Regular foot assessments and timely management of foot-related issues in older adults play a huge role in maintaining mobility and reducing the risk of falls, which are major concerns for this age group. The feet can change in structure and function as people age. Especially when paired with conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and circulatory problems, this can significantly impact a person’s ability to walk and perform daily activities safely. By addressing these issues early through routine podiatry care, potential problems can be managed or corrected before they lead to more serious complications and falls. This approach helps older adults both retain their motor performance and independence, as well as reduce their fear of falling. Fear itself can lead to a decrease in physical activity, further diminishing muscle strength and balance, which increases the risk of falls. It is suggested that elderly people with possible foot and aging concerns make regular appointments with a podiatrist, to address any potential problems quickly. 

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Michael Tomey, DPM from Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Cary, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Turf toe, a common injury among athletes, occurs when the ligaments surrounding the big toe joint are sprained due to forceful pushing during activities like running or jumping. Turf toe injuries typically happen during sports practice, and are common in football and soccer. An early sign of turf toe is foot pain, which often intensifies with movement. This discomfort may lead to limping or difficulty in walking, occasionally rendering you immobile for a brief period. Sometimes a popping sound in the joint may indicate turf toe. Severe cases may necessitate immobilization or even surgery. It is extremely important not to ignore symptoms of turf toe, as early intervention can accelerate recovery and prevent long-term complications. If you are experiencing persistent pain or limited mobility in your big toe joint, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis. This medically trained foot doctor can perform imaging tests, a physical examination, and develop a treatment plan to address your specific needs. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Michael Tomey, DPM of Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Cary, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetes requires ongoing medical care beyond controlling blood sugar. Foot ulcers, a common complication, pose serious health risks. 19% to 34% of people with diabetes are likely to develop a foot ulcer at least once in their lifetime. There is a 2% yearly incidence of diabetic patients developing foot ulcers, with high recurrence rates after healing. Poor foot care raises the risk of a diabetic patient developing ulcers, infections, and amputations. Studies show varied foot care practices globally can contribute to injury risk. These include infrequent foot and shoe checks, inadequate foot hygiene, and walking barefoot. To reduce diabetic foot complications, patients need education on proper foot care, regular check-ups, and to avoid risky behaviors, like walking barefoot or wearing improper footwear. If you are a diabetic, it is strongly suggested that you make regular visits with a podiatrist for routine examinations and care.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Michael Tomey, DPM from Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia in the feet, leading to extreme pain and limiting daily activities. When conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, surgical intervention may become an option. Surgery for plantar fasciitis involves partial release of the plantar fascia from tension and may include removal of heel bone spurs. This procedure is often performed under local anesthesia, with same-day discharge. Post-surgery, patients will undergo a strict recovery regimen. Refraining from strenuous activities for the first month and using supportive footwear and aids such as air casts and crutches may be prescribed by a podiatrist. Regularly changing the dressing is vital to prevent infection. A gradual return to activities may begin after a month, and certain exercises can help to restore foot movements and muscle strength. While tissues may heal within weeks, full recovery from plantar fasciitis surgery typically takes several months. To find out whether surgery for plantar fasciitis is an option for you, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to assess treatment choices.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Michael Tomey, DPM of Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Cary, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Tarsal coalition, the abnormal growth of the tarsal bones in the foot, is generally discovered in children when their bones mature in adolescence. Symptoms include persistent foot or ankle pain, often on the outer side, along with stiffness and restricted range of motion. Children may complain of discomfort during physical activities or sports. Some children develop changes in foot structure, such as a flatfoot or a higher arch. About three to five percent of the population has this condition. A podiatrist can do a comprehensive evaluation of the feet to diagnose the problem, including a medical history assessment, and X-ray diagnostics. These measures can show the podiatrist if there are any abnormal bony connections or fusion between tarsal bones. If your child is experiencing stiff or painful feet, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options. 

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Michael Tomey, DPM of Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Cary, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.