Balance and mobility in older adults are strongly influenced by foot and ankle health. Key factors include ankle flexibility, the ability to sense touch on the soles, and the strength of toe muscles used to push down. These aspects are critical for steady movement and overall functional ability. When these characteristics decline, it can lead to impaired balance and increase the risk of falls. Strengthening exercises for the feet stretches to improve ankle flexibility, and strategies to enhance sensation in the soles, like using textured insoles, can help improve stability and movement. Such interventions not only boost confidence in mobility but also lower the chance of injury from falls. If you are a senior and balance issues or foot discomfort arise, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris of Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. 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 Poulsbo, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Diabetic foot complications are common due to nerve damage, or neuropathy, and poor circulation, which make the feet vulnerable to injuries that may go unnoticed. Even small cuts or blisters can develop into serious ulcers, as high blood sugar levels delay wound healing and increase infection risk. For people with diabetes, regular foot checks are essential to catch injuries early. Wound care is a critical part of managing diabetic foot complications. It involves cleaning, debriding, or removing dead tissue, and protecting wounds to prevent infection and promote healing. In severe cases, advanced treatments like specialized dressings, antibiotics, and even hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be required. By addressing wounds promptly and properly, wound care reduces the risk of severe infections and amputations, making it a vital component in the comprehensive management of diabetic foot health. If you have diabetic-related foot problems, it is strongly suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for routine exams and expert care.
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 Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay 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 feel free to contact our office located in Poulsbo, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Preventing running injuries requires a combination of proper warm-up, focused training, and strength-building exercises. Starting each run with a warm-up is essential to prepare the muscles and joints for the physical demands of running. Dynamic stretches such as leg swings, high knees, and lunges help improve flexibility and activate key muscle groups. Running with purpose, by focusing on technique and form, is another critical step. This involves maintaining an upright posture, engaging the core, and avoiding overstriding to reduce unnecessary strain on the body. In addition to running, strength training exercises, such as calf raises, squats, and lunges, can help build stability and endurance. Incorporating drills like strides or short sprints at the end of easy runs can also improve speed and running efficiency. If you are suffering from foot or ankle pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment and injury prevention techniques.
All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris of Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.
More Tips for Preventing Injury
Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
“Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
Cross-Training is Crucial
Wear Proper Running Shoes
Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Poulsbo, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
