Items filtered by date: February 2024

Regular foot check-ups are important for older adults to help identify potential problems early on. Getting treatment for any issues also prevents these problems from escalating into more serious conditions. As people age, changes in foot structure, skin integrity, and circulation can occur, making the feet more susceptible to various issues, such as pain and cracked heels. Regular check-ups become especially important for those with chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis, as these can significantly impact foot health. Certain conditions, like plantar fasciitis and osteoarthritis, become more likely with repetitive movement and the natural wear and tear that comes with aging. Podiatrists can assess the risk of developing complications, provide personalized advice on footwear, and offer guidance on preventive measures. If you have concerns about your foot health as an older adult, or if you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

If you need your feet checked, contact George Tellam, DPM of Ankle & Foot Associates. 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 offices located in Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar digital neuroma, also known as Morton's neuroma, is characterized by the thickening of the tissue surrounding the nerves that run between the toes, most often affecting the area between the third and fourth toes. This thickening can cause compression and irritation of the nerve, leading to pain and discomfort. Individuals with plantar digital neuroma typically experience sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling or numbness in the toes, and the sensation of standing on a pebble or fold in a sock. Pain may worsen with walking, wearing tight or narrow shoes, or squeezing the forefoot. The discomfort associated with Morton’s neuroma can be disruptive to daily activities and may worsen over time if left untreated. Recognizing the symptoms of plantar digital neuroma is essential for seeking proper diagnosis and treatment to alleviate pain and restore foot health. If you have pain or discomfort between your third and fourth toes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can confirm Morton's neuroma, and offer correct treatment solutions.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact George Tellam, DPM of Ankle & Foot Associates. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the pinky toe, though seemingly small, can be a significant source of discomfort, and understanding the potential causes is critical for effective resolution. Wearing ill-fitting footwear emerges as a frequent culprit, as tight shoes or those with narrow toe boxes can compress the pinky toe, leading to friction, irritation, and pain. Stubbing the pinky toe against furniture or other objects is another common cause of acute pain, often accompanied by swelling and bruising. Structural issues such as hammertoes or corns can contribute to ongoing discomfort, creating pressure points on the pinky toe. Additionally, overuse or strain from activities like running or prolonged standing may result in muscle or ligament injuries around the pinky toe. Identifying the specific cause of pinky toe pain is essential for implementing appropriate interventions. If you have pinky toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate relief and treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact George Tellam, DPM of Ankle & Foot Associates. 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 offices located in Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus, medically termed onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is a common fungal infection that affects approximately 14 percent of people, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While typically not a serious health concern, toenail fungus can cause cosmetic issues as well as discomfort. There are various types of toenail fungus, each with distinct characteristics in symptoms and appearance. The most prevalent form is subungual onychomycosis, characterized by nail lifting, discoloration, and crumbling of the toenail. White superficial onychomycosis causes white, flaky patches on the nail surface, potentially progressing to rough and crumbly nails. Candida onychomycosis, caused by yeast, is more common in individuals with conditions like diabetes or compromised immune systems. This type of toenail fungus shows symptoms such as rough nails, surface breakdown, and soft tissue infection. An accurate diagnosis by a podiatrist is essential to determine the type of toenail fungus you may have incurred. With proper care and timely intervention, toenail fungus can be effectively managed. If you suspect you have a toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options appropriate to the cause.

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 George Tellam, DPM of Ankle & Foot Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

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 offices located in Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.