Podiatrist Offices Conveniently Located In Kenilworth, Bayonne, Little Ferry & Montclair New Jersey

Innovative Foot & Ankle

Footnotes / Blog

Sunday, December 24th, 2017 Elizabeth Anthony

What is Geriatric Foot Care?

As the geriatric population continues to grow, particularly with the aging baby boomer generation, many older adults experience a variety of foot problems that affect their mobility and quality of life. Fortunately, many of these issues are treatable with professional podiatric care.

Common Foot Problems in Older Adults

  • Thickened and Hard Toenails
    As people age, toenails often become thickened and hard, making them difficult to cut or manage. This can lead to pain and infection if left untreated. Mechanical and manual debridement of the nails in the office can alleviate these issues and improve comfort.
  • Arthritis
    Arthritis in the small joints of the feet is common among older adults due to years of wear and tear. Treatment options include:

    • Supportive shoe inserts
    • Cortisone injections
    • Proper footwear to reduce pain and improve mobility.
  • Corns and Calluses
    • Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop on the tops and sides of the toes, often causing discomfort.
    • Calluses are harder, rough patches of skin that typically form on the soles of the feet due to repetitive friction.

    Treatment involves removal of corns and calluses to reduce pain and prevent further irritation.

  • Metatarsalgia (Ball of Foot Pain)
    As the body ages, the protective fat pad on the ball of the foot may shift, leading to discomfort when walking. This condition is known as metatarsalgia and can be treated with various methods, such as cushioning insoles and custom orthotics to alleviate pain.

Why Geriatric Foot Care is Important

Foot problems in older adults can have a significant impact on mobility and quality of life, making it essential to address these issues early. Proper care can help prevent more serious complications such as infections, fall risk, and chronic pain.

Our Podiatric Services for the Elderly

At Innovative Foot and Ankle, we specialize in geriatric foot care and are dedicated to improving the foot health of our aging patients. Our licensed podiatrists are experienced in diagnosing and treating common foot conditions in the elderly, ensuring comfort and mobility.

Locations

We offer comprehensive foot care at our Northern New Jersey offices in Kenilworth, Little Ferry, Bayonne, and Montclair.