in a straight line without cutting around the corner. Long toenails dig into other nails and shoes causing the feet discomfort.
  4. Choose the right footwear; socks should not be too tight because it affects circulation. The socks should have at least 50 percent of cotton or wool that allows the feet to breathe. Children outgrow their shoes quickly, and immediately you notice the kid’s shoes do not fit replace them to avoid damaging the feet. Ensure your child wears a shoe with comfortable length and width with plenty of room for the toes. The part of the shoe that goes around the back of the heel should be solid hard and use fasteners to prevent unnecessary movement of the foot inside the shoe.

Common foot problems in kids

– Child’s feet look flatter than an adult foot. The feet are flexible, but within six years, the child’s normal arches should have developed. If you notice your child is experiencing , or seem to be having a hard time walking, see a children’s foot doctor for further guidance.

Corns – This is due to excess pressure from too-tight shoes, causing accumulation and hardening of the skin.

Bunions –The inflammation of the big .

– Caused by incorrect toenail cutting and tight shoes forcing the edge of the toenails down to the skin.

Feet that turn inwards –Feet turning can happen on the upper leg, lower leg, or the foot. When a child starts to walk from eight months of age, their feet appear flat and they turn inwards. The flat-footedness improves with the strengthening of the feet muscles. Visit a pediatric foot doctor if the feet turning is severe, if it does not improve with age, or it affects just one leg.

If you notice the excess tripping in your school-going child, or abnormally shaped toes, or the child complains of pain, or they have a sudden change in their walk, seek ‘s opinion. If you have questions about caring for your child’s feet, you should reach out to a foot specialist for his/her expert advice. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our . Our foot and ankle doctor, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free on your feet.

foot exercise
25Aug

foot exercise

Our feet move us around all day, yet we less often care about what we wear, the surfaces we walk on, and when it comes to self-care, the feet get the least attention. Most people have experienced one kind of , and it impacts on your health and the quality of your life. Unfortunately, you are likely to suffer social, physical, and psychological afflictions because of foot dysfunction. Be a good friend to your feet, avoid harmful habits, and promote for happy, healthy feet.

Foot Exercises

They keep the feet strong, improve their flexibility and overall health. The muscles at the feet and ankles provide support, and regular exercising and stretching ensure healthy, strong muscles. The exercises keep you strong and in motion for long. Most exercises do not require complicated equipment and they can be done at home as a routine.

raise, point, and curl

Step 1: Sit up straight with the feet flat on the floor, then raise the heels and keep your toes on the floor. Let the balls of the feet remain on the ground and hold the position for at least 5 seconds before lowering them.

Step 2: Raise the heels and leave the tip of the toes touching the floor. Hold for 5 seconds and lower the feet.

Step 3: Raise the heel and curl the toes inwards, and the tips of the toes remain on the floor and hold of five seconds. Repeat each for about ten times to build mobility and flexibility.

Exercises

Foot drop is the inability to raise the feet due to paralysis and nerve weakness. Foot drop is not a condition, but it can be a symptom of a foot condition. Foot drop can cause one to drag their toes when walking because it is difficult to lift the front of your foot. The underlying condition causing foot drop must be treated to improve foot motion. The exercises strengthen the muscles of the lower foot, and ankle and improve the foot drop condition.

Towel stretches

Sit on the floor with both legs in front of you straight. Then loop a towel or an exercise band around the foot and hold the ends. Pull the towel towards your body hold for 30 seconds, then stop. Repeat this exercise three times.

Exercises

Plantar fasciitis is common with people who engage in physical activities and pregnant women because of increased pressure on the plantar fascia ligament, causing inflammation and pain. Plantar fasciitis stretches help soothe pain on the feet.

  1. While sitting up straight, roll the foot back and forth over an ice-cold can or a frozen water bottle. Roll each foot for one minute and switch to the other foot.
  2. Cross one leg over the other. Grab the big toe and pull gently towards you and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat this three times on the same foot before switching to the other foot.

Foot exercises help you maintain happy feet and if you have questions about the right kind of exercise for your foot, reach out to a . Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our . Our foot and ankle doctor, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free on your feet.

Ankle Gout
13Aug

Ankle Gout

usually affects the feet and is a complex form of caused by the buildup of uric acid. Its characterized by severe attacks to the joints causing tenderness, redness, swelling, and pain especially, the big joint. Gout in the foot treatment is important because it slowly harms tissues around the inflamed area.

The symptoms might happen suddenly, especially at night.

  • Intense joint pain within the first 12 hours, which can occur in any joint, but mainly affects the big toe. Other joints affected include wrists, knees, ankles, fingers, and elbows.
  • . After the initial pain attack subsides, you will experience discomfort for a few days or weeks. The pain attacks may reoccur and last longer and affect more joints.
  • The inflamed joints are red, swollen, warm, and tender.
  • Problems moving your joints normally.

  1. You can take over-the-counter prescription or NSAIDs at the onset of the initial attack. When buying over the counter drugs, avoid aspirin because it contains acetylsalicylic acid that worsens gout. Discuss with your doctor before continuing with the over-the-counter drugs, to avoid other potential side effects such as increased blood pressure.
  2. Take prescribed drugs by your physician. Some prescribed drugs include colchicine and prednisolone taken as oral tablets.
  3. Apply ice to the inflamed joint throughout the day for about 20 minutes a time. It dulls pain signals and decreases inflammation.
  4. Rest the affected joint to reduce pain and ease the pressure. Prop the foot up with a footstool or a pillow.
  5. Keep your feet comfortable to get some Gout pain relief. Wear roomy slippers or footwear to keep pressure off until the pain subsides.
  6. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day to remove uric acid from your body system. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol that can make gout worse.

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Gout attack lasts from three and ten days, and it can take a few months before it happens. It is common to find it difficult to walk or stand after an attack because of swelling and pain. Keeping mobile can be painful however, to others, it eases the pain. Feel energized and increase your range of motion and exercise to reduce weight. Having excess weight leads to excess uric acid in the body. Physical activity should be part of your life. It is difficult to walk on the usual shoes because of swelling and pain. Bigger footwear will give you comfort while walking and standing.

  • Aerobic exercises boost endurance and increases the heart race.
  • Flexibility exercise improves your range of motion.
  • Strengthening exercise increases the strength of the joints by lifting weights and resistance exercises.

A vital part of effective is you will be forced to adopt healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of gout attacks. If you experience symptoms of gout, visit a doctor for gout treatment because, if left untreated for long, it will lead to joint damage and frequent gout attacks. If you are dealing with , you may want to seek help from a foot and ankle doctor. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our . Our foot and ankle doctor, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale will provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free on your feet.