May 29, 2023
Ingrown toenails are the most common nail problem. And with toenails being put under pressure when running, combining the two can be challenging, but not totally out of the question.
Although running with ingrown toenails can be uncomfortable and increase the risk of infection, it is doable. There are steps you can take to manage the discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.
This article discusses tips on managing the pain associated with running with an ingrown toenail and ways to prevent infection. Don't let an ingrown toenail stop you from your running routine; read on to learn more!
Can I run with an ingrown toenail?
Yes. If the ingrown toenail is mild, and you take the proper precautions, you can safely run. The key is to manage discomfort and do your best to reduce the risk of complications or infection. However, there is a difference between whether you can run versus should run, and you should weigh the pros and cons outlined below.
First, it's important to note that running with an ingrown toenail can worsen the condition and increase the risk of complications. If the pain is severe or you experience signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or discharge, seek medical attention immediately.
If the ingrown toenails worsen, see a chiropodist or other healthcare professional. They may recommend antibiotics, specialized treatment or surgery to remove part of the affected nail.
How to manage discomfort when running with an ingrown toenail
To enjoy running with ingrown toenails, you must take steps to control the discomfort, reduce the risk of complications and keep the pain at bay. Here are some tips:
Monitor pain and symptoms: There's no denying that physical activity can aggravate ingrown toenails. Sports with ground forces due to athletic activity, obesity or constricting footwear aid overlapping lateral nail fold penetration.
Trim the toenail properly: If the ingrown toenail is mild, you can trim it yourself. Use a clean pair of nail clippers and cut the nail straight across without rounding the edges. Cutting straight across prevents the nail from growing into the adjacent skin. If your ingrown toenail is more persistent, inflamed or painful, you should see a chiropodist for treatment to prevent any risks and complications.
Trim the toenail using toenail clippers: Avoid using fingernail clippers for your toenails. The strength and thickness of our toenails demand a more rigid tool to trim effectively.
Wear proper shoes: Wear shoes that fit correctly and provide enough room for your toes to move freely. Tight or narrow shoes can crowd the toes and increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
Take pain medication: Pain relievers can help to manage the discomfort associated with ingrown toenails.
See a chiropodist for professional treatment: If your ingrown toenail is painful, inflamed, or has persisted for a long time, you should book an appointment with a chiropodist to have it properly and safely treated. This will reduce the risk of infection and allow you to resume running pain-free.
How to avoid infection when running with an ingrown toenail?
To prevent your ingrown toenail from worsening while running, taking the proper measures to avoid infection is vital. You can take steps to manage the discomfort and reduce the risk of complications when running with ingrown toenails. Here are some tips:
Keep the affected toenail clean: Wash the affected toe with soap and water daily, and keep it dry. A clean and dry site will help to prevent the spread of bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
Apply topical treatments: You can use over-the-counter antiseptic or antibiotic ointments to the affected area to help prevent infection.
Use clean toenail clippers (and maybe one from our top picks): Don't use someone else's nail clippers; clean them off before use. Bacteria are invisible to the eye, so be safe with what you put your feet in contact with. For instance, you wouldn't want to risk catching the fungus that causes athlete's foot.
Apply a bandage over the ingrown toenail: Once you've cleaned the affected toenail, apply a bandage over the toenail before starting your run. This will help prevent any outside bacteria from penetrating the nail and surrounding skin.
May 15, 2023
Ingrown toenails can look harmless but can be pretty painful. What starts as abnormal nail growth can quickly turn into a full-blown ingrown toenail. When the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin, you'll experience pain, swelling, and redness.
If left untreated, ingrown toenails can worsen and possibly lead to infection. We're here to help prevent that from happening. In this guide, you'll learn more about how to prevent and treat ingrown toenails.
How to prevent ingrown toenails
Prevention of ingrown toenails goes hand-in-hand with proper foot and toenail hygiene. Healthy nails are not just for show; they're a critical part of our feet.
Trim your toenails straight across.
The safest and most effective method to prevent ingrown toenails is to cut your toenails carefully. We recommend cutting your toenails straight across and avoiding clipping the corners to round them off. Use a high-quality toenail clipper, one sturdy enough to handle the toughness of toenails (rather than using tools meant for fingernails).
