Podiatric care for seniors.
As you age, there tend to be more issues related to the foot. This can be a factor of past lifestyle or other extenuating circumstances. At Oak Street Health, our senior primary care team of podiatrists can treat a variety of foot-related issues in a doctor’s office near you, or send you to one of our trusted specialists to take care of the things that need more attention.
Studies suggest that for the best health outcomes, you should be on your feet for at least two hours a day. But for those with foot-related conditions, that number can feel like standing on pins and needles. That’s why it’s so important for your feet to be at their best.
At Oak Street Health, our team of in-center podiatrists work with patients to address problems with the foot, ankle, and lower legs that would normally keep them inactive. We treat a number of conditions and offer a variety of procedures to make sure your feet are healthy. Overall, it is important to remember that your feet should never be taken for granted.
The healthy foot: A step in the right direction.
Older adults have a greater risk of vascular disease that affects arteries that bring blood down to the toes.This could be caused by past health choices like smoking or a poor diet that results in high cholesterol generating pain while walking, discoloration of the feet and legs, and even ulcers or wounds — from inadequate blood flow. Vein issues can also cause swelling of the feet, ankles, and legs, as well as dry skin which can lead to pain and blisters/openings in the affected region. When this occurs, having a podiatrist at the ready is important in your healthcare journey.
Your Oak Street Health podiatrist will work with your Medicare primary care doctor to help relieve the pain, and bring common sense solutions to your problems. Our collaborative environment helps us address foot issues quickly to provide relief so you can get on with your life.
And if for some reason an outside specialist is needed to take care of things such as knee or back pain, chronic vein issues and other extenuating circumstances — we work closely with your specialist to assure your condition is being handled in a timely and effective manner.
Common questions
When do I need to see a podiatrist?
Your podiatrist can help you understand how certain diseases can affect your feet and manage any foot-related issues that may arise. If you have diabetes, it’s important to check your