As people age, their bodies undergo various changes, and the feet are no exception. Senior citizens often encounter a range of foot problems that can significantly affect their mobility and overall quality of life. One of the most common issues is arthritis, which can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced joint flexibility. Additionally, decreased blood circulation and thinner skin make seniors more susceptible to foot sores and slow wound healing. To prevent these conditions, seniors must prioritize foot care. This includes wearing comfortable, supportive shoes, maintaining proper hygiene, and inspecting their feet regularly for any signs of problems. Regular exercise can also help improve circulation and reduce the risk of foot ailments. By taking proactive steps to care for their feet, seniors can enjoy greater comfort and mobility. If you have questions about elderly foot care, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists 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 from taking 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 a 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 offices located in Weybridge, UK. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read More About Elderly Foot Care

As you grow older, you will start to notice more problems with your feet due to wear and tear. This may also happen because the skin will start to become thin and lose elasticity. Some signs of aging feet are regular aches and pains, bunion development, and clawed toes.

Fortunately, there are ways you can improve comfort, relieve pain, and maintain mobility in your feet. One of the best ways to deal with aging feet is to exercise. If you keep active, your muscles will become toned which will then strengthen the arches in the foot and stimulate blood circulation.

It is important that you practice proper foot care to protect your aging feet. You should wash your feet in warm water on an everyday basis. Afterward, the feet need to be dried well and it is important to dry between the toes. Your toenails should be trimmed and kept under control; nails that are poorly cut may become ingrown. At the end of each day, performing an inspection of your feet will allow you to detect any ailments in their early stages.

As you grow older, it becomes more important that you wear comfortable shoes. Your shoes should be secure, and they should provide decent arch support. If you are looking to buy a new pair of shoes, it is best to look for a pair that are made from a breathable material. It is also helpful to have shoes that have a bit of extra room at the top of the shoe, especially if you suffer from swollen feet.

The most common foot problems that elderly people will encounter are bunions, calluses, corns, hammertoes, heel pain, and foot problems related to diabetes. Some other issues include arch pain, tarsal tunnel syndrome, Achilles tendonitis, and Morton’s neuroma

An annual foot examination is a great way for you to ensure that you do not have any serious health problems with your feet. You should talk to a podiatrist about the available treatment options for whichever foot issue you are dealing with.

Bunions, or hallux valgus, is a foot deformity where the big toe tilts toward the second toe, causing a bony lump on the side of the foot. Symptoms include pain, swelling, callused skin, and changes in foot shape. Contrary to popular belief, fashion shoes such as high heels do not directly cause bunions. Bunions are primarily the result of a genetic predisposition and the mechanical structure of the foot. However, wearing shoes that squeeze the forefoot and crowd the toes can worsen an existing condition and lead to pain and joint deformity. Bunions can also develop due to factors such as age, arthritis, or sports activities. Preventing bunions involves choosing sensible, well-fitting footwear with ample toe room. Avoiding pointed shoes and excessive heels can be helpful. Proper footwear, non-surgical treatments, and wearing orthotics are initial choices. Surgery is typically the last option for bunions causing significant pain. This involves removing the bony lump and realigning the big toe, ultimately improving foot function and comfort. If you have a bunion that is causing discomfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to have it evaluated and obtain appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of bony growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions is often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while X-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Read More About Bunions

A bunion is a bump that forms at the base of the big toe. Bunions form when the big toe pushes against the next toe, which forces the big toe joint to get bigger and stick out.  As a result, the skin over the bunion may start to appear red and it may feel sore.

There are risk factors that can increase your chances of developing bunions. People who wear high heels or ill-fitting shoes are more likely to develop them, in addition to those who have a genetic history of bunions or have rheumatoid arthritis.

The most obvious way to tell if you have a bunion is to look for the big toe pushing up against the toe next to it. Bunions produce a large protrusion at the base of the big toe and may or may not cause pain. Other symptoms are redness, swelling, and restricted movement of the big toe if you have arthritis. 

Nonsurgical methods are frequently used to treat bunions that aren’t severe. Some methods of nonsurgical treatment are orthotics, icing and resting the foot, taping the foot, and pain medication. Surgery is usually only required in extreme cases. However, if surgery is needed, some procedures may involve removing the swollen tissue from around the big toe joint, straightening the big toe by removing part of the bone, or joining the bones of your affected joint permanently.

Your podiatrist will diagnose your bunion by doing a thorough examination of your foot. He or she may also conduct an x-ray to determine the cause of the bunion and its severity.

