Foot care becomes especially important as people grow older because the skin, joints, and circulation of the feet can change over time. Small problems such as dry skin, thick nails, or poorly fitting shoes can quickly turn into painful conditions if they are not addressed early. Maintaining healthy feet helps support balance, mobility, and independence. One of the most important steps is wearing properly fitting shoes that provide support, cushioning, and enough room for the toes. Shoes that are too tight or worn out can lead to pressure points, blisters, or joint pain. Daily hygiene is also essential. Feet should be washed with mild soap, dried carefully between the toes, and moisturized to prevent cracking skin. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not cut too short to help avoid ingrown nails. Regular foot checks are helpful for noticing redness, swelling, or skin changes early. If you are experiencing foot discomfort or changes in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Josef Elouze, DPM from Elite Podiatry. 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 (Holiday City) Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Stiffness in the big toe is often caused by a form of arthritis that affects the joint at the base of the toe called hallux rigidus. It mainly affects the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP,  joint that connects the first long bone of the foot to the first bone of the toe. This joint plays a key role in walking and pushing off the ground. Over time, the cartilage, which is the smooth tissue that cushions joints, can wear down. This leads to pain and swelling and limits movement. People over 50 are more likely to develop big toe stiffness due to wear and tear. Symptoms include difficulty bending the toe, discomfort when walking, or a bump forming on top of the joint. A podiatrist can perform a physical exam, order X-rays, and prescribe medical treatment to reduce pain, improve joint motion, and slow joint damage. If you notice stiffness in the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Josef Elouze, DPM of Elite Podiatry. 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 contact our office located in (Holiday City) Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel bursitis causes pain at the back of the heel. It occurs when a small fluid-filled sac, called a bursa, becomes inflamed. The bursa, which sits between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone, helps reduce friction as the foot moves. When repetitive stress, tight calf muscles, poorly fitting shoes, or a bony bump on the heel create pressure, the bursa can swell and fill with excess fluid. Symptoms of heel bursitis include tenderness, swelling, and pain that worsens when walking uphill, running, or standing on tiptoes. It can sometimes be mistaken for Achilles tendonitis because both cause pain in a similar area. A podiatrist can perform a physical exam, evaluate foot structure and movement, and use imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include custom orthotics, footwear guidance, anti-inflammatory care, or injections to reduce irritation. If you have symptoms of heel bursitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Josef Elouze, DPM of Elite Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in (Holiday City) Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A ganglion cyst on the foot is a small, soft, fluid-filled sac that usually develops near a joint or along a tendon sheath, most often on the top of the foot. The lump may feel movable beneath the skin and can change in size over time. Many ganglion cysts cause no discomfort, while others produce aching, burning, or pressure pain when a shoe presses against the area or during activity. Although generally harmless, the mass may interfere with walking or shoe comfort. The exact cause is uncertain, but prior injury, repetitive stress, and joint irritation are commonly associated factors. A podiatrist can evaluate the lump, confirm the diagnosis, and rule out other conditions with imaging when necessary. Treatment options include protective padding, pressure relief, fluid aspiration, or surgical removal. If you have an unexplained lump on the top of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Josef Elouze, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in (Holiday City) Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.