Foot health plays an important role in overall mobility, safety, and independence as people age. Changes in the feet can affect balance, walking stability, and the risk of falls, making foot evaluation an important part of care for older adults. Problems such as thickened nails, poorly maintained skin, pressure areas, or untreated pain may signal more than a foot issue alone. These findings can sometimes suggest reduced mobility, declining strength, difficulty with self-care, or increasing frailty. In some cases, they may also reflect that a caregiver is struggling to keep up with daily care needs. A focused foot examination can help identify concerns early and guide treatment before more serious complications develop. Addressing foot problems may improve comfort, function, and safety. If you are an older adult, or caring for one, and foot discomfort, balance changes, or difficulty with walking persist, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound 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 Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is a toe deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends abnormally at the middle joint, often causing rubbing, pressure, and discomfort while walking. Treatment depends on how flexible or advanced the condition has become. Early care may include footwear changes with a wider toe area to reduce crowding and irritation. Padding or protective supports may help relieve pressure points and reduce friction. Custom orthotics can improve foot mechanics when abnormal pressure contributes to the problem. If corns or calluses develop, a podiatrist can safely manage those painful areas. When the toe becomes rigid or pain interferes with daily movement, procedural correction may be considered to improve alignment and comfort. A podiatrist can determine which approach best fits the severity of the condition. If you have toe pain, shoe irritation, or visible toe bending, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation for effective relief and management tips.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Ankle pain while running can develop from several factors that place stress on the joints and surrounding tissues. Poor running form may cause uneven movement and strai. Running on uneven surfaces can increase the risk of twisting or overloading the ankle. Wearing unsuitable footwear may fail to provide proper support. Weak ankles can make it harder to maintain stability. Prevention focuses on strengthening the ankles through simple exercises, choosing supportive running shoes, and building conditioning gradually to avoid sudden stress. Risk factors include overuse, lack of strength, and improper technique. A podiatrist can assess your gait, recommend proper footwear, and create a plan to improve strength and alignment. If you have ankle or foot pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment remedies and guide you on running injury prevention.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. It often appears as red, itchy, or peeling skin that may crack or burn. In some cases, the skin can become dry and scaly or develop small blisters. This condition develops when fungi grow in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or locker rooms. Risk factors include wearing tight footwear, having damp feet for long periods, and using shared surfaces without protection. Symptoms may worsen if the infection spreads or is left untreated. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, provide targeted treatment, and help prevent the infection from returning. If your feet are itchy or if you notice skin changes between the toes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.