FOOT DISORDERS AFFECT UP TO 60% OF OLDER ADULTS IN THE U.S. YOUR FEET BALANCE THE WEIGHT OF YOUR WHOLE BODY. AS WE AGE, PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH OUR FEET WORSEN AND CAN SERIOUSLY AFFECT OUR QUALITY OF LIFE.

If you’ve ever had a blister on your foot, you already know how debilitating foot pain can be. For people with foot pain, a short trip to the grocery store can be an agonizing affair.

It’s more important than ever that we lead healthy, active lives without our movement being impeded. There’s no need to live with chronic foot pain. A trip to a foot and ankle specialist to address your foot pain could give you long-term benefits and improve your overall well-being.

Here are some common foot and ankle problems in the U.S.

Bunions

Bunions affect around one-third of adults in the U.S.: 23% of 18- to 65-year-olds and 36% of people aged over 65.

In most people, bunions are caused by a genetic condition that affects the structure of the foot. It is highly inheritable. So, if you have a relative with bunions, you are at a significantly increased risk of getting them yourself.

Restrictive footwear is also thought to be a cause, or at least exacerbate the condition.

Women are more likely to get bunions than men.

There are several forms of non-surgical bunion treatment. Parkchester Medical can help assess your condition and discern if bunion surgery is necessary or appropriate for you.

Rheumatoid arthritis

1.3 million Americans are living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

It most commonly affects the joints of the feet, as well as the hands.

Less commonly, it can affect the ankles.

For those who live with RA in both their feet and their ankles, getting around can be agonizing.

Usually, RA is treated with a mixture of medication, occupational and physical therapy, and regular exercise.

In severe cases, ankle surgery or even ankle replacement can also be recommended.6 Quick and aggressive treatment is the best way of controlling inflammation and reducing pain. Early diagnosis is key to keeping your condition from deteriorating.

Diabetic Foot Ulcerations

The American College of Physicians have stated that diabetic foot ulcerations are one of the most common complications associated with diabetes.

19%-34% of patients with diabetes will get a foot ulcer in their lifetime.

North America and the Caribbean have the highest prevalence of diabetes compared to the other regions studied by the International Diabetes Federation.

The Bronx has one of the highest rates; according to a study carried out in 2013, in Fordham-Bronx Park, 14.6% of residents have had the disease.

Diabetes can cause nerve damage in your feet, numbing you to problems such as blisters, cuts, and sores, which if left untreated, can get seriously infected.

It is also linked to reduced blood flow to the feet, meaning that minor problems don't heal as fast.

With this dangerous combination, a simple blister can become gangrenous and life-threatening. Serious cases lead to amputation of the foot and even leg.

If you have diabetes, inspect your feet regularly, and see a foot doctor as soon as you notice any difference in the appearance of your feet.

HERE AT PARKCHESTER MEDICAL

Our podiatrist at Parkchester Medicalis here to treat both major and minor afflictions of the feet and ankles. Whether you’re a runner suffering from athlete’s foot, or an elderly patient with diabetes, we offer treatment for a wide range of conditions.

Here is a list of just some of the treatments and services we offer.

Diabetic foot care

Routine foot care

Fungal nail care

Diabetic wound care

Custom foot orthoses

Surgical management of multiple conditions including bunions, hammertoes, ingrown nails, bone spurs, and warts

Non-surgical management of assorted painful foot conditions

Whatever your symptoms or your condition, it is better to deal with foot and ankle problems before they worsen and start affecting your daily life. There are some effective treatments out there for chronic conditions. Come to Parkchester Medical and find out what your options are so you can get back on your feet.

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