Items filtered by date: April 2024

As we age, our feet undergo various changes, often leading to discomfort and mobility issues. Treatment for common foot ailments among seniors varies, depending on the condition. Bunions may require shoe modifications, custom orthotics, medication, or surgery from a podiatrist. Hammertoe deformities may necessitate changes in footwear or in some cases surgery. Toenail problems, including ingrown nails and infections, require professional attention to prevent complications, with podiatrists offering specialized care and treatment options. Seniors with diabetes must prioritize foot health and regular podiatric evaluations to prevent serious complications, such as foot ulcers or gangrene. Plantar fasciitis treatment ranges from conservative measures, such as exercises, to surgery for effective relief. Arch problems, whether flat feet or high arches, generally necessitate a non-surgical approach along with expert guidance to manage discomfort and prevent further complications. For help with any of the many foot conditions common among seniors, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough foot exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.  

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM from Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor 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 you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Tuscon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a deformity of the second, third, or fourth toe that causes a bend at the middle joint so that it resembles a hammer. A hammertoe can significantly affect mobility and cause discomfort, especially while wearing shoes. Conservative treatment measures include wearing proper footwear and orthotics, but more severe cases may necessitate surgical intervention which carries certain risks. Post-operative complications may include pain, swelling, and difficulty in weight bearing. Nerve damage leading to sensations of numbness or tingling, reduced range of motion in the toe, and the risk of infection at the surgical site are further risk factors. Additionally, there is a possibility of the toe not sitting completely flat on the ground after surgery, which can affect balance and mobility. To determine the best course in managing a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM of Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Treating diabetic foot wounds requires a comprehensive approach focused on promoting healing and preventing further complications. It begins with identifying and addressing the factors that can contribute to the wound, such as wearing proper footwear and avoiding further injury. Keeping the wound clean and protected with specialized dressings is essential to create an optimal environment for healing. Regular removal of dead tissue and calluses helps prevent infections and allows new tissue to grow. Managing bacteria surrounding the wound site is especially vital, along with ensuring good blood flow to the wound. This may involve medications or procedures to improve circulation. Off-loading techniques, like using cushions or specialized shoes, help reduce pressure on the foot wound, allowing it to heal more effectively. A podiatrist can offer personalized care and guidance throughout the diabetic wound treatment process. If you have developed a diabetic foot wound, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for correct management tips.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Barbara J. Aung, DPM from Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

A Jones fracture is a break at the base of the fifth metatarsal bone that connects the foot to the pinky toe. Common symptoms of a Jones fracture are bruising, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight or walking. Jones fractures can result from sudden force on the foot's outer side, often occurring during activities such as sports, dancing, or slips. Traumatic events like inversion sprains during sports or chronic overuse, such as prolonged walking or running on hard surfaces, may contribute to these injuries. Risk factors include participation in high impact activities like basketball or soccer, where sudden movements or pivoting are common. People with high arches may also be more susceptible to this type of fracture. Treatment options include casting and surgical intervention, depending on the severity. If you suspect a Jones fracture or are experiencing foot pain and swelling on the outside of the foot, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM from Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

In-toeing, commonly known as being pigeon-toed, is a condition seen in children where the feet turn inward. During infancy, this might be due to metatarsus adductus, a common foot deformity noted at birth that causes the front half of the foot, or forefoot, to turn inward. This condition often resolves before the first birthday. In later childhood, internal twisting of the shinbone, tibia, thighbone, or femur, could be the cause of in-toeing. These, too, often self-correct over time. While most cases of in-toeing require no treatment, severe instances may need casting or splinting. It is important to avoid non-prescribed treatments as they may interfere with natural development. Though surgery is rare, it may be considered in severe cases. If your child’s in-toeing persists or significantly affects walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM of Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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