Avoid cutting them too short, as the surrounding skin may grow over the nail. If you're ever in doubt about a proper toenail routine or how to cut your nails, book a medical pedicure so a foot specialist can eliminate the risk.
Keep toenails at a moderate length.
Trim toenails so they're in line with the tips of your toes as if you were to draw a straight line. Toenails cut too short may adversely affect the nail when you wear shoes. Pay close attention to any loose or jagged edges and those that can get caught and damage your nail.
Wear suitable footwear
Wear shoes that fit correctly and do not squeeze your toes together. Avoid shoes with a narrow-toe box. Tight shoes can force your toes together, putting your nail at risk of digging into the surrounding skin.
Practice good foot hygiene.
Foot hygiene involves a multi-faceted routine. Keep your feet clean and dry when possible. Regularly check your feet for any abnormalities or irregularities. And finally, book annual foot check-ups. Regular foot assessments are beneficial if you have diabetes or any other condition where you may be more vulnerable to foot issues.
How to treat ingrown toenails
Treatment of ingrown toenails typically comprises at-home treatment and professional treatment. There is more to risk by trying to treat ingrown toenails entirely by yourself, but at-home methods can help relieve pain and preserve the nail while waiting for an appointment at a foot clinic.
Generally, we do not recommend cutting the toenail yourself, as it may exacerbate the issue. Instead, try the following:
At-home treatment of ingrown toenails
Soak your feet in Epsom salt water to help soothe pain and discomfort. After soaking, gently massage the area around the ingrown toenail to help relieve pain and pressure.
Routinely clean the area of pus and blood, if needed.
Apply sparing amounts of Polysporin ointment and cover with a bandage when going out.
Wear shoes with a broader toe to accommodate added space in your footwear, thus reducing the pressure on the toes.
Avoid or reduce physical activity if such activity impacts your feet and toes.
Take pain relief medication as needed or as your doctor recommends to help control pain and discomfort.
Apply an antiseptic, such as hydrogen peroxide, to the affected area to prevent infection.
Professional treatment of ingrown toenails
Next, a professional can effectively treat ingrown toenails by doing the following:
Proper toenail care and trimming: A chiropodist can properly trim and cut your toenails in a way that promotes proper nail growth. Proper nail trims both treat existing ingrown toenails and can prevent them from occurring in the future.
Softening the skin, lifting the edge of the nail from the skin, and then propping the corner of the nail up over the skin edge until the skin heals.
Oral and topical antibiotics to prevent or heal the infection.
Safely lancing and draining pockets of pus (the toe is numbed first with a local anesthetic).
Applying a specially formulated composite material called Onyfix. It serves as a corrective brace for the nail's growth and can be used to treat recurrent ingrown toenails.
In more severe cases, surgery may be performed. This can can involve removing a narrow strip down the length of the toenail (partial nail avulsion (PNA), or removing the entire toenail (total nail avulsion (TNA). These procedures may be performed if more conservative, non-surgical treatments don't work.
Phenol can be applied to the nail's root beneath the cuticle to prevent regrowth. The method inhibits nail growth following PNA or TNA.
All treatments from a chiropodist use medical-grade products and a fresh set of sterilized instruments for each client. The sterilization process used by chiropodists will remove and kill all microorganisms, such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and spores. We also thoroughly cleanse your feet with an alcohol solution at the beginning of every appointment.
May 1, 2023
Medical pedicures can significantly enhance and supplement your overall foot care routine. Think of a medical pedicure as a way to relax while having your feet inspected and relieved of pain. By working with a licensed chiropodist or foot care professional, you can ensure your feet receive the care they need to stay healthy and pain-free.
Medical pedicures perform double duty in that they're a blend of foot care and nail care, combined with the foot care benefits provided by chiropodists.
This article covers how a medical pedicure can benefit you and your feet.
1. Improved foot health
First and foremost, a medical pedicure can serve as both a treatment and a preventative method for common foot problems. During a medical pedicure, any number of the following can be prevented or treated:
Diabetes-related foot complications
Calluses
Corns
Blisters
Cracked Heels
Ingrown toenails
Athlete's foot
Fungal Toenails
Discoloured Toenails
Cracked toenails
We recommend routine medical pedicures for patients prone to foot issues or those with diabetes.
