Keeping your feet healthy as you age can make them more comfortable and help you stay active. Aging can change the skin, muscles, and circulation. These changes may increase the chance of common foot problems. Wearing supportive shoes and having good hygiene helps protect foot health. Paying attention to changes in pain, swelling, or walking comfort is important. Early attention to foot problems can make them easier to manage.

Bunions and hammertoes are common concerns. A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe as the top of the toe moves toward the others. Hammertoe is a deformity that causes one or more smaller toes to bend downward at a joint instead of lying flat. Risk factors include age, family history, and wearing shoes that cause pressure on the toes. Arthritis can contribute to stiffness and deformity. Symptoms may include aching, redness, or difficulty wearing shoes.

Healthy habits can lower the chance of worsening foot problems. Wash and dry your feet each day between the toes. Moisturize dry skin, but avoid lotion between the toes. Choose shoes with enough room for your toes and a stable sole. Additionally, trim toenails and inspect your feet daily for blisters, cuts, or pressure spots. If pain develops, avoid pushing through it. A podiatrist can examine your feet, assess your walking pattern, and identify problems needing treatment.

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the problem. A podiatrist may recommend footwear changes, padding, or medication. For bunions or hammertoes that remain painful, surgery may be considered when other options fail. Regular follow-up can help track changes and protect mobility. If you are aging and noticing foot pain or new deformities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief, treatment, and management solutions.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors 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 offices located in Chandler, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken ankle, also called an ankle fracture, occurs when one or more bones that form the ankle joint break. The injury can range from a simple fracture in one bone to several breaks that make the ankle unstable. Common causes include twisting or rolling the ankle, falling, and experiencing a strong impact during an accident. Symptoms can begin immediately and may include severe pain, swelling, and bruising. Some people cannot place weight on the injured foot. More serious fractures may cause the ankle to appear deformed, especially when the joint has also moved out of its normal position.

Ankle fractures are classified partly by whether the broken bones remain properly aligned. A nondisplaced fracture means the bones have stayed in position. A displaced fracture means the broken pieces have separated. An open fracture occurs when broken bone creates a wound through the skin and requires immediate medical attention because of infection risk. X-rays are commonly used to locate the fracture and determine whether the bones have moved. In some cases, a CT scan can provide more detailed images of the ankle. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture. Stable fractures may be treated without surgery, while unstable or displaced injuries can require surgical repair.

A podiatrist can evaluate a broken ankle and determine the extent of the injury. An examination may include checking the ankle, lower leg, and foot for tenderness or other signs of damage. Imaging can help determine the appropriate treatment plan and monitor bone healing. Recovery varies depending on the fracture, and early bone healing generally takes at least six weeks. Stiffness and swelling may continue for months after the bone has healed. Proper follow-up is important because complications can include bones healing incorrectly or failing to heal completely. Rehabilitation may also be needed to restore ankle movement and function. If you have severe ankle pain or difficulty bearing weight after an injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for prompt evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Some diseases that affect the entire body can also produce noticeable problems in the feet. Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is one example. PAD develops when atherosclerosis causes arteries in the legs to become narrowed. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty material called plaque inside artery walls. As the arteries narrow, less blood can reach the lower legs and feet. Some people with PAD have no noticeable symptoms, while others experience discomfort when walking. Because the feet are far from the heart, circulation problems can become especially noticeable in this area of the body.

Foot-related signs of peripheral artery disease can become more serious as blood flow decreases. The feet may feel cool, while the skin can become thin or pale. Hair loss may also occur on the lower legs and feet. Some people develop aching or burning pain even while resting. More advanced PAD can lead to painful sores on the toes or heels that may have difficulty healing. Severe loss of circulation can eventually damage tissue. PAD is considered a systemic disorder because atherosclerosis may affect arteries elsewhere in the body as well. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and increasing age are among the factors associated with greater PAD risk.

A podiatrist can play an important role in recognizing changes in the feet that may indicate poor circulation. A foot examination can identify skin changes, sores, or abnormal pulses that may require further medical evaluation. Testing may also be needed to determine how well blood is reaching the lower extremities. Because reduced circulation can interfere with healing, professional foot care is particularly important when wounds or other skin problems develop. A podiatrist can provide appropriate foot care while coordinating with other medical professionals when necessary. If you notice persistent foot pain, skin changes, or slow-healing sores, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Chandler, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn beyond their normal range. It often occurs after a misstep, sudden direction changes, or uneven surface. The most common type is an inversion sprain, also called a lateral ankle sprain, which affects ligaments outside the ankle. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and difficulty putting weight on the foot. Some people also notice ankle stiffness or weakness.

Several factors increase ankle sprain risk. Previous ankle injuries, poor balance, and sports involving jumping or rapid movements can make sprains more likely. Wearing poorly supportive footwear or walking on uneven ground can also contribute. An inversion injury happens when the foot rolls inward, placing stress on the outer ligaments. Less commonly, an eversion sprain affects ligaments on the inner side. Understanding the injury type helps a podiatrist determine treatment.

Ankle sprains have three grades. Grade 1 is a mild sprain involving stretched ligaments with limited swelling and little instability. Grade 2 is a moderate sprain involving a partial ligament tear, more swelling, bruising, and walking difficulty. Grade 3 is a severe sprain involving a complete ligament tear, significant swelling, marked instability, and trouble bearing weight. A podiatrist examines the ankle, checks tenderness and stability, and may order imaging tests for suspected fractures. Treatment can include rest, elevation, and bracing.

Healing begins by controlling pain and swelling while protecting the injured ligaments. A podiatrist may recommend an ankle brace or supportive footwear and guide a gradual return to activity. Follow-up visits help assess stability and recovery. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chandler, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.