As we get older, our feet change naturally. Years of walking can affect the skin, joints, and cushioning beneath the feet. You may notice soreness or stiffness during daily activities. Toenails may grow more slowly or become thicker. These changes are common, but new pain should not simply be blamed on age. Paying attention to your feet helps you spot problems early and stay comfortable as you remain active every day.

Toenail changes are common in older adults. Nails may develop ridges, turn yellow, or become brittle. Stiffness makes trimming harder, raising the risk of ingrown nails or cuts. A fungal infection may cause nails to look crumbly or discolored. Diabetes and poor circulation increase the risk of nail problems. A podiatrist examines your nails and checks for infection. Treatment may include careful trimming or thinning, with medication recommended when needed.

Changes in the feet affect balance and movement. Reduced joint flexibility or less natural cushioning may make walking uncomfortable. Additionally, arthritis and injuries add to the difficulty. Circulation problems may develop because of blood vessel disease. Warning signs include unusually cold feet, changes in skin color, or leg pain while walking. Diabetes and smoking can raise circulation risks. Poor blood flow may slow healing, so early assessment is important if you notice a sore or cut.

Podiatric visits can identify changes early. A podiatrist may check circulation, skin, and walking. Care may include nail treatment or advice about supportive footwear. At home, wash and dry your feet, moisturize dry skin, and check for sores. Seek podiatric care for sudden discoloration, severe pain, or a wound that will not heal. If you have foot pain or notice changes related to aging, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Jennifer Swan, DPM from Right Step Foot Care. 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 our office located in Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the joints and tissues around the feet. Foot pain from lupus may develop when inflammation affects the joints, tendons, or other structures that help support movement. Symptoms come and go, and their intensity may change over time. Understanding how lupus affects the feet helps you recognize changes and seek appropriate care before discomfort begins interfering with daily activities.

Foot symptoms include aching, tenderness, and swelling surrounding the joints. Some people experience numbness or tingling when inflammation or related nerve problems affect sensation. Feet may also feel unusually cold or chilly, particularly when circulation is affected. Joint discomfort makes walking or standing for long periods of time more difficult. Lupus may affect both feet, although symptoms are not always identical. Paying attention to changes in pain, temperature, or swelling provides helpful information for your podiatrist.

Lupus itself develops from an abnormal immune response, but the exact cause is not fully understood. Genetics, hormones, and environmental factors contribute to its development. Having a family history of autoimmune disease increases the risk. Other factors include certain medications, sun exposure, and smoking. People with lupus may also have related conditions that affect circulation or nerves, which contribute to foot discomfort. Because several problems cause similar symptoms, an evaluation is important when new or persistent foot pain develops.

A podiatrist examines your feet and ankles for swelling, tenderness, and circulation concerns. The exam includes a medical history and physical examination, with imaging tests or other testing ordered when appropriate. Treatment options include wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and strategies for protecting painful areas. If you have foot pain from lupus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jennifer Swan, DPM from Right Step Foot Care. 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 our office located in Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus, medically called onychomycosis, is an infection that can change the color, thickness, and texture of a toenail. It develops when fungi enter the nail through small cracks or openings around the nail. Several types of fungi can cause an infection, including dermatophytes, molds, and yeast. An infected nail may become yellow, white, or brown. It can also become thick, brittle, or separated from the nail bed. Early treatment can help prevent the infection from becoming more difficult to manage.

Dermatophytes are the most common cause of toenail fungus. These fungi feed on keratin, which is found in nails and skin. A dermatophyte infection often causes thickened nails with yellow or white discoloration. Mold can also infect toenails, particularly when the nail has been damaged. Mold infections may cause unusual colors and changes in nail texture. Yeast infections are less common, but can affect damaged nails. The nail may become discolored, thick, or distorted. Different infections can look similar, so appearance alone may not identify the exact cause.

Several risk factors can increase the chances of developing toenail fungus. Warm, damp environments allow fungi to grow easily. Wearing sweaty shoes, walking barefoot in communal areas, or having a previous nail injury can increase exposure. Older adults may also face greater risk because toenails grow more slowly. A podiatrist can examine the nail and may collect a sample for testing when needed. Treatment can then be selected based on the infection and its severity.

Treatment may involve prescription medication, topical therapy, or other options recommended by your podiatrist. Thickened portions of the nail may be trimmed or reduced to improve treatment access. Keeping feet clean and dry can also help protect healthy nails. Toenail fungus can take time to clear because nails grow slowly. If you have signs of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

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 Jennifer Swan, DPM of Right Step Foot Care. 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 contact our office located in Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout develops when excess uric acid forms crystals in and around a joint. Tophi from gout are firm lumps created by deposits of these crystals beneath the skin or within tissue. They usually appear after gout has remained poorly controlled for a long period of time, especially when attacks happen frequently. Tophi can form near the big toe, ankle, or heel. Some lumps are small and difficult to notice, while others become large enough to change the shape of a joint. Their presence is a sign of advanced gout and possible damage beneath the surface.

Tophi do not always hurt, but they can create foot problems. A lump can press against a shoe and make standing or walking uncomfortable. Larger deposits can limit joint movement, weaken tissue, and damage bone. The skin covering a tophus can become thin or break open, releasing a white, chalk-like material. An open area also raises the risk of infection. Warning signs include increasing redness, warmth, and drainage. Numbness or burning pain can develop when a deposit presses on a nerve. Changes in foot shape can also affect balance and place added pressure on other parts of the foot.

A podiatrist can examine the lumps, review the patient’s history of gout, and check how well the affected joints move. X-rays or other imaging can reveal hidden deposits and show damage to bone or cartilage. The podiatrist can also evaluate pressure points, treat open skin, and recommend fitted shoes or custom orthotics. Surgery is reserved for severe cases involving infection, major joint damage, or pressure on a nerve. Foot examinations help the podiatrist track changes and protect mobility. If you have symptoms of tophi formation from gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jennifer Swan, DPM from Right Step Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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