Many health experts suggest that exercising is essential for older adults, because the tendency to become sedentary can contribute to a physical, as well as emotional,  decline. Building strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance are among the activities recommended for older adults. However, seniors also must take care of their feet while engaging in physical activities that call for standing and walking. First, it’s essential to choose footwear that is made for the type of activity taking place. It is also suggested that footwear should have non-skid flat soles and a cushioned arch that is not too thin or too thick. Additionally, shoes should have adequate heel support and a roomy toe box. Fit is also important when selecting activity footwear. Be sure to have your feet measured properly before buying them, as foot size tends to change with age. Keeping track of the wear and tear on your footwear is a must. Replace shoes when the tread wears out, or if your feet begin to ache or feel tired after exercising. For additional information on finding the right shoes for your activity, please consult a podiatrist.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, is a specific kind of foot condition that is characterized by extremely dry skin on the back of the heels. There are many causes of cracked heels, including eczema, athlete’s foot, and aging. However, there is another often overlooked potential cause of cracked heels that is known as a vitamin deficiency. Certain essential vitamins can ultimately keep your skin healthy, preventing them from flaking and cracking. Just some of these essential vitamins include vitamin E, vitamin B-3, and vitamin C. All of these aforementioned vitamins keep the skin around the heels well-nourished. If you have heel fissures and suspect that it might be due to some kind of vitamin deficiency, contact a podiatrist today for treatment.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sesamoiditis is a particular kind of foot condition that primarily affects the sesamoid bones. These tiny bones are located in the ball of the foot, and this condition occurs when the bones become inflamed. The inflammation commonly develops from overuse. If you suspect that you have sesamoiditis, you can visit a podiatrist who might conduct an examination to diagnose the condition. Typically, a podiatrist will search for signs of tenderness or pain in the affected area of the foot. A diagnosis may be premised on symptoms that a patient feels, such as swelling and inflammation. Additionally, medical professionals have various imaging tools at their disposal to diagnose sesamoiditis. These include performing an X-ray, MRI, CT scan, or bone scan. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today to receive a diagnosis for a suspected case of sesamoiditis.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The Achilles tendon connects the muscles of the calf and lower leg to the heel bone. When it is stretched beyond its limits, it can become inflamed (called tendonitis) or tear (also known as a rupture). Injuries to the Achilles tendon can cause mild to severe pain and stiffness. Achilles tendonitis can come on from a variety of reasons, including sudden increase in exercise, insufficient stretching of the calf muscle, flat feet, a bony spur on the back of the ankle, or leg length differences. The pain one feels with this inflammatory condition can be felt near the bottom of the calf muscle, along the tendon, or near the heel bone and is described as a burning sensation that worsens with activity. There may be mild swelling and warmth in the affected area and some stiffness, especially before warming up. Untreated, tendonitis can progress to tendinosis, which is when the collagen fibers that make up the tendon break down. There is no inflammation with tendinosis, but scar tissue may result from this and lead to permanent thickening. An Achilles tendon rupture is rarer but happens when the tendon fibers tear and separate completely or in part. This can occur from sudden force being exerted on the tendon, severe overstretching causing the tendon to tear, or taking a type of antibiotic called fluoroquinolones. This will bring on severe heel pain and an inability to walk or bear weight on the foot. If you feel Achilles tendon pain, it is best to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment that is right for you.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.