From the Ground Up: Podiatry Tips for Better Living

Do You Need a Podiatrist? 7 Signs It’s Time to See a Specialist

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 19:52:10 GMT

The truth is: many common foot and ankle problems are easiest to treat when caught early. If you're wondering whether it’s time to schedule an appointment, here are seven signs you shouldn’t ignore.

Your feet carry you through life—but they’re often the last part of the body we think about when something hurts. As a podiatrist, I see patients every day who waited months (or even years) before seeking help, thinking their pain was “normal” or would go away on its own.

1. Persistent Foot or Ankle Pain

If you’ve had pain that lasts more than a week or two, especially if it affects your ability to walk, it’s time to get it checked out. Ongoing discomfort is not something you should “just live with.”

Why it matters: Untreated pain can lead to joint stress, posture changes, and further complications ¹ .

2. Heel Pain That’s Worst in the Morning

Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel—especially with your first few steps of the day—is a classic sign of plantar fasciitis, a common condition that responds well to early treatment.

Why it matters: Ignoring it can lead to chronic pain and more intense inflammation over time ² .

3. Thick, Discolored, or Painful Toenails

If your toenails are yellow, brittle, or growing abnormally, it may be a fungal infection. If left untreated, it can spread and cause long-term nail damage.

Why it matters: Podiatrists can offer more effective treatments than over-the-counter remedies ³ .

4. Numbness, Tingling, or Burning Sensations

These are signs of possible nerve damage—especially if you have diabetes or circulation issues. Don’t dismiss them as “just getting older.”

Why it matters: Early intervention can prevent ulcers, infections, and serious complications ⁴ .

5. A Wound That Isn’t Healing

Any sore, blister, or cut that lasts longer than a few days—especially on the feet—should be looked at immediately, especially for diabetic patients.

Why it matters: Chronic wounds are a major risk factor for infection and hospitalization ⁴ .

6. Changes in Skin or Toenail Color

Redness, purplish discoloration, or darkened toenails may indicate infections, circulation problems, or trauma. These changes shouldn’t be ignored.

Why it matters: Color changes can be early signs of serious vascular or dermatologic issues ⁵ .

7. Trouble Walking or Changes in Balance

If your feet hurt, or if you’re feeling off-balance while walking, it could be a structural problem like flat feet or arthritis. This can lead to falls—especially dangerous for older adults.

Why it matters: Podiatrists can help improve mobility, reduce fall risk, and enhance stability through orthotics and treatment plans ¹ .

Dr. Roggow’s Tip for Proactive Foot Care

Check your feet daily—especially if you have diabetes or circulation problems. Use a mirror to look at the bottoms, and if you notice anything new (a sore, blister, or change in color), don’t wait. Early care is always easier and more effective.

Let’s Keep You Moving

At Premier Foot & Ankle, we’re here to help you stay mobile, independent, and pain-free. If you're experiencing any of these signs—or just want peace of mind— schedule your new patient appointment today . Your feet deserve expert care.

Sources

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American Podiatric Medical Association. Foot Health Facts. https://www.apma.org/Patients/FootHealth.cfm ↩ ↩ ²
Mayo Clinic. Plantar Fasciitis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis ↩
Cleveland Clinic. Toenail Fungus. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15448-toenail-fungus ↩
CDC. Diabetes and Foot Care. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/healthy-feet.html ↩ ↩ ²
NIH MedlinePlus. Foot Problems in Older Adults. https://medlineplus.gov/footproblemsinolderadults.html ↩

5 Common Foot Problems in Seniors (and How to Prevent Them)

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:35:59 GMT

If you’ve noticed changes in your feet, or if discomfort is starting to limit your activity, here are five of the most common foot conditions I see in older patients—and what you can do to stay ahead of them.

As a podiatrist who sees many older adults in our Venice clinic, I can tell you that foot pain is not just “part of getting older.” While it’s true that our feet change with age, many of the most common foot problems in seniors can be treated—or even prevented—with proper care and attention.

1. Plantar Fasciitis

This is one of the leading causes of heel pain in adults. It happens when the band of tissue (called the plantar fascia) that supports the arch becomes inflamed. It’s especially common if you’ve spent years on your feet or wear shoes without enough support.

Prevention Tip: Wear shoes with firm arch support and avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces. Stretching your calves and arches daily can also help reduce tension on the fascia ¹ .

2. Arthritis in the Feet and Toes

Years of use can wear down cartilage in the joints, leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain—especially in the big toe and midfoot joints. Arthritis can make it harder to walk and balance.

Prevention Tip: Low-impact exercise like swimming or biking can help maintain joint flexibility. Wearing custom orthotics may also help reduce stress on arthritic joints ² .

3. Corns, Calluses & Bunions

These are all related to pressure and friction over time—usually from shoes that don’t fit well. Bunions are joint deformities near the big toe, while corns and calluses are thickened skin areas that develop to protect the foot.

Prevention Tip: Choose well-fitting, supportive shoes with a roomy toe box. If you notice areas of pressure forming, see a podiatrist early to prevent worsening ³ .

4. Diabetic Foot Complications

Diabetes can reduce circulation and damage nerves, making it harder to feel injuries or detect infections. Even small wounds can turn into ulcers or serious infections if not treated promptly.

Prevention Tip: Perform daily foot checks to look for cuts, blisters, or changes in skin color. Moisturize dry areas, avoid barefoot walking, and schedule regular foot exams ⁴ .

