Caring for older feet is important for maintaining mobility, comfort, and daily independence. As people age, their feet naturally lose strength and flexibility, making it important to stay active to support balance and reduce the risk of falling. Checking the feet each day can help identify changes such as swelling, skin issues, or discomfort before they become serious. Keeping blood circulating through gentle movement and choosing supportive shoes can prevent strain and improve stability. Older adults should also protect their feet from cold exposure to avoid poor circulation or skin problems. A podiatrist can provide guidance, manage chronic conditions, and offer preventive care to keep feet healthy. If you have any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional foot care tips.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. 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 Cambridge and Zanesville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot, known medically as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin between the toes and along the foot. It is especially prevalent among football players due to warm, moist environments inside cleats and frequent shared locker room spaces. Symptoms often include itching, burning, peeling skin, and a persistent rash. The condition develops when fungus thrives on damp skin, often worsened by sweat, wearing tight footwear, or walking barefoot in communal areas. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection, recommend effective antifungal treatments, and provide guidance on prevention to stop it from returning. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you  schedule a visit with a podiatrist for effective relief, treatment and prevention tips.

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 Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio.  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 Cambridge and Zanesville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle avulsion fracture occurs when a small piece of bone is pulled away from the main bone by an injured ligament, tendon, or muscle. This injury often happens during a sudden twist, fall, or misstep, and it can involve surrounding soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty walking. Most patients recover in about four to six weeks with proper care and protection. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis with imaging, guide your treatment, support healing of the soft tissues, and help restore strength and stability to the ankle. If you have ankle pain after an injury or have trouble putting weight on your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat the injury.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Metatarsal stress fractures occur when one or more of the long bones in the foot develop cracks from repetitive force, rather than a single injury. These hairline fractures can affect the head, shaft, or base of the metatarsal, and are especially seen in runners, basketball players, ballet dancers, and soccer players. Runners often develop stress fractures in the first and second metatarsals due to the repetitive bending forces placed on the forefoot. Basketball players are prone to avulsion-type fractures of the fifth metatarsal from sudden forces during jumping or rapid direction changes. Ballet dancers put intense compressive forces on the second and third metatarsals when dancing en pointe, which stresses the Lisfranc joints. Additionally, soccer players frequently experience torsional stress fractures of the fifth metatarsal, often referred to as Jones fractures. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, provide advanced imaging, and recommend treatment or surgery, if necessary. If you have metatarsal foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Cambridge and Zanesville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.