2. Reduced risk of infections
A medical pedicure can also help prevent you from developing infections in several ways. First, medical pedicures use sterile instruments and follow strict hygiene to reduce the risk of infections. Suppose you have any conditions or auto-immune diseases that increase your health risks. A medical pedicure performed by a chiropodist would be safe for you.
The second is that leaving certain foot care routines to a foot specialist - like toenail clipping, corn removal, blister care, or callus debridement - takes the unknown out of the equation. Sometimes, leaving treatment to a professional outweighs the risk of doing it yourself at home (and risking mishaps).
3. Pain relief
A medical pedicure can relieve pain for people with foot problems, such as corns, calluses or ingrown toenails. A foot care professional can safely treat these conditions, reducing pain and discomfort. Corns and calluses can have some side effects, including altering your gait and could lead to other foot conditions if you're not careful, so it's a good idea not to let these conditions linger.
4. An up-close look at your feet
A chiropodist takes a complete medical history for any underlying conditions or concerns you have. Additionally, they thoroughly examine your feet to diagnose unknown issues or conditions that may worsen. A complete picture of the health of your feet is reassuring for your feet's future, and you'll be provided with foot care advice and a treatment plan to keep your feet healthy going forward.
5. Relax and moisturize your feet
Beyond preventative and treatable measures, a medical pedicure can be a relaxing experience. In addition to tending to your skin and toenails, chiropodists apply an intense moisturization treatment with high-quality medical strength moisturizing products leaving your feet soft and smooth, stronger, and more elastic. Moisturizing isn't just about soft feet; it strengthens your skin's protective barrier and makes your feet less susceptible to future issues.
February 27, 2023
Poor foot health can significantly impact a person's everyday life. It can not only be painful and uncomfortable, but it could also be costly, lead to skin and fungal infections or foot conditions, and be generally unpleasant.
Poor foot health can mean several things, including:
A lack of foot hygiene.
Ignoring aches and pains.
Wearing unsuitable shoes (whether it's the type or sizing).
Skipping regular checkups.
Any individual or combination of habits can contribute to poor foot health. The absence of proper foot health may lead to minor conditions that could manifest into more severe foot conditions.
In this article, get the inside scoop on how poor foot health can contribute to the following issues:
Pain and Discomfort
Foot and Skin Infections
Limitations in Footwear Choices
Added Costs
Reduced Mobility
Affects on Physical appearance/aesthetics
We'll also give you our top tips for how to prevent these issues and keep your feet in tip-top shape.
1. Pain and discomfort
First and foremost, poor foot health can be painful and cause discomfort. Pain is a symptom of poor foot health that cannot be ignored. Walking, running, or physical activity can become arduous and uncomfortable. The source of the pain may be any number of skin or musculoskeletal foot conditions.
Poor foot health can lead to painful skin conditions, including blisters, calluses, ingrown toenails, and cracked heels. Skin conditions are generally quicker to develop and may be more manageable. Additionally, poor foot health can lead to short- and long-term musculoskeletal foot conditions, including bunions, hallux rigidus, osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, gout, and more. Both skin and musculoskeletal foot conditions can be painful and uncomfortable.
Pain and discomfort from poor foot health not only affects the feet. After all, the feet are our body's foundation. If you have poor foot mechanics, you may begin to compensate in other parts of your body. For instance, poor foot mechanics can misalign your pelvis, causing lower back pain.
2. Foot and skin infections
Poor hygiene and neglect to clean and care for your feet can lead to infections such as athlete's foot, which can be painful and spread to other body parts. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that targets the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. Fungi called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm and moist environments, such as inside shoes or public showers, cause the condition.
Proper foot health to help prevent foot infections includes keeping the feet dry, avoiding being barefoot in public places, and not sharing linens or shoes with others.
3. Limitations in footwear choices
Poor foot health can cause deformities and inconsistencies in your feet. Irregular foot shapes can make it more challenging to wear standard footwear for work, at home, or for exercise.
Foot conditions like corns, calluses, and bunions can cause outgrowths. Outgrowths, whether bony or skin, may change the shape and size of your feet. This limits the types of shoes a person can wear, reducing their options for comfortable and stylish footwear.
