With age, feet lose protective padding, circulation weakens, and skin becomes fragile, making older adults more likely to develop foot wounds that linger. Even a small blister, scrape, or callus can evolve into a stubborn sore when blood flow or sensation is reduced. Chronic wounds may be painful or slow to close, and infection can spread quickly, if not addressed early. These sores often signal underlying conditions such as diabetes, vein disease, or poor mobility. Treatment focuses on restoring circulation, protecting the area from pressure, and keeping the wound clean and moist to support healing. A podiatrist may use advanced dressings, gentle debridement, or custom orthotics to relieve pressure and prevent recurrence. Early attention is vital to preserve comfort and mobility. If you have a foot wound that has not improved within a couple of weeks, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a professional assessment and care.

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 Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. 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 office located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

That sharp tenderness along the edge of your toenail is often a sign of an ingrown toenail, a common issue that causes disproportionate discomfort. The pain, redness, and swelling are clear indicators that your toenail needs expert care to prevent the condition from progressing. The truth is, not all ingrown toenails are treated the same way. For milder cases, your podiatrist may utilize conservative, non-surgical techniques, such as taping or specialized bracing, to guide the nail's growth. However, if the condition is severe, chronic, or shows signs of infection like pus or excessive inflammation, a minor, in-office procedure may be necessary to remove the offending nail portion for immediate and lasting relief. A thorough exam will determine the right path for your foot health. If your ingrown toenail is not improving or is painful and infected, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact One of our podiatrists of Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, often developing between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or public locker rooms. Causes include prolonged dampness, poor foot hygiene, and walking barefoot in public places. Symptoms include itching and burning between the toes, redness, foul odor, a scaly rash, and sometimes painful blisters. If left untreated, it can spread to the toenails or other parts of the body. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection, recommend anti-fungal treatments, and provide guidance on preventing recurrence. For professional care and lasting relief from athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact One of our podiatrists from Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC.  our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents, especially those active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress from running or jumping. Risk factors include rapid growth spurts, tight calf muscles, and poorly cushioned shoes. Symptoms often include heel tenderness, swelling, and pain that worsens with activity. A podiatrist can diagnose Sever’s disease through a thorough evaluation and recommend treatments such as stretching, rest, and proper footwear to relieve discomfort and prevent recurrence. If your child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to get the expert care needed for lasting relief.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see One of our podiatrists from Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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