June 2023

Maintaining proper foot care in elderly people can help prevent falls and injuries. Enduring a fall can affect the quality of life, and it can be difficult to complete daily activities. The muscle tissue in the feet can become thin as the aging process occurs, which may lead to a loss of feeling in the feet. It is beneficial to check the feet for any sores, cuts, or blisters that have developed, and this can be accomplished by using a mirror. A family member or caregiver may be able to help with this task by examining the soles of the feet. It is wise to wear shoes that fit correctly, which may aid in maintaining balance. Avoiding wearing shoes that are too tight may help to prevent blisters and corns from developing. Additionally, the feet will generally feel better when the toes are wiggled after sitting for long periods of time, and frequently elevating the feet may help to improve circulation. If you would like more information about how to care for elderly feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can provide you with useful tips.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. 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 one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It is beneficial for people who enjoy walking and running to learn about the differences between these two types of shoes. There are various forms of running, which can range from buying minimalist shoes that are designed for racing to cushioned shoes that are best for long-distance running. Most running shoes are made for different styles of running. These categories can include toe-strikers, midfoot strikers, and heel strikers. A person's foot structure and running type may lead to which type of shoe to choose. Research has shown people who enjoy taking a leisurely stroll may choose shoes that are designed for comfort instead of performance. Conversely, fitness walkers often prefer a flat, flexible, and lightweight shoe that does not cause the foot to slide. If you would like to have more information about the correct shoes to buy for the type of walking or running that is done, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People who are severely afflicted by ankle arthritis may choose to have ankle surgery performed. It is considered to be joint replacement surgery, and may be successful in removing damaged tissue in the ankle. This is followed by replacing it with a metal or plastic prosthesis. The benefits of this type of surgery may include improved range of motion in the ankle, and can protect the ankle joint. Research has shown the ideal candidate can include patients who are middle-aged or above, have a normal weight, and refrain from having a physically demanding lifestyle. The recovery process can consist of using crutches for two weeks after surgery, followed by wearing a protective boot for approximately six weeks. Many patients practice ankle stretches or exercises at this point, which will gradually strengthen the ankle, and normal activity can eventually resume. If you have severe ankle pain and are considering having joint replacement surgery performed, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if this is the right choice for you.

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, consult with Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Having a rash on the feet can occur for several reasons. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are common causes of rashes on the feet and often result in severe itching, blisters, and pain. They are caused by contact with an oily sap, called urushiol, that is found in some plants, possibly causing a rash to develop within 12 to 72 hours after contact. Some of these can clear up within three weeks. Treating any itching is suggested to prevent scratching and possible infection. If an individual has a serious reaction to these poisons, difficulty in breathing may ensue and it is critical to see a medical care provider as soon as possible. Prevention tips for poison rashes on the feet include wearing closed-toed shoes while outside in nature where the feet might possibly be exposed to troublesome plants. If one gets this type of rash, it will be less severe if washed with soap and water immediately and the clothes and shoes involved are disinfected. Since there are other causes of rashes on the feet and symptoms can be similar, if you have developed such a rash and you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to have your condition diagnosed and properly treated.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.