Items filtered by date: March 2025

As the body ages, maintaining your balance can become more difficult due to physical changes that affect stability. Loss of muscle mass weakens the legs and feet, reducing support and increasing the risk of falls. A decline in joint flexibility makes movements less fluid, leading to stiffness that affects foot positioning and walking patterns. Slowed reflexes reduce the body's ability to adjust quickly, making it harder to react to uneven surfaces or sudden shifts in weight. These changes can cause foot fatigue, instability, and a higher risk of sprains or fractures. Strengthening exercises, stretching, and activities like yoga or tai chi help improve muscle function and flexibility. If you notice changes in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer specific exercises to improve balance.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus, medically termed onychomycosis, occurs when fungi grow excessively in or under the toenail, resulting in thickened, brittle, or discolored nails. The risk of developing fungal toenails increases with prolonged exposure to warm, moist environments, such as wearing closed-toe shoes for extended periods or walking barefoot in gym showers and pool areas. People with diabetes, poor circulation, a weakened immune system, or a history of nail injuries are more susceptible to infection. Aging also plays a role, as slower nail growth and reduced blood flow to the feet increase the risk. Improperly sanitized tools at nail salons can spread fungal infections from one person to another. Symptoms may develop gradually, making early detection difficult. If left untreated, the infection can worsen, causing pain or the nail to separate from the nail bed. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the infection and provide treatment, including topical or oral medication, laser therapy, or possible nail removal. If you believe you have a toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment options.

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 one of our podiatrists of Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.