5. Toenail Issues (Thickening, Fungus, Ingrown Nails)

Nail growth slows with age, and nails may thicken or become discolored. Fungal infections or improper nail trimming can lead to ingrown nails, which can be very painful.

Prevention Tip: Trim your nails straight across and don’t cut too short. Wear breathable shoes and socks, and if your nails become thick or discolored, schedule a visit for evaluation and treatment ⁵ .

Dr. Roggow’s Tip for Healthy Feet

Rotate your shoes! Wearing the same pair every day doesn’t allow them to fully dry or decompress. Rotating between two pairs of supportive shoes can help reduce moisture, odor, and uneven wear that leads to pain.

Final Thoughts

Your feet are the foundation of your mobility. Taking care of them now can help you stay active, independent, and pain-free well into your golden years. If you’re dealing with any of these common problems—or want to prevent them—I encourage you to schedule a new patient appointment.

Let’s keep you moving comfortably and confidently—one step at a time.

Sources

Mayo Clinic. Plantar Fasciitis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis ↩
Arthritis Foundation. Foot and Ankle Arthritis. https://www.arthritis.org ↩
American Podiatric Medical Association. Foot Health Facts. https://www.apma.org ↩
CDC. Diabetes and Foot Care. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/healthy-feet.html ↩
Cleveland Clinic. Toenail Problems. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14848-toenail-problems ↩

Why Your Feet Hurt More as You Age—And What You Can Do About It

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:35:36 GMT

If you're over 60 and dealing with daily foot pain, you're not alone—and you don’t have to suffer in silence.

As we age, many of my patients tell me, “My feet just don’t feel the way they used to.” Foot pain becomes increasingly common with age, and for good reason. Over time, the structure of our feet changes, and those changes can lead to discomfort, instability, and even limited mobility.

Why Do Feet Hurt More As We Get Older?

Your feet take tens of thousands of steps every week. After decades of use, it’s no surprise that some wear and tear starts to show. Here are a few reasons foot pain is more common in older adults:

Loss of natural fat padding: The fat pads on the bottoms of your feet shrink as you age, reducing natural shock absorption and leading to sore heels and soles ¹ .
Decreased circulation: Aging can slow blood flow to the feet, leading to coldness, tingling, or cramps.
Joint degeneration: Years of movement can wear down cartilage in the foot and ankle joints, contributing to arthritis and stiffness ² .
Falling arches: Tendons lose elasticity, and the arch can collapse over time, affecting balance and walking.
Chronic conditions: Conditions like diabetes and neuropathy increase in prevalence with age and can cause burning, numbness, or wounds that heal slowly ³ .

What You Can Do to Relieve Foot Pain

The good news is, with the right care, most foot pain can be managed or even prevented. Here are some steps I regularly recommend to my patients:

Choose supportive shoes with good arch structure and a wide toe box to prevent compression.
Use custom orthotics to relieve pressure and realign the foot properly.
Avoid walking barefoot on hard floors, even at home—support matters all day long.
Elevate your feet after long periods of standing to reduce swelling.
Incorporate gentle stretching to keep the foot and ankle flexible.
See a podiatrist regularly —especially if you notice skin changes, ulcers, or persistent pain.

Dr. Roggow’s Tip for Healthier Feet

Once a week, soak your feet in warm (not hot) water with Epsom salts for 10–15 minutes, then apply a quality moisturizer. This simple habit can improve circulation, ease joint pain, and keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living

Foot pain is not an inevitable part of aging. The earlier we address these issues, the better your quality of life will be. If you’re struggling with foot discomfort, we’re here to help. Schedule your new patient appointment with Premier Foot & Ankle today—and let’s get you back on your feet.

Sources

Mayo Clinic. Foot pain causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/foot-pain/basics/causes/sym-20050792 ↩
American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Aging and Foot Health. https://www.apma.org/Patients/FootHealth.cfm ↩
Cleveland Clinic. Why Your Feet Hurt More as You Get Older. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-your-feet-hurt-more-as-you-get-older ↩

From the Ground Up: Podiatry Tips for Better Living

Do You Need a Podiatrist? 7 Signs It’s Time to See a Specialist

The truth is: many common foot and ankle problems are easiest to treat when caught early. If you're wondering whether it’s time to schedule an appointment, here are seven signs you shouldn’t ignore.

1. Persistent Foot or Ankle Pain

2. Heel Pain That’s Worst in the Morning

3. Thick, Discolored, or Painful Toenails

4. Numbness, Tingling, or Burning Sensations

5. A Wound That Isn’t Healing

6. Changes in Skin or Toenail Color

7. Trouble Walking or Changes in Balance

Dr. Roggow’s Tip for Proactive Foot Care

Let’s Keep You Moving

﻿ Sources

5 Common Foot Problems in Seniors (and How to Prevent Them)

If you’ve noticed changes in your feet, or if discomfort is starting to limit your activity, here are five of the most common foot conditions I see in older patients—and what you can do to stay ahead of them.

1. Plantar Fasciitis

2. Arthritis in the Feet and Toes

3. Corns, Calluses & Bunions

4. Diabetic Foot Complications

5. Toenail Issues (Thickening, Fungus, Ingrown Nails)

Dr. Roggow’s Tip for Healthy Feet

Final Thoughts

Sources ﻿

Why Your Feet Hurt More as You Age—And What You Can Do About It

If you're over 60 and dealing with daily foot pain, you're not alone—and you don’t have to suffer in silence.

Why Do Feet Hurt More As We Get Older?

What You Can Do to Relieve Foot Pain

Dr. Roggow’s Tip for Healthier Feet

Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living

Sources

Sources

Sources