Items filtered by date: October 2025
Common Foot Problems That Affect Older Adults

As people age, their feet naturally lose cushioning and elasticity, making them more vulnerable to pain and injury. Common foot complaints in the elderly include bunions, hammertoes, corns, calluses, and heel pain. Arthritis, poor circulation, and diabetes can also contribute to discomfort or deformity, affecting balance and mobility. Toenails may thicken or become ingrown, while dry skin can crack and lead to infection. Wearing supportive shoes, keeping feet clean and moisturized, and trimming nails carefully can help maintain foot health. Regular exercise that promotes circulation and flexibility also plays a key role in preventing problems. Foot pain should never be considered a normal part of aging. If you are an older adult experiencing discomfort or changes in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment to stay active, comfortable, and independent.
If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Nola Sole 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 office located in New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Ankle Stretches for Volleyball Injury Prevention

Strong and flexible ankles are essential for volleyball players to prevent sprains and maintain performance. Simple stretches like the ankle alphabet, where you trace letters in the air with your toes, can improve mobility and strengthen stabilizing muscles. Ankle rolls help warm up the joints, while dorsiflexion stretches the muscles at the front of the ankle to enhance range of motion. Additionally, inversion stretches target the inner ankle, promoting balance and flexibility. Performing these exercises regularly can reduce the risk of injury during jumps and quick movements. A podiatrist can assess ankle strength, recommend customized exercises, and provide support for recovery. If you have injured your foot or ankle while playing volleyball, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on additional injury protection tips.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.
- Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
- Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
- Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
- Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.
It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
See Your Foot Specialist Regularly If You Work On Your Feet
The Bump on the Heel That Will Not Go Away

Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement that forms at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. This bump often rubs against shoes, especially stiff-backed ones, causing irritation, swelling, and pain. Many people notice redness and even blistering in the area before realizing a bone growth is the real source of the problem. Because of this, the condition is sometimes nicknamed the pump bump, as it is common in people who wear rigid dress shoes or high heels. The discomfort may worsen with activity or pressure from footwear, making daily walking difficult. Treatment often begins with avoiding tight shoes and using heel pads. Targeted exercise and orthotics can help ease strain on the tendon. In persistent cases, surgery may be needed to remove the bony prominence. If you have pain from such a bump on your heel, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can recommend the best plan to relieve symptoms and restore comfort.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Inherited Palmoplantar Keratodermas and Their Effects on the Feet

Palmoplantar keratodermas are a group of inherited conditions that cause thickening of the skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. The skin may appear yellowish, hardened, or cracked, which can make walking painful and daily activities uncomfortable. In some cases, the thickened skin may extend beyond the soles, and fissures can increase the risk of infection. These conditions are genetic, meaning they are passed down through families, and symptoms often begin in childhood. While there is no cure, treatment focuses on reducing discomfort and improving skin health. Regular use of emollients, keratolytic creams, and careful debridement can soften thickened areas. Wearing supportive footwear helps decrease pressure and friction. If painful skin changes are limiting your mobility or quality of life, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for evaluation and guidance on long-term management.
Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Rare Foot Conditions
The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist. Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care.
There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:
- Freiberg’s disease
- Kohler’s disease
- Maffucci syndrome
Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp.
Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.
Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking.
A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

