February 2023

Some older people shuffle or drag their feet when they walk. There can be a variety of reasons they do this, including weak hip and leg muscles, a prior or imminent health condition (such as dementia or a sign of a stroke), or from a fear of falling and trying to take more cautious steps. Shuffling while walking can increase a senior’s risk of falling because their shoes can catch on the ground, or their feet can slide on rugs or uneven surfaces, and they become unbalanced. As we know, falling can have serious consequences. Gentle flexibility and balance exercises can be tried to attempt to increase strength and to change the shuffling gait.  If you shuffle when you walk, or if you oversee an elderly person who does this, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to determine the cause and treatment necessary.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Yakima and Ellensburg, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters are pockets filled with fluid that develop beneath the top layer of skin as the result of injury, friction, or infection. They develop as the body’s line of defense against further damage and help cushion the area from additional harm. Usually, blisters develop on the outer layer of thickened skin, commonly on the feet. Because we use our feet for practically everything we do and they are filled with so many nerves and blood vessels, when we get blisters on our feet, they can hurt. Most blisters are caused by friction or pressure against the skin of the feet. This can easily happen by wearing ill-fitting footwear that rubs on the feet. The blister will first appear as a red spot that if continually irritated will cause small tears in the skin. The body sends fluid to fill these tears and protect the underlying layers of tissue. If your blisters persist despite changing shoes and socks to those that fit well and do not rub against the skin, or if the blisters look like they are becoming infected, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist to see if there is another cause for the blistering and to get help in treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Yakima and Ellensburg, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain is never fun, and unfortunately, it can affect people from all walks of life. Many individuals may notice they can experience pronounced heel pain shortly after beginning to wear a new pair of shoes. It is generally important to remember that a good pair of shoes ought to feel comfortable and fit well when you purchase them. By wearing orthotic devices, however, an individual may be able to overcome the possible heel pain which sometimes comes from a new pair of shoes. Specifically, there are certain supportive shoe insoles that can mitigate any potential heel pain you may be experiencing. If you are someone that typically struggles with heel pain or are noticing this type of pain after wearing a new pair of shoes, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 contact our offices located in Yakima and Ellensburg, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you have sesamoiditis, you might feel some kind of inflammation in the ball of the feet. This condition occurs when the two sesamoid bones (located in the ball of the feet) become inflamed. If you think that you might have some form of sesamoiditis, consider scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist. Upon your visit, your podiatrist will be able to treat your condition and/or provide you with tips to mitigate it. For example, your podiatrist might recommend that you wear certain specific supportive footwear while exercising. Specifically, your podiatrist might recommend wearing a foot pad underneath the ball of the feet to support the sesamoid bones while working out. Additionally, depending on your condition and your regular exercise routine, your podiatrist might recommend that you maintain a healthy balance between high and low impact activities during exercise routines. Contact a podiatrist today for more information. 

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Yakima and Ellensburg, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.