Items filtered by date: May 2025

Caring for the feet becomes increasingly important with age, as seniors are more prone to various foot issues that can affect mobility and overall well-being. Common concerns include ingrown toenails, which can cause pain and infection if not properly trimmed, and brittle toenails that may crack or break easily. Tingling or burning sensations in the feet may be signs of nerve issues or poor circulation. Foot pain and cracked heels can make walking uncomfortable and increase the risk of falls. Regular foot inspections, gentle cleaning, moisturizing, and wearing well-fitting shoes help prevent these problems. If you are elderly and have foot pain, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and help you to monitor your foot health.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Theresa Brown, DPM from Essie M.B. Smith Foot Clinic. 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 office located in Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An infected toe can be painful and concerning, especially when caused by a fungus, poor circulation, or diabetes. Fungal infections often begin as athlete’s foot or nail fungus, while poor circulation, common in those individuals with vascular conditions or diabetes, can prevent proper healing, which increases the risk of infection. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, warmth, pain, pus, or an unpleasant odor. The area might throb or feel tender, and walking could become uncomfortable. For diabetic patients, even minor infections can escalate quickly due to nerve damage and reduced blood flow. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of the toe infection, clean and treat the wound, prescribe antifungal or antibiotic medication, and offer custom orthotics or footwear to prevent further issues. In more severe cases, they may recommend minor surgical procedures or refer patients for vascular assessment. If you are experiencing a painful toe infection, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Theresa Brown, DPM of Essie M.B. Smith Foot Clinic. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our office located in Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, usually occurs when tiny cracks in the nail or surrounding skin allow fungi to enter and grow. The most common types of toenail fungus include infections that start at the tip of the nail and move inward, infections that cause white patches across the surface, and infections that begin at the base of the nail and spread toward the tip. Symptoms include nails becoming thick, brittle, discolored, crumbly, or giving off an unpleasant odor. Risk factors for toenail fungus include older age, diabetes, poor circulation, and walking barefoot in public places like pool areas and gym locker rooms. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection by examining the infected toenail and testing a small sample, if needed. Treatment options generally start with antifungal medication, but in severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the infected nail. If you believe you have a fungal toenail infection, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

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 Theresa Brown, DPM of Essie M.B. Smith Foot Clinic. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our office located in Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet can often reveal early signs of liver problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. One common indication is the appearance of spider veins, which are small, visible blood vessels that can form on the feet and ankles when the liver is not properly filtering blood. Cracked heels may also suggest liver dysfunction, as poor circulation and dehydration associated with liver issues can lead to dry, splitting skin. Another sign to watch for is white nail beds, which can signal a lack of healthy blood flow or low protein levels caused by liver disease. These changes in the feet may seem minor at first, but they can provide important clues about underlying liver health. If you notice any changes to your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you if an underlying health issue is a concern.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Theresa Brown, DPM from Essie M.B. Smith Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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