Swollen feet are a common foot condition. There are several causes of swollen feet, and relief may be found when determining the source of the problem. Lifestyle factors may contribute to getting swollen feet, which can range from eating habits to pregnancy. Some patients are afflicted with chronic venous insufficiency, which is a condition that limits blood flow from the feet to the heart. Having swollen feet may also characterize an infection and can be common among diabetic patients. Serious ailments involving blood clots can be known to cause swollen feet and ankles, and immediate medical attention is often sought. Additionally, swollen feet may indicate heart disease, which may cause the blood to back up and pool in the feet and ankles. If you have swollen feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

More About Swelling of the Feet

There are many reasons why patients experience swelling of the feet. It is rather common and may be a side effect of pregnancy or from sitting and standing for most of the day. Gravity could also play a role in the development of swollen feet. It is known that the weight of blood volume in our bodies is exerted on the veins in the legs and feet. The veins may not work as efficiently during the aging process, and this could make the blood flow backward causing swollen feet. Relief may be found when obese patients lose weight, and it may help to engage in compression therapy by wearing compression socks, stockings, or athletic sleeves. This method can release pressure on the feet and ankles which may help to reduce existing swelling. There are patients who have controlled their swollen feet by implementing healthy lifestyle changes. These can consist of reducing salt intake, incorporating a gentle exercise regime into the daily routine, and drinking plenty of fresh water. Swollen feet may be a temporary condition that affects people who travel via airplane or automobile, so it is beneficial to walk as frequently as possible even though it can be difficult. Swelling of the feet can also be indicative of other health issues so it is important to pay attention to any type of chest pain, mental confusion, dizziness, or fever. If you consistently have swollen feet, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help determine the cause and how to effectively treat it.

The aim of the Practice Accreditation Scheme is to help ensure best practice, achieve a high standard of care to patients and to ensure the correct protocols and procedures are followed to practice safely and effectively within the profession.

As an Accredited Practice, we have been audited to ensure that we:

• Adhere to NICE guidelines.
• All our decontamination processes and infection control are in place.
• Adhere to all clinical standards set by the College of Podiatry.
• Audit notes and that we have peer review scheme in place.
• Comply with GDPR and patient confidentiality.
• Have a clear fee structure.
• Undertake in depth treatment planning.
• Undertake onward referral to other specialisms including vascular, podiatric surgery, orthopaedic surgery, GP, physiotherapy, Diabetology.
• Have safeguarding processes in place (adult and child).
• And many more.

For further information, please visit The Royal College of Podiatry’s website on Accreditation here: https://cop.org.uk/membership/membership-benefits/practice-accreditation

Damage to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) or the peripheral nervous system (nerves leaving the spinal cord) can cause pain, in other words, neuropathic pain (NP). Damages to nerves can lead to sensory, motor and autonomic changes.

Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain

NP can be hard to describe, but what patients normally experience is:

• Stabbing
• Shooting
• Electric shock
• Burning
• Prickling
• Numbness
• Tightness
• Tingling
• Pins and Needles

By finding evidence to a nerve lesion, a clinician can diagnose neuropathic pain. The clinician will concentrate on tests on the sensory nervous system such as light touch, pinprick, and temperature sensation.

Attention should be paid to finding alterations in sensation over the same anatomical area as the pain. This may include negative symptoms, such as a loss or reduction of touch sensation (hypoesthesia).

There are many reasons the patients could develop NP. Some of the causes of NP could be due to:

• Nerve entrapment (Sciatica)
• Nerve damage after surgery or trauma
• Diabetes
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Cancer
• Malnutrition
• Stroke

Treatment

The cause of NP cannot always be determined or reversed. In these cases, it’s best to allow the nerve to heal gradually, and treatment will focus on the relief of symptoms and find ways to improve daily functioning. There is no single treatment to cure or prevent NP.

When treatment for the pain is delayed, the pain will require more aggressive treatment, more medical care and can be more difficult to manage. It is important to receive care as soon as possible as this may help prevent or cause reduced problems that often accompany neuropathy, such as sleep deprivation, anxiety/depression and generally impacting on quality of life.

Avoiding the development of neuropathy, is the best way of preventing NP. Monitoring and modifying lifestyle choices, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding the consumption of alcohol and tobacco will decrease the chances of developing diabetes or stroke. Also, maintaining a good posture at work or when exercising can prevent compartment syndrome which will decrease the risk of developing neuropathy.

Our podiatrists here at The Footcare Centre will always look for signs and symptoms and will be the first professionals to refer you to your GP/Neurologist if there is any possibility of presenting neuropathy. To book an appointment call 01932 849373 or book online

This blog has been written by Steven Castillo Pinel and is not necessarily the opinion of The Footcare Centre Ltd.

The brain sends messages to every part of our body and vice versa via the nervous system. When the nerves are affected or damaged, and these signals are not being sent through, thus causing a condition called neuropathy, which is a long-term complication which can cause problems in various parts of the body.