4. Added costs
You may find that you're spending more money due to doing less. That's right. Inaction in the form of poor foot health or hygiene can be costly in the long run. You may need new footwear, require physiotherapy, or find you spend more on medication. The best treatment is prevention.
In more severe cases, you may require surgery, forcing you to take time off work and being unable to drive during your recovery period. For bunion surgery, for instance, it's recommended not to drive for 6-8 weeks if you have surgery on your right foot.
5. Reduced mobility
Poor foot health can impact a person's mobility in a restrictive way. The onset of various foot conditions can make standing, walking, running, or engaging in physical activity more difficult. Reduced mobility can also lead to a cycle of inactivity. A lack of physical activity can further exacerbate foot conditions like gout as joints and muscles seize up over time.
6. Affects on Physical Appearance/Aesthetics
Poor foot health can be a sight for sore eyes. Many foot conditions and injuries are visible, which can make you may feel less comfortable barefoot, especially in public. For instance, fungal infections and thick and discoloured toenails may be visually unappealing. You may notice decreased confidence or greater self-consciousness if you experience poor foot health.
How to prevent poor foot health: 10 tips
Now that you know that poor foot care can impact your quality of life, what can you do? Fortunately, preventing poor foot health, or building healthy feet, is simple if you put some work into it. Investing in your feet is the most effective way to prevent poor foot health. Prevention means following positive foot care habits like regular toenail trimming and moisturizing. It can also mean scheduling regular foot assessments or buying the proper footwear.
Here are our top 10 tips to prevent poor foot health:
Wear comfortable and suitable shoes. First and foremost, wear shoes that fit well and are comfortable. Avoid high heels or shoes with pointed toes for extended periods.
Practice good hygiene habits. Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash them regularly with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly after bathing or showering.
Moisturize your feet. Use a good quality foot cream to moisturize your feet and prevent cracking.
Care for your toenails. Keep your toenails trimmed and filed to prevent ingrown toenails.
Stretch your feet. Stretch your feet and toes regularly to improve flexibility and prevent foot problems.
Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can help improve circulation and keep your feet healthy.
Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can add strain to your feet, so it helps to maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid smoking. Smoking can reduce circulation to your feet, making it harder for them to heal if injured.
Wear appropriate socks. Wear socks that fit well and wick away moisture to prevent fungal infections and blisters.
Schedule regular checkups. See a chiropodist regularly to check your feet for any problems and get professional advice on foot care.
February 16, 2023
You should not take foot conditions lightly. Many start with minor symptoms that you can easily brush off, but they may soon progress into an issue that impedes your daily life. Regular foot exams are the number one way to be proactive about your foot health.
The concept of a foot exam is self-explanatory: a specialist will take a close look at your feet and pinpoint any disconcerting abnormalities, whether minor or severe. This will help clarify whether you have a foot conditions and, if so, its severity. Then you can implement ways to prevent the condition from worsening, get rid of it entirely or learn to successfully live with it.
Let's take a closer look at foot exams, what they entail and who needs them the most!
Facts About Foot Exams
A foot exam includes a physical examination of the feet and lower legs. The chiropodist will assess your range of motion and joints, but they will also pay close attention to your nail and skin health. They will also consider the shape of your feet and look for deformities, such as bunions. They may also assess the biomechanics of your feet.
Foot exams are equal parts educational and preventative. For example, you may learn something about your feet that you didn't know, like your arch type (flat feet vs. high arches).
While it's true that some people need foot exams more than others, you don't have to have a serious foot condition to book a foot exam. It's okay to schedule one as a means of being proactive and having peace of mind.
When a chiropodist performs a foot exam, they will consider any symptoms you mention. For instance, if you tell them you have recently been experiencing heel pain, they may suspect you have plantar fasciitis and recommend ways you can treat it and feel better.
Exams can be a good way to assess your healing progress after sustaining one of many foot injuries. Whether it's an ankle sprain or a broken toe, it's always good to ensure you're on the mend. This is only recommended after the acute treatment phase passes.
Foot Exams For Early Detection and Prevention of Serious Medical Issues
For some people, foot exams are just as critical as cancer screenings. For example, diabetic foot care can save lives.
