Whether you’re still competing in sports or beginning to slow down, age-related foot problems can quickly put an end to enjoying daily activities. With geriatric foot care at Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery, you can prevent debilitating pain and get exceptional care for any foot problem that develops, whether you need a wart removed or advanced surgery. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Burbank, Santa Clarita, or Northridge, California, or request an appointment online today!
request an appointmentWhy do I need geriatric foot care?
As you get older, the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones in your feet weaken. Age-related changes affect your overall strength, balance, and mobility. You’re also more likely to have chronic conditions affecting your feet, such as arthritis, Type 2 diabetes, and peripheral artery disease.
Stiffness and limited movement make it hard to bend and reach your feet. As a result, you may not notice foot problems, or you may struggle to keep up with foot hygiene.
Reaching an older age also means your feet have spent more time enduring the incredible stress of daily movement. All these factors work together to increase your risk of foot and ankle problems.
Getting routine geriatric foot care prevents problems or catches them at an early stage. Then your podiatrist can provide the individualized treatment you need to ease the pain, regain mobility, and prevent serious complications.
What foot problems might geriatric foot care prevent?
Many foot problems slowly develop over the years, getting progressively worse until pain and other symptoms peak as you get older.
Examples of foot problems that often affect elderly people include:
- Arthritis
- Bunions
- Corns and calluses
- Plantar fasciitis
- Heel pain
- Neuromas
- Bone spurs
- Flat feet
- Hammertoes
- Toenail fungus
- Ingrown toenails
- Ankle instability
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Non-healing foot ulcers
- Edema and swelling
Though you could have inflammation and swelling due to a foot problem, the swelling caused by edema occurs when fluid builds in the tissues of your lower legs and feet.
Edema is a symptom of other chronic health conditions, such as peripheral artery disease, venous disease, and heart failure.
What services does geriatric foot care include?
The Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery podiatrists offer comprehensive foot care, customizing it to meet your unique foot concerns. They provide everything from basics like clipping toenails and removing corns to advanced procedures for treating arthritis and correcting foot deformities.
You may receive services such as:
- Orthotics
- Corrective shoes
- Physical therapy
- Bracing and other supportive devices
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid injections
- Wound care
- Diabetic foot care
- Ankle replacement
- Foot reconstruction
- Footwear recommendations
Your provider also takes the time to discuss foot self-care, offering tips on how to prevent future problems.
To learn more about geriatric foot care, call Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery or book an appointment online today.