As people age, their feet, toes, and ankles often undergo changes that can negatively affect mobility and overall health. Common foot issues among seniors include thickened or discolored toenails, which may result from reduced circulation or repeated injury over time. Aging can also lead to joint stiffness in the feet and ankles, reducing mobility and causing discomfort. Circulatory decline frequently impacts the skin, making it thinner, more fragile, and more susceptible to wounds or ulcers. Swelling in the feet and ankles may signal underlying conditions, such as heart or kidney disease, as these systems play a significant role in fluid retention and blood flow. Such changes in the feet and ankles can signal health problems before they worsen. A podiatrist can assess your symptoms, offer expert care, and recommend effective methods to manage them. If you are a senior who is experiencing foot or ankle irregularities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam and appropriate treatment options.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Nrup Tolat, DPM from Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle 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 offices located in Woodstock and Atlanta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to angle toward the second toe. This misalignment can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing shoes. In more severe cases, bunions can limit mobility and cause deformities in the foot structure. The main causes of bunions include wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, inherited foot structure, and abnormal foot mechanics, such as flat feet. Over time, pressure on the joint can cause the toe to shift, forming a bunion. Treatment options vary depending on severity. In mild cases, changing footwear or using orthotics can relieve pain and prevent progression. For more advanced cases, a podiatrist may recommend medications, targeted exercises, or even surgery to realign the toe. If you are dealing with bunion pain or discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss the best treatment plan tailored to your needs.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Nrup Tolat, DPM of Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that often affects the feet, particularly the big toe. Gout occurs when uric acid builds up in the body, leading to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints. People with gout frequently experience sudden nighttime attacks of intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area. These gout flare-ups can last from several days to two weeks and may recur periodically. While genetics can increase the risk of gout, factors such as stress, poor diet, alcohol use, and certain health conditions like diabetes and hypertension can also trigger it. Repeated gout attacks in the big toe or ankle may cause chronic pain and deformities, such as tophi, which are hardened uric acid deposits under the skin. A podiatrist can assess the severity of gout through physical examination and diagnostic testing. This foot doctor can also provide targeted treatments to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent further complications. If you have recurrent flare-ups from gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment remedies.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Nrup Tolat, DPM from Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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