The National Library of Medicine notes that people with diabetes should get a foot exam at least every year due to microvascular, neuropathic, and biomechanical changes to the foot. If the patient has a series of noticeable foot complications or peculiar symptoms, they can see their chiropodist for an exam every six months or less. These symptoms may include:
Tingling
Numbness
Pain
Difficulty walking
Swelling
Burning
Without annual foot assessments, it can be easy to miss critical wounding since people with diabetes often don't feel sensations in their lower extremities. The exact term for this is diabetic neuropathy, and it occurs after microvascular changes start restricting blood flow to the body's limbs and feet.
Diabetic foot care is a series of routine foot assessments performed by a chiropodist at a foot and ankle clinic. An evaluation can determine the severity levels of diabetic neuropathy. Furthermore, a thorough exam can detect the presence of wounds, cuts and scrapes before they get worse.
As far as complications go, wounds can often turn into diabetic ulcers. Around 15% of diabetes patients experience a diabetic ulcer in the foot, and as many as 24% of those patients will need an amputation. This can have a devastating impact on someone's overall quality of life and is why foot exams are crucial for people suffering from this disease.
If you have diabetes, you need regular foot exams to prevent serious foot health complications. Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels.
Aging and Foot Assessments
When you get older, all of the ligaments and tendons in your feet get weaker. UCLA Health notes that, as a result, your feet can flatten, and your toes and foot length can increase. Many older people don't realize these changes are occurring and assume they are the same shoe size.
But with recurrent foot exams, a chiropodist will be able to pinpoint when these changes start to happen. A foot specialist can also monitor these changes and keep their eyes peeled for bunion and hammertoe development, which are much more likely to occur in seniors, particularly women. Your chiropodist may also advise you to change your footwear since wearing the same ill-fitting shoes can majorly contribute to several foot conditions.
Different types of arthritis are also a common risk for older feet. With foot exams, you'll gain knowledge about the likelihood of onset arthritis. This will help you get a head start in managing this condition, which may include implementing a healthy exercise routine.
Foot exams are also important for detecting other conditions commonly found in older people before they start impeding mobility. These include corns, calluses and toenail fungal infections.
February 6, 2023
Age is just a number, but age starts to catch up with us at a certain point. As much as we want aging to slow, getting older comes with its fair share of aches and pains.
Few people age the same; it is a complex process. Environment, genetics, exercise, and many other factors mould who we become as we enter our elderly years. This also applies our feet. As we age, our feet become more susceptible to various conditions such as arthritis, plantar fasciitis, bunions, foot injuries and chronic pain.
Our latest blog is all about common foot conditions in the elderly and how to treat them.
What happens to our feet as we age?
Did you know that when you turn 70, you'll be 25,550 days old? That helps put the body's remarkable ability to withstand constant wear and tear into perspective.
Beyond just a number, there are also physiological changes that occur as we age. Your feet may get bigger. Your feet may widen. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments also wear down, putting you at greater risk of certain foot conditions.
You may notice you experience foot pain and other problems more often. Any number of the following may happen:
Weakness
Frailty
Exhaustion
Gait alteration
Balance difficulties
Increased swaying while walking
Decreased walking
Walking speed
As we age, it's essential to check how you feel regularly. A bonus would be to have your feet checked regularly. Our team of expert foot specialists can help you manage acute and chronic conditions that affect the toes, feet, and ankles.
Most common foot conditions in the elderly
Foot conditions amongst the elderly may include bone injuries, toenail damage, foot deformities, and muscle and tendon damage. It's important to note that most of these conditions are not specific to the elderly, but age contributes to increased risk.
Below we break down the following common foot conditions in the elderly and how to treat them:
Bunions
Osteoarthritis
Fat Pad Atrophy
Thickened or Discoloured Toenails
Gout
Plantar Fasciitis
Stress Fractures
1. Bunions
What are bunions?
A bunion is a deformity of the first metatarsophalangeal joint ("MTP" joint for short). The first MTP is the joint of the big toe. (Essentially, the big toe's "knuckle.) Damage to this joint can cause bone misalignment over time. Eventually, the bone shifts and protrudes at the base of the big toe. Bunions affect approximately one quarter to one third of adults, and women experience the foot condition more often than men.
