April 2023

Many older adults experience some degree of swelling in the feet, ankles, and lower legs. This can cause a senior to become less certain on their feet, thereby increasing the risk of falling, and this may lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. Swelling, or edema, in seniors is frequently the result of retention of fluid in the lower extremities. It can be caused by underlying conditions, such as congestive heart failure or other heart-related problems, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and vascular problems. A number of simple lifestyle changes can help to reduce edema. Among them are wearing compression socks or stockings, avoiding shoes that are too tight, and keeping the legs elevated as often as possible. Moving the feet, toes, and ankles is important, as sitting or standing in one place for too long can increase swelling. Performing simple ankle rotations or flexes can be beneficial. Eating foods rich in magnesium, such as legumes, fresh vegetables and leafy greens, and whole grains, may also help. If swelling in the feet becomes a chronic problem, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis. 

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

If you are a senior citizen or are currently caring for one, then it might be important to remember that doing what you can to prevent falls can help maintain proper foot health. This is because suffering a fall can lead to foot injuries and other conditions in a senior. In order to prevent falls, you might consider the potential benefits of adding installations in the senior’s home. For example, installing certain objects around the home, such as handrails on both sides of the stairwell, can give a senior extra support when navigating the stairs. Additionally, the installation of grab bars in the shower or tub may help senior citizens support themselves and gain balance when bathing. Lastly, and importantly, you might consider installing a raised toilet seat that has armrests to provide ample stability for the senior when using the restroom. All of these installations might serve to increase the senior’s stability and decrease the likelihood of suffering from a fall. It is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for more information about preventing falls. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sometimes, it is possible for an individual to experience toe pain for a reason that might not be immediately apparent. Toe pain has many different potential causes. One reason that an individual might be experiencing a bout of surprising toe pain is due to nerve damage. Essentially, when nerves become compressed in the feet, this compression can lead to the onset of toe pain. The type of pain that an individual can experience with nerve damage in the toes is very specific. Namely, nerve damage can create a burning kind of pain in the toes. This pain is sometimes localized in the space between the toes. If you are someone that is living with toe pain and believe that it might be due to nerve damage, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Exercising the feet regularly is a good way to keep them healthy and strong.  An effective toe stretch is done by sitting in a chair with the feet on the floor. Raising the heels while keeping the toes on the floor, followed by reversing the order can be successful in stretching the feet. Each position can be repeated several times until a good stretch is felt. A toe splay is done when the heels remain on the floor with the toes spread apart. This can be repeated up to ten times. The sole can be strengthened by crossing one leg over the opposite knee and pulling the toes back toward the shin. There are numerous stretches and foot exercises that are easy to perform. If you would like additional information about exercising your feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you in having stronger feet.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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