As people age, their feet often undergo physical changes that can lead to pain, instability, and reduced mobility. The natural thinning of fat pads, loss of skin elasticity, and decreased circulation can make older adults more prone to calluses, bunions, and hammertoes. Ingrown toenails and fungal infections also become more common, particularly when vision or flexibility limitations make it difficult to inspect and care for the feet. Poor balance or foot discomfort can increase the risk of falls, which are especially dangerous for seniors. Conditions like diabetes and arthritis may further affect the nerves, joints, and skin of the feet, raising the risk of infection or pressure-related injuries. A podiatrist can examine the feet, toes, and ankles for early signs of damage, treat existing conditions, and offer medical strategies to help preserve foot health in seniors. If you are a senior and have foot pain,  it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on for regular foot health monitoring.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Podiatry and Wound Care. Our doctors 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 St. Petersburg, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ankle sprain occurs when one or more ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn due to a sudden, forceful movement beyond the joint’s normal range. This is often the result of twisting the ankle during sports or walking on uneven surfaces. The most common ankle sprains involve the lateral ligaments on the outer ankle. Risk factors include a previous ankle sprain, poor muscle strength, and impaired balance. Symptoms may include sharp pain when weight bearing, swelling, bruising, and instability. Some people also experience numbness or tingling if a nerve is affected. High ankle sprains, which injure the ligaments between the leg bones connected to the ankle, typically result from forceful twisting and can be more difficult to recover from. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury using clinical tests and imaging, recommend the appropriate treatment based on severity, and discuss long-term care to prevent further injury. If you believe you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Podiatry and Wound Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the soles to make full contact with the ground. This condition can lead to foot pain, fatigue, poor posture, and strain on the ankles, knees, or lower back. Foot orthotics help by providing arch support, improving alignment, and redistributing pressure across the feet. They enhance stability and reduce discomfort during walking or standing. A podiatrist can assess the structure and function of your feet, identify any underlying issues, and create custom orthotics tailored to your needs. With professional guidance, orthotics can help manage symptoms and prevent further complications. If you experience discomfort from flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective support and personalized foot care.

Custom orthotics are specialized shoe inserts created to support and align the feet according to each person’s unique structure and walking pattern. They are an effective way to relieve foot discomfort caused by conditions such as flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel pain. When the natural alignment of the foot is off balance, it can lead to pressure points, strain, and pain that affect how a person stands, walks, and moves. Orthotics work by redistributing weight evenly and supporting the arch to reduce stress on the muscles, tendons, and joints of the feet and lower legs.

Foot discomfort can develop for many reasons, including wearing improper footwear, long hours of standing, repetitive motion, or underlying structural problems. Over time, this discomfort can extend beyond the feet, contributing to knee, hip, or lower back pain. Custom orthotics help correct these issues by improving alignment and promoting more efficient movement. They are made using precise measurements and imaging to ensure the best fit for each patient, providing targeted support and cushioning where it is needed most.

Unlike generic insoles, custom orthotics are durable, medically designed, and tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply seeking better comfort and stability, orthotics can make a noticeable difference in how your feet feel throughout the day.

If you are experiencing persistent foot discomfort or fatigue, it may be time to have your feet evaluated by a podiatrist. Call our office today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in St. Petersburg, FL . 

Foot pain in runners is a common issue often caused by plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and stress fractures. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, while metatarsalgia refers to pain in the ball of the foot. Stress fractures result from repetitive impact and overuse. Stretching can help ease discomfort, including the seated towel stretch to improve flexibility and rolling a frozen water bottle under the arch to reduce inflammation. Wearing properly fitted running shoes with good support is essential. A podiatrist can evaluate pain, identify the underlying cause, recommend targeted stretches and footwear, and provide treatment to promote healing and prevent further injury for long-term foot health. If you have foot pain from running, it is suggested that you consult this type of doctor who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Podiatry and Wound Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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