As we age, bunions worsen. Although there is no "cure" for a progressive foot deformity, you can lessen the effects and pain associated with bunions through several habitual changes.
How can I treat bunions?
You can choose either invasive treatment or non-invasive bunion treatment. In most cases, you can manage bunions with non-invasive treatments, though surgery is the only way to remove the bump altogether.
Footwear modification: Avoid tight shoes that squeeze the toes and ditch your high heels. You may also find that orthopedic shoes that stretch or come in wide widths effectively accommodate your bunion in your footwear. Shoe stretching is also an effective method for changing the structure of your current footwear.
Anti-inflammatories: Specific medication like NSAIDs or ibuprofen reduces joint inflammation and relieves pain.
Splints/aligners: Medical-grade bunion splints and bunion aligners help stabilize the joint. You can choose from medical-grade plastics or a toe sleeve based on your preferred rigidity.
Taping: A specialist tapes the joint to keep the big toe in place, prevent further misalignment, and manage pain and inflammation.
Supportive insoles or custom orthotics: Supporting your arches and correcting poor biomechanics can reduce pressure and strain on the first MTP joint.
Bunion exercises: Basic exercises to strengthen foot muscles can better support and stabilize the joint, thus decreasing pain over time.
The treatments you see above are all available at Feet First Clinic.
2. Osteoarthritis
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is not only the most common variant of arthritis; it is also one of the most common foot conditions in the elderly. Osteoarthritis is the "wear-and-tear" arthritis that causes degeneration of the cartilage in our joints. Reduced cartilage in our joints causes pain and can lead to other foot conditions like bone spurs. Your toes are most susceptible to osteoarthritis.
Age plays a significant role in developing osteoarthritis. Wear and tear of our joints accumulate over time. Also, post-menopausal women risk developing osteoarthritis through osteoporosis (low bone density).
How can I treat osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition, meaning what's done cannot reverse. The cartilage in your joints doesn't re-grow, so treatment aims to slow the effects of osteoarthritis and reduce pain. Effective treatment includes a combination of the following:
Active rehabilitation: Physiotherapy, massage, and exercise all help reduce the effects of osteoarthritis by promoting solid muscles. Stronger and more balanced muscles and feet reduce the strain on affected areas where you may have osteoarthritis.
Medication: Anti-inflammatories can help control inflammation.
Proper footwear: Specialized shoes can accommodate deformities of osteoarthritis (like bunions or hallux rigidus). The right shoes or boots can support your feet, provide balance, and offer cushion.
Custom orthotics: Orthotics can be customized to add or reduce your reliance on certain parts of your feet. Controlling the impact on affected joints can help prevent further joint damage by distributing the impact and weight elsewhere.
Limit awkward movements: If you find your joints are sore after a particular activity, consider reducing, modifying, or stopping the activity. For instance, if lunges hurt your foot, consider finding a replacement exercise.
Surgery: If the joint is damaged extensively, a doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery and removing part of a bony outgrowth can be effective if the sheer volume of bone buildup is the culprit.
If you experience osteoarthritis and are looking for orthotics, a gait analysis, or proper footwear, visit Feet First Clinic for solutions.
3. Fat pad atrophy
What is fat pad atrophy?
The heel fat pad is a cushion to absorb shock and distribute plantar force on impact. As we age, the heel fat pad gets atrophies and gets thinner. This can put you at a greater risk of heel injuries and other foot conditions. The increased pressure on the heel can cause you to overcompensate with other parts of your body, and weight distribution becomes unevenly distributed.
How can I treat fat pad atrophy?
You should reduce the pressure on your heel if you suffer from fat pad atrophy. Custom orthotics are effective as the personalized insoles provide padding and support and help distribute weight across the complex network of foot muscles. Be sure to also wear shoes with lots of padding and cushioning, like the ASICS Gel-Nimbus.
4. Thickened or Discoloured Toenails
What are thick or discoloured toenails?
Thick toenails and discoloured toenails are a byproduct of aging and are one of the most common foot conditions in the elderly.
As we get older, toenail growth declines. As such, nail cells begin to accumulate at a faster rate than nail growth. The accumulation of onychocytes (nail cells) causes thickened toenails. Alternatively, reduced circulation or acute trauma can cause thickened toenails.
Discoloured toenails, on the other hand, indicate damage to the nail or nail bed. Acute trauma to the nail causes discolouration, but so does reduced circulation. At an older age, we're at a greater risk of diabetes and peripheral vascular disease. Both diabetes and peripheral vascular disease cause reduced circulation in our feet and discoloured toenails.
How can I treat thick or discoloured toenails?
Toenail treatment for thickening and discolouration varies. To properly diagnose your feet and nails, book an appointment with a specialist at Feet First Clinic. Our nail care services involve proper trimming and filing of the toenails, addressing any pain or discomfort, and educating patients on proper hygiene and care.
For more information, visit our nail care and treatment page.
5. Gout
What is gout?
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis targeting the foot's joints. You may experience intermittent bouts of severe pain, including inflammation and hypersensitivity. During these episodes, any kind of activity becomes challenging, leaving you less mobile.
The prevalence of gout increases in older people. Elderly people are susceptible to gout for a few reasons: Renal function declines with age, there can be dietary changes, you may experience sudden weight gain, and certain medications for age-related conditions have indirect side effects that may lead to gout (i.e.: water pills, blood pressure medication).
How can I treat gout?
Before any treatment, the first step is to see a family doctor and a rheumatologist. Once diagnosed, you may be prescribed the following treatments, all of which aim to prevent future attacks, reduce pain, and improve quality of life:
Change your diet: Ditch food containing excessive purines. Avoid foods like red meat, certain types of seafood like sardines and mussels, alcohol, high fructose beverages, and yeast. Diet also impacts your weight. Maintaining a healthy and consistent diet can help reduce sudden weight gain and keep inflammation at bay.
NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce joint inflammation. Alternatively, corticosteroids are an option if one doesn't react to NSAIDs.
Stay or become active: Light-strengthening exercises, relaxing physical activity, and physiotherapy can improve quality of life and mobility in people with gout. Keeping your muscles strong also makes them less susceptible to inflammation build-up, which can trigger gout attacks.
Supportive footwear: Proper footwear can help you deal with any pain associated with gout as it reduces the impact on the joints.
6. Plantar fasciitis
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition of the heel. The band of tissue on the underside of the foot gets inflamed and causes pain. Often, plantar fasciitis develops gradually over time. Changes in our body as we age can make this condition more common in the elderly.
How can I treat plantar fasciitis?
With proper care and treatment, most cases of plantar fasciitis heal with time. A foot specialist can guide you through the healing process and provide options for preventing it from recurring in the future.
There are several treatment methods available for plantar fasciitis.
Rest: Take a break, and let your heel recover by staying off your feet.
Supportive footwear: Wearing supportive footwear with strong arch support and a good heel counter is essential for managing and even preventing plantar fasciitis. Stability shoes are particularly helpful. Check out this article for our top recommended shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Rolling: Gently massage your heel using a tennis ball or frozen water bottle under the foot. Rolling helps massage and relieve the plantar fascia and encourages faster recovery.
Add stretching and strengthening exercises to your routine.
Shockwave therapy: Shockwave therapy delivers sound wave pulses to the injured fascia. This triggers your body's the healing process, making for a natural recovery. Shockwave therapy is extremely effective for cases of plantar fasciitis persisting more than 6 months.
Taping: Taping the heel engages other muscles and tendons of the foot, reducing the load on the plantar fascia.
Wear a splint: A splint helps keep your foot stable while you sleep.
Supportive Insoles or Custom Orthotics: A good supportive insole, like Superfeet Green, is tried, tested and true for helping with plantar fasciitis. If that doesn't work, or if there are biomechanical factors contributing to your plantar fasciitis, you can look into custom orthotics.
7. Stress fractures
What are stress fractures?
Stress fractures are micro-breaks of bones are another common foot condition in the elderly. When we age, bone growth slows, losing more bone than we generate. Our bone density also reduces. If your bone density drops too much, you develop osteoporosis. Weaker bones put the elderly at greater risk of stress fractures, whether acute, like when you fall or by too much repetition, like walking.
How can I treat a stress fracture?
The RICE method is critical to treating a stress fracture. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Untreated stress fractures can lead to bone shift, permanently altering the foot's biomechanics.