Neuropathy can be more common in those with Diabetes. High blood glucose level over long periods of time can damage the small blood vessels which supply nutrients to the nerves. The nerve fibres can be damaged or disappear if those essential nutrients are lacking.

There are three types of neuropathy:

• Sensory
  Affecting the sensation of feet and hands and even legs and arms. It is the most common type of neuropathy in diabetics, also called peripheral neuropathy.
• Autonomic
  Affecting the nerves in the heart, stomach, intestines, bladder and sweat glands.
• Motor
  Affecting nerves in the muscles making it difficult to walk and move fingers. This neuropathy is quite rare in diabetics.

Symptoms of Sensory Neuropathy

When the sensory nerves have been affected, the symptoms one can experience are:

• Numbness
• Tingling sensation
• Unexplained burning feeling
• Stabbing pains
• Difficulty to sense pain or extreme temperatures.
• Dysesthesia, which is an abnormal sensation such as, a burning feeling under the skin or hyper sensibility of clothes and bedding.

Complications – Specifically in diabetics.

Having sensory neuropathy can make it difficult for someone with loss of feeling to sense pain and heat which could result in unnoticed injury being sustained in our feet and hands. Feet are harder to see and get to and are more vulnerable than our hands, thus making feet more predisposed to possible trauma. Some minor injuries due to sensory neuropathy could be caused by:

• Sharp objects inside shoes
• Barefoot walking
• Friction from badly fitting shoes
• Burns from radiators or hot water bottles

It is important to check inside one’s shoes and to inspect one’s feet on a regular basis to prevent and avoid or rule out any minor injuries.

If we leave these minor injuries untreated, they may develop into infections and ulcerations.

In diabetics with severe neuropathy, a rare complication can occur which is called Charcot Foot. Bones in the feet can break and go unnoticed due to the existing neuropathy, then these bones heal abnormally causing the foot to become deformed.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no treatment to heal or repair nerve damage, although there are a variety of treatments that could be helpful. It would be ideal for diabetics whether experiencing a loss of sensory sensation or not, to keep their blood glucose levels under control to help prevent neuropathy from developing or worsening, such as diet control, regular exercise and medication. It is important to have medical attention and to have regular check-ups and routine appointments.

At The Footcare Centre, our podiatrists will conduct neurological and vascular test to all new patients and specifically recommend diabetic checks, to rule out any neuropathic problems. To book an appointment call please call 01932 849373 or book online.

This blog has been written by Steven Castillo Pinel and is not necessarily the opinion of The Footcare Centre Ltd

This blog discusses what chronic venous insufficiency is and what you can do to help manage it.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is the poor functioning of vein valves either being hereditary or the simple damage or blockage causing there to be a venous reflux, for example after a deep vein thrombosis or blood clot. The valves in the veins allow the blood to travel against gravity, from the legs to the heart. When the valves are not able to close properly the blood flow reverses and accumulates at the bottom increasing the venous pressure and causing the lower leg to swell.

There are also some who are more predisposed to CVI.  These risk factors include:

• Family history
• Over 30 years of age
• Previous blood clots in veins
• Females
• Multiple pregnancies
• Prolonged standing
• Heavy lifting

As the blood pressure builds up in the lower leg, the symptoms and signs that one can experience are:

• pain
• itchiness
• the enlargement of varicose veins
• inflammation
• changes in skin (discolouration, eczema, scarring and hard skin)
• venous ulceration

If you believe you present CVI, it would be the best interest to visit a Vascular Surgeon who will assess your symptoms and ask about your medical history. The vascular surgeon will need to physically assess you via Doppler (which is a hand-held instrument used to listen to your blood flow), a venous duplex ultrasound (this provides an actual image of your veins to rule out any blockages or blood clots) and for severe cases, a CAT scan or MRI can be useful to exclude any other causes for leg inflammation.

Apart from treating CVI surgically, it can be helped with the following conservative managements:

• Diet and lifestyle- maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding prolonged sitting and standing
• We sitting/lying- elevation of feet and legs, ideally above the heart
• Structured exercise to strengthen leg muscles.
• Compression stockings
• Regular moisturising to reduce itching and prevent cracking minimising the risk of infection (cellulitis)

It is important to prevent any severe swelling and the development of ulcers. It is also very relevant to know that, even after a successful treatment, recurrence can occur, and further care may be needed.

If you do suffer with CVI and find it hard to reach your feet, and simply want some advice and help, our podiatrists here at The Footcare Centre can assist, treat and guide you. To book an appointment call 01932 849373 or book online

This blog has been written by Steven Castillo Pinel and is not necessarily the opinion of The Footcare Centre Ltd