As people age, their feet undergo changes that can affect comfort, balance, and mobility. The skin may become harder and drier as collagen decreases. Changes can also occur in the muscles, joints, and soft tissues of the feet. The size and shape of the foot may change, which can affect how shoes fit. Foot pain is common among older adults and may make walking more difficult. Conditions such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, and nerve damage can create additional foot concerns. Arthritis may also contribute to pain or changes in foot structure, making regular elderly foot care important.

Foot problems in older adults are associated with reduced mobility and a greater risk of falls. Common concerns include thickened toenails, calluses, and corns. Dry skin, ulcers, and foot deformities may also be discovered during an examination. Some older adults have difficulty managing foot care because they cannot easily reach their feet. Footwear is important because feet can become broader with age. Shoes that do not fit properly are associated with foot pain and deformities. A professional foot examination can identify problems and can also evaluate circulation and sensation.

A podiatrist can provide foot care for older adults by examining the skin, nails, and structure of the feet. The evaluation may include checking circulation, sensation, and tenderness. A podiatrist can identify problems such as nail disorders or painful calluses and determine appropriate treatment. Foot ulcers and signs of infection require prompt professional attention. Podiatric care may also include recommendations for appropriate footwear or orthotics. Regular evaluation can help address foot problems that interfere with walking and support continued mobility as a person ages. If foot pain, skin changes, or difficulty walking is affecting daily life, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

If you need your feet checked, contact Darline Kulhan, DPM of Scarsdale Foot Specialists PC. 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 office located in Scarsdale, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A hammertoe deformity develops when one of the smaller toes bends downward at its middle joint instead of resting straight. The bent shape can make the toe resemble a hammer. Hammertoes can cause pain while walking and can affect balance. The raised joint may rub against the inside of a shoe, leading to redness, swelling, or thickened skin. Corns and calluses can form where repeated pressure occurs. In some cases, the toe remains flexible and can still be straightened. As the deformity progresses, the joint can become stiff and more difficult to move.

Hammertoes can develop when the muscles and tendons that control a toe become unbalanced. Certain foot shapes place extra pressure on the smaller toes and increase the chance of this deformity. Bunions may also contribute because the big toe can push toward the smaller toes and crowd them. Wearing narrow or tight shoes can place pressure on the toes. High heels can force the toes forward into a cramped position. Previous injuries and health conditions that affect the muscles, nerves, or joints can also contribute. A podiatrist can examine the position and flexibility of the affected toe and evaluate how the foot functions when standing and walking.

Treatment depends on how flexible the toe remains and how much discomfort it causes. A podiatrist can recommend fitting shoes with enough room in the toe box to reduce pressure. Custom orthotics can improve foot support and help redistribute pressure away from painful areas. Padding or splinting can protect irritated skin and improve the toe’s position. The procedure can address tight tendons, the affected joint, or both, depending on the deformity. If you have a hammertoe deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Darline Kulhan, DPM of Scarsdale Foot Specialists PC. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

A blood clot in the foot is a mass of thickened blood that forms inside a blood vessel and can interfere with normal circulation. A deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, usually develops in a deeper vein of the leg, but symptoms can extend toward the foot and ankle. Common warning signs include swelling, warmth, and aching. Some clots cause few symptoms, so unexplained changes should never be ignored.

Several factors can raise the risk of a blood clot. Recent surgery, prolonged sitting, and limited movement can slow circulation. Other risks include previous clots, older age, or limited mobility. An injury may also increase risk when swelling and reduced activity affect normal blood flow. Because clot symptoms can resemble other foot or ankle problems, a podiatric evaluation is important when swelling or pain appears suddenly.

A podiatrist will review your symptoms, health history, and recent injuries. The foot and leg may be examined for swelling, tenderness, and temperature changes. If a clot is suspected, the podiatrist may recommend urgent medical evaluation and testing, such as an ultrasound. Your podiatrist can treat and monitor your foot.

Do not massage a painful, swollen area when a blood clot is suspected. Seek prompt medical evaluation rather than waiting for symptoms to improve. If you develop sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe weakness, seek emergency care immediately because these may indicate a pulmonary embolism. Knowing the warning signs can help you act quickly and confidently. If you have symptoms that may indicate a blood clot in the foot, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to monitor this potentially serious condition. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Darline Kulhan, DPM from Scarsdale Foot Specialists PC. 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 Scarsdale, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that develops on the foot of someone with diabetes. High blood sugar can damage nerves and reduce blood flow, making injuries harder to notice and take longer to heal. Symptoms  include redness, swelling, or an open wound. Some ulcers may cause little pain because diabetic neuropathy can reduce sensation. Early treatment is important because untreated ulcers can become infected and may lead to serious complications.

Common causes include repeated pressure, friction, minor injuries, and reduced sensation. Risk factors include diabetes, previous ulcers, and difficulty controlling blood sugar. A podiatrist may examine the ulcer, check circulation and sensation, and look for infection. Initial treatment may involve cleaning and dressing the wound, removing unhealthy tissue when appropriate, and reducing pressure. Treatment is tailored to the ulcer and the patient.

Offloading pressure is an important part of diabetic foot ulcer treatment. A total contact cast is a specialized cast that distributes pressure across the foot and lower leg while limiting weight-bearing stress on the ulcer. It can be especially useful for certain plantar ulcers when appropriate. Removable cast walkers are another option. They protect the foot while allowing the device to be removed for wound care and inspection. A podiatrist will determine which approach is safest, based on wound location and severity.

Regular follow-up helps monitor healing and reduce complications. A podiatrist may change dressings, reassess the wound, and recommend footwear that protects the foot after healing. Patients should also inspect their feet daily and avoid walking barefoot. Any new redness, drainage, or skin breakdown should receive prompt attention. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Darline Kulhan, DPM from Scarsdale Foot Specialists PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Scarsdale, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.