Foot pain is difficult for anyone to deal with, particularly for elderly patients who may already be experiencing challenges with mobility. There are many factors that cause immobility in older adults such as physiological changes, gait issues, arthritis, obesity, diabetes, impaired balance and more. Geriatric foot pain and a reduction in mobility can take its toll not only physically, but mentally and socially as well. Mobility problems can have a ripple effect on an older person’s life—leading to cognitive decline, depression, falls, hospitalization, substance abuse, even incontinence and urinary tract infections. If you or someone you care about has chronic foot pain or difficulty walking or climbing stairs, contact a podiatrist who can evaluate the situation and develop a treatment plan to help reduce pain, increase mobility, and improve the quality of life.
If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Lubrina Bryant of District Podiatry, PLLC. 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 Washington, D.C . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
The ankle is the joint where the tibia (shin bone), the fibia (back bone on the lower leg), and the tallus (which connects to the heel bone) all come together. A broken bone in this area can range from a hairline fracture to a shattering of the bone, and the symptoms may vary depending on the type of break. Common symptoms are pain, swelling, and the inability to put weight on the ankle. Because broken ankles are very serious and can be easily mistaken for an ankle sprain, patients who are experiencing severe ankle pain should visit a podiatrist. A podiatrist will examine the ankle and use diagnostic imaging to determine what bones may be out of place. Severe fractures will usually require a cast or brace in order to allow the ankle to heel. However, some severe breaks with bones out of alignment will require surgery. After the initial treatment, your podiatrist will be able to guide you in your recovery.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Lubrina Bryant from District Podiatry, PLLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Washington, D.C . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Ankle sprains are one of the most frequent injuries that can occur to the ankle. Sprains typically result from the ankle being twisted (usually due to trauma) in a way that causes the ligaments to become over stretched and even torn. While pain and swelling are the main symptoms of ankle sprains, they can also be indicated by bruising, hearing a “popping” sound at the time of injury, tenderness, inability to hold weight, and an unstable joint. While mild sprains will result in minor symptoms, severe sprains can lead to significant pain and swelling. Since the ligaments connect the bones together, it is important to visit a podiatrist who can check the ankle in its entirety. A podiatrist will also be able to inspect range of motion as well as diagnose and treat any broken bones.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Lubrina Bryant from District Podiatry, PLLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Washington, D.C . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Fungal toenail infections are common, affecting 10% of the population. Typical symptoms of a fungal nail infection include the nail becoming thick, crumbly, discolored, and distorted in shape. Treatment for fungal nail infections can be a slow process, as the nails are made of keratin, which does not have its own blood supply and is impermeable to many substances. Some of the possible treatments include oral antifungal medications, topical medications that are applied directly to the nail, and laser therapy. Sometimes, a combination of treatments will be prescribed to get rid of the infection. The treatment that is recommended will also depend on the type and severity of the fungal nail infection. For more information about treating toenail fungus, please consult with a podiatrist.
If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Lubrina Bryant of District Podiatry, PLLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Symptoms
Treatment
If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.
Prevention
In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.
In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Washington, D.C . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Swollen and painful joints in the big toe can indicate a condition that is referred to as gout. It is considered to be a form or arthritis that can cause severe pain and discomfort. Excess uric acid in the blood may contribute significantly to the onset of gout. However, there are purines in specific foods that may cause crystal like sensations that form in the joints of the foot. These types of foods can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Patients who have medical conditions such as heart or kidney disease and obesity may be prone to gout attacks. If you have debilitating foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat gout.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Lubrina Bryant from District Podiatry, PLLC. 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 Washington, D.C . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
