Wound care in the elderly, particularly when it comes to foot care, demands special considerations. Foot care education and routine foot care are widely emphasized to prevent foot ulceration in diabetes. However, elderly people face unique challenges that can affect their ability to maintain proper foot health. Factors such as poor vision, arthritic complications, diminished manual dexterity, and memory loss can hinder their capacity to prevent or treat foot lesions effectively. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of elderly individuals with diabetes struggle with basic foot care tasks. This underscores the need for tailored wound care strategies for this population. Furthermore, elderly patients with diabetes often contend with ocular complications, including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma, which can impair their ability to care for their feet. If you are diabetic and elderly, or taking care of a person in this population, it is strongly suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for routine examinations, regular foot care, and treatment of foot wounds, should they arise.

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 Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. 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 Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Embarking on a running journey often leads to foot discomfort, ranging from blisters due to friction or wet conditions to more serious injuries caused by repetitive impact. One cause of foot pain in runners is stress fractures, often the result of overuse or sudden mileage increase. Plantar fasciitis, another common cause, is characterized by heel pain resulting from increased mileage or improper shoe choices. Achilles tendonitis, another overuse injury, requires timely diagnosis and treatment by a podiatrist to prevent complications and chronic pain. Metatarsalgia, causing ball of foot pain, and Morton’s neuroma, marked by nerve enlargement between third and fourth toes, commonly cause pain in the metatarsal and toe area of the foot. Pain along the top of the foot may be linked to tightly laced shoes or other causes. Tibialis posterior tendonitis, causes throbbing or burning pain along the arch. Bunions, a deformity of the big toe, and hallux rigidus, or stiffness in the big toe, necessitate treatment from a podiatrist. It is always a good idea to address foot pain rather than to ignore it and keep running. If you are a runner experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough foot exam that will form the basis of an appropriate treatment plan. 

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Scott Samera, DPM of Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

As individuals age, the importance of comprehensive healthcare extends to often overlooked areas, and one such critical aspect is foot health. Foot exams for elderly patients are integral in preventing, identifying, and addressing potential issues that can significantly impact their overall well-being. Aging brings about changes in foot structure, reduced skin elasticity, and diminished sensory perception, making the elderly more susceptible to foot problems. Routine foot examinations can detect early signs of conditions like arthritis, diabetes-related complications, and circulatory issues. Assessing foot health aids in preventing falls, a prevalent concern for the elderly, by addressing issues related to balance and stability. Additionally, podiatrists can identify and manage common foot ailments like bunions, corns, and fungal infections, enhancing mobility and comfort. Regular foot exams empower elderly individuals to actively participate in their health, fostering independence and ensuring that any potential foot-related concerns are addressed promptly, contributing to an overall better quality of life. If you are elderly or caring for an older person, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can perform regular foot exams.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. 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 Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe, or toe fracture, is a painful injury when one or more toe bones, known as phalanges, sustain damage. This injury typically results from a sudden impact or trauma, such as stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on it, or experiencing a direct blow during sports or accidents. The symptoms of a broken toe are distinct and hard to miss. The most common sign is immediate pain and discomfort, which can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the fracture. Additionally, swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the affected area are typical and may worsen over time. The toe may also appear misshapen or out of alignment, making it challenging to move or bear weight. In some cases, you may even hear a cracking or popping sound at the time of the injury. Proper diagnosis and timely treatment are essential for a full and safe recovery. If you have sustained a broken toe, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.