As we age, the feet naturally undergo changes that can affect comfort, mobility, and overall health. Common changes include thickened or discolored toenails, joint stiffness, thinning skin, and reduced fat padding on the soles. Circulation may also decline, leading to cooler feet or changes in color, such as bluish or reddish tones. These changes can make walking more difficult and increase the risk of falls or injury. Joint stiffness may indicate arthritis, while numbness or tingling could be a sign of nerve issues or diabetes. Thickened toenails and dry skin can also make self-care harder and lead to infections. A podiatrist can evaluate these symptoms with a physical exam, medical history, and diagnostic tests to identify underlying conditions. Treatment may include custom orthotics, targeted exercises, nail care, or recommendations for supportive footwear. If you are noticing changes in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

If you need your feet checked, contact Brain Middleton, DPM of Medical Foot Care Center. 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 Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails are typically classified based on severity and depth of nail penetration into the surrounding skin. A mild ingrown toenail involves redness, swelling, and slight tenderness where the nail edge presses against the skin. A moderate ingrown toenail may cause increased pain, drainage, and signs of infection as the nail begins to pierce the skin. A severe ingrown toenail often includes significant inflammation, pus, overgrowth of tissue, and difficulty walking due to intense discomfort. Chronic cases may result in repeated infections or thickened skin. Each stage may require a different approach to care, from at-home soaking and nail trimming to professional treatment such as partial nail removal. If you are experiencing persistent or painful symptoms, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment to prevent further complications and restore comfort.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Brain Middleton, DPM of Medical Foot Care Center. 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

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

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 Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis that often affects the feet, especially the big toe joint. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which leads to sharp urate crystals forming in joints. These crystals trigger intense pain, redness, warmth, and swelling. Common triggers for elevated uric acid include genetic factors, obesity, certain medications, and kidney disease. The first metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint of the big toe is the most frequently affected site, although the ankle and other parts of the foot may also become inflamed. Gout flare-ups often begin suddenly, with severe pain that may make even the lightest pressure intolerable. Repeated episodes can lead to joint stiffness, permanent damage, and deformities. In more advanced cases, firm uric acid deposits, called tophi, may form under the skin. A podiatrist can help diagnose gout and recommend treatment, which may include medication or surgery, if joint damage is present. If you have had one or more gout flare-ups, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Brain Middleton, DPM from Medical Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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