Caring for your feet is never more important than when you are older. The increased wear and tear over the years can make you more prone to injury and chronic foot conditions like arthritis. Without regular checkups and preventative care for your feet and ankles, it’s more likely for your foot pain to increase and your mobility to decrease. Being able to stay active is a key component in living a satisfying life for years to come and maintaining your independence.
The podiatrists at Shady Grove Podiatry specialize in geriatric foot care. We offer preventative care, diagnosis and treatment to help identify potential problems and provide intervention. The goal at Shady Grove Podiatry is to help you maintain foot and ankle health for a better quality of life.
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CONTACT USConditions Treated
Podiatrists that specialize in geriatric foot and ankle care understand the different nuances of foot and ankle health in older adults. They are highly trained to design treatment plans according to your age and ailment. Often, podiatrists can be the first line of defense to help maintain lower extremity health in elderly people.
Foot and ankle problems more common in older adults include:
- Arthritis
- Bunions
- Corns
- Custom insoles/orthotics
- Diabetic foot care
- Foot calluses
- Flat feet
- Fungal infections
- Ingrown toenails
- Hammertoes
- Heel pain
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MEET OUR DOCTORSWhen to See a Geriatric Foot and Ankle Specialist
Proper foot care is an important part of staying healthy for people of all ages. However, seniors can be more susceptible to injury and chronic conditions than any other age group. That is why we recommend getting your feet examined at least yearly. Adding preventative foot care to your health management plan can help keep you healthy and moving.
It’s important to see a board-certified podiatrist who has extensive training in geriatric foot and ankle care. The podiatrists at Shady Grove Podiatry have many years of combined experience to ensure you receive the best care possible. Here are some common foot and ankle symptoms older adults should look out for:
- Brittle nails
- Dry, cracked skin
- Fallen arches
- Numbness, burning or tingling of the feet
- Open wounds that won’t heal
- Pain and swelling
- Redness and swelling around the toenails
- Skin discoloration
- Tenderness
- Unable to bear weight on the foot
- Unusual growths
Early intervention of these symptoms can potentially stop the issue from worsening and prevent other problems from arising. Don’t let foot and ankle pain stop you from doing the things you love.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing your foot or ankle condition, your podiatrist will discuss your medical history and current symptoms, conduct a thorough examination of the affected area, and see how it is affecting the body as a whole. Depending on the severity of symptoms, additional testing may be ordered, such as x-rays, to better identify the underlying problem. All of this information will be used to design a custom treatment plan to ensure you are getting the best care possible.
Treatment
Pain in your feet and ankles should never be considered normal. The earlier you seek treatment, the earlier you can stop the symptoms and prevent your condition from worsening. At Shady Grove Podiatry, we offer a wide range of treatments, including non-surgical and surgical interventions and adaptive orthotics.
There are hundreds of foot ailments that can cause pain and secondary issues. Once your podiatrist has completed their initial assessment, they will be able to provide you with a customized treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms. The key to maintaining foot and ankle health as you age is to seek evaluation and treatment at the first signs there may be a problem.
Preventative Care
Preventative foot care is also vital for long-term foot and ankle health. Your feet go through a lot in a lifespan, and in order to keep them healthy so you can continue to stay active, it’s a good idea to schedule regular checkups with your foot doctor.
Your geriatric foot care podiatrist will help educate you on what you can do to maintain good foot and ankle health as well as what you should look for at home. Some of the items you’ll discuss to help you care for your feet and ankles at home include:
- Choosing the right supportive shoes
- Cleaning, drying and moisturizing feet
- Properly trimming nails to prevent ingrown toenails and infection
- Supporting healthy blood flow
During your regular checkup, your podiatrist will also examine the condition of your feet and ankles and may recommend treatment. Knowing how to care for your feet and when to see a geriatric foot doctor for symptoms can help to increase your overall comfort and reduce the risks of future medical issues or hospital visits.
Contact Shady Grove Podiatry Today
For further information regarding foot care services for older adults or to request an appointment, contact us online or call Shady Grove Podiatry in Gaithersburg, Maryland at 301-948-2995.
Telephone No.3019482995
