Middlefield (860) 349-8500
Wallingford (203) 294-4977
Middlefield (860) 349-8500
Wallingford (203) 294-4977
Aging feet have endured years of wear and tear. It is therefore not surprising that foot problems are common among seniors. Plantar fasciitis is when the plantar fascia, the thick fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed from overuse or improper support. There can be a pain in the heel and the arch of the foot with this condition, which is more apt to be felt upon arising after rest. After walking some, the pain can subside only to resurface. Resting the affected foot, wearing orthotics, and performing stretching exercises can help this condition. Bunions form when the joint of the big toe moves out of place due to pressure. This causes a bump to develop on the side of the toe, and the toe to point inward towards the smaller toes. Swelling, redness, or soreness can develop on the joint, as well as calluses around the second toe. Bunions can cause persistent foot pain. Medications, bunion pads, splints, and wearing proper footwear that has sufficient room in the toe box can help. If you are older or take care of someone elderly who has developed a painful foot condition or wants to learn how to prevent these from happening, consult with a podiatrist who can help you.
If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick of Affiliated Foot Care Center. 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 offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Foot therapy can be a relaxing and rewarding experience. It falls into two categories consisting of foot massages and reflexology. The latter is done by stimulating the energy channels in the body by touching the feet in specific areas. There are parts of the foot that are connected to various organs and bones and can interact with the tissues in the feet. When a foot massage is given, it is generally more direct and may be helpful in relieving tight muscles. Additionally, circulation may be improved, and existing soreness may be reduced. Many people enjoy having reflexology performed on them as it can bring positive feelings to the overall body. The digestive system may be improved in addition to having increased energy. If you would like to know more information about the benefits of foot therapy, please confer with a podiatrist .
Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Most Common Injuries
People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track.
What to Do When Injured
Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.
During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:
Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
A corn is a small area of skin that hardens to protect the skin from excessive pressure that gradually forms on the foot from friction. This friction comes from wearing shoes or socks that do not fit correctly. A common place for a corn to develop is the side of the pinky toe. As small as it is, it can be extremely painful, and may make completing daily activities difficult to do. Additional reasons why a corn can appear may include standing for long periods of time, or if the feet are constantly sweaty. Corns that are found between the toes are referred to as soft corns, and are so named for the moisture that is found there. Seed corns develop on the soles of the feet, and are often found in clusters. Temporary relief may be found when a protective covering is worn over the corn, until a podiatrist is contacted. This is the type of doctor who can determine what the best course of treatment is, which may include surgery for permanent removal. If you have a corn on your foot, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can effectively evaluate and treat the condition.
Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick of Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:
Treating Corns
Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Not surprisingly, a woman’s body changes dramatically over the course of her pregnancy, and as the body changes, the feet do as well. One notable change that can occur during a woman’s pregnancy is flat feet, the loss of the natural arch of the foot. Flat feet can develop as a result of the extra weight that a pregnant woman carries and/or changes in the body’s relaxin hormone. Further, when the arch of the foot flattens, a pregnant woman might also notice her feet roll inward when walking. This is known as over-pronation. To combat the effects of flat feet during a pregnancy, a woman may choose footwear that is specifically designed to provide ample support to the arches of the feet. Additionally, a pregnant woman might even wear orthotics to provide support when the natural arch is lost. If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, consider making an appointment with a podiatrist who can advise you on changes to your feet during pregnancy.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Baby’s feet are generally adorable, and you may yearn to touch them. They are soft and pliable as a result of the fatty tissue they are composed of. This will gradually convert into bone as the growing process occurs. Research has shown that babies are born with a stepping reflex, and this can be seen while they are held in a standing position as they move their legs as if they are walking. This will eventually disappear, and crawling will begin first, then walking will start at approximately one year of age. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch will be fully developed as they approach their teenage years. There are parents who choose to trim their baby's nails after they have had a bath, when the nails are the softest. An interesting fact is that baby’s feet will reach half of their adult foot size before they are one year old. Additionally, it is beneficial that the first shoes are made with a flexible sole, and padded ankle. This may be helpful in providing the necessary support as the first steps are taken. Please consult with a podiatrist if you would like to know more about what to expect as your child’s feet grow.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick of Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The ankle is a complex system of bones, tendons, and muscles that connect the leg and the foot. If any one of those elements is compromised, it may result in pain whenever you take a step. If you spend a lot of time running, walking or jumping, some type of pain in the ankle is not uncommon. Most ankle pain is the result of an injury to a muscle, tendon, or ligament. Ankle pain may also be caused by medical conditions, including arthritis, gout, or peripheral neuropathy. An injury, such as a ligament sprain, a muscle strain, or a fractured bone, will likely cause ankle pain and inhibit your ability to walk normally. Pain in the back of the ankle may be connected to an injury of the Achilles tendon. This can become torn, ruptured or inflamed, and severe cases may prevent you from putting any weight on the foot. If you are experiencing ankle pain when you walk, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for an exam and a diagnosis. An appropriate treatment plan can then be put into action.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
A rare foot condition happens to only a few people in the population. Many rare foot conditions share symptoms with common foot problems but are harder to diagnose and treat. Three such foot diseases are Freiberg’s disease, Maffucci syndrome, and Kohler’s disease. Freiberg’s disease usually affects the second or third metatarsal bones and causes the bones to flatten and lose their normal, round, smooth shape. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness around the affected toe, and it can cause the forefoot to be tender and have a limited range of motion. Maffucci syndrome affects the skin and bones. It is characterized by multiple benign tumors in the cartilage, called enchondromas, which develop near the ends of bones and cause them to bulge and stop growing. These can lead to severe bone deformation and make bones more susceptible to fractures. This syndrome is most common among children and is rarely detected at birth, but symptoms can become apparent in the first few years of life. Kohler’s disease is another rare foot condition that happens due to the compression of the arch of the foot during a child’s early development. It affects boys more than girls and typically affects a single foot. Those with this disease have redness, swelling, and tenderness on the affected foot. Symptoms may be mild but chronic. If your child suffers from foot pain, see a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and provide treatment.
Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick of Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Rare Foot Conditions
The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist. Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care.
There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:
Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp.
Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.
Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking.
A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Older adults are at an increased risk of developing foot problems. If you have heel pain or pain that is located at the back of your feet, chances are that it may be one of three conditions: plantar fasciitis, bursitis, or an Achilles tendon injury. Plantar fasciitis is the most common form of heel pain. This occurs when the plantar fascia tissue on the bottom of the foot gets injured or irritated and inflamed, typically through overuse. Plantar fasciitis pain is usually more intense in the morning or after periods of rest. Your podiatrist may treat it with custom orthotics, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, shockwave therapy, or by other means. Bursitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the bursa sac between your Achilles tendon and heel bone at the back of your foot. This is a fluid filled sac that cushions joints and bones, helps protect the tendon, and reduces friction. This bursa can become inflamed, painful, swollen, or red from repetitive motions or direct pressure. The Achilles tendon can suffer from various injuries such as ruptures, tendonitis, or enthesopathy, which are typically caused by intense or repetitive strain on the tendon. If you feel any of the symptoms described here, have a podiatrist examine you and perform whatever tests are necessary to properly diagnose your condition and devise an effective treatment plan.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick of Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
