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As people age, several common foot problems may develop due to natural changes in skin, circulation, and joint health. One significant change is that the fat pads on the feet become thinner, reducing cushioning and increasing sensitivity to pressure. This can lead to discomfort, calluses, and a higher risk of skin breakdown. Protecting elderly feet involves staying active to promote circulation and mobility, inspecting feet daily for cuts or changes, using moisturizer to prevent dryness, and wearing shoes that fit well and provide proper support. These habits help maintain comfort and reduce complications. A podiatrist can assess foot health, manage existing concerns, and recommend preventive care. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and guide you on additional elderly foot care tips.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our doctors of Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

During long-distance running, foot anatomy plays a critical role in efficiency, balance, and injury prevention. The gait cycle places repeated stress on the foot as it absorbs impact and propels the body forward. Intrinsic muscles within the foot provide stability, arch support, and fine control, while extrinsic muscles originating in the leg generate power and guide motion. When these systems are overworked or imbalanced, running injuries like tendinitis and stress reactions may develop. Poor mechanics can increase strain on bones, muscles, and connective tissues, over time. A podiatrist can analyze running gait, identify biomechanical faults, and recommend custom orthotics, footwear guidance, and other targeted treatments. If you have foot pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment and prevention tips.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors from Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A stubbed toe may seem minor, but the impact can affect bones, joints, nails, and surrounding soft tissue. Common problems include bruising, swelling, nail damage, ligament strain, or a fracture of one of the small toe bones. Pain that worsens with walking, visible deformity, numbness, or persistent swelling may signal a more serious injury. A podiatrist can evaluate the toe with a physical exam and imaging to determine whether a fracture, dislocation, or nail injury is present. Treatment may include immobilization, protective footwear, or taping techniques performed in the office. Nail care or management of inflammation and pain can also be addressed. Early assessment supports safer recovery. If you have pain from stubbing a toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Changes in the appearance of toenails often develop slowly and may be easy to ignore at first. A fungal infection can begin when organisms enter through small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin. Warm, moist environments, tight shoes, nail injuries, and reduced circulation increase risk. Common signs include thickening, discoloration that appears yellow, white, or brown, crumbling edges, and nails that lift from the nail bed. Some people also notice odor or discomfort when wearing shoes. Treatment depends on severity and nail involvement. Options include prescription topical medication, oral therapy, or advanced treatments designed to target infection within the nail. Because nails grow slowly, improvement takes time and consistency. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can confirm the diagnosis, rule out other nail conditions, and recommend an effective plan to restore healthier nail growth and reduce the chance of spread to other nails or skin.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our doctors of Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.