Solutions for Aging
As we grow into our older years of life every part of our body changes and feet are no exception to this rule. The average person will walk around 100,000 miles in their lifetime, about five times around the circumference of the earth. On this journey, often undertaken with improper footwear and little care or attention along the way, it is understandable that our feet could become painful over time. Common problems are likely to occur, such as
- Bunions
- Calluses
- Corns
- Dry skin
- Fungal nails
- Hammertoes
- Heel or ball of foot pain
- Swollen feet
- Thicker toenails
Some of these are signs of disease states from diseases elsewhere in the body. Our podiatrist will help you sort through this with the added advantage of advice and recommendations to see our Functional Medicine or cPNI practitioners. At Irrefutable Health, we aim to see what can be done to improve your general condition and may refer you to Bluesky Connexions. The Bluesky lifestyle and exercise coaching team works to get you moving even if your foot pulses become reduced or when your feet become painful to walk on even with Insoles. Book an appointment with our podiatrist and have your feet treated every six weeks to maintain your comfort.
The Danger of Poor Circulation
People with poor circulation can suffer from sore feet. Whether you have poor perfusion in the capillaries or poor drainage, tissues in the extremities may not get enough nutrients and oxygen, and begin to break down. This condition is usually common in parts of the foot where there is pressure, such as the ends of the toes or under the ball of the foot. Reduced circulation can lead to thicker toenails, fungal nails, dry skin, heel or ball of foot pain as well as aggravate bunions, hammer toes, corns, calluses and swollen feet. Pain or numbness may be the only warning signs you get. You should be seen by a podiatrist as early as possible. It is usually is reversible provided it hasn’t been neglected too long.
Ulcers and Your Feet
In susceptible people, an ulcer can develop quickly and may be painful and difficult to heal. An ulcer is a breakdown of the skin on an area of the foot. Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) or Low-level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is available to help ulcers heal quicker. They often come as a result of callus or corns being allowed to build up hard skin, resulting in extreme pressure in the affected area that becomes starved of nutrients and oxygen. The local tissues then die off. Infection is a common complication. Sometimes we may advise you that it is important to have an X-ray to determine whether the infection has penetrated to the bone. Ulcers can happen to anyone but are more likely in susceptible people like those with diabetes. At Irrefutable Health both FSM or LLLT are available to help you.
Usual Causes of Ulcers
- Biomechanical issues leading to areas of high pressure
- Poorly controlled or undiagnosed diabetes
- Vascular insufficiency
- Lack of sensation, allowing the trauma of heavy foot placement
- Trauma (bangs and bashes)
What Can We Do For You?
- Perform a physical examination
- Offload the area with pads or insoles
- Perform debridement and wound care
- Book FSM to help you heal quicker
- Book LLLT to help you heal quicker
- Arrange laboratory tests
- Referral to our Irrefutable Health multidisciplinary team
- Advise X-ray evaluation
Give your feet the attention they deserve. Contact Irrefutable Health today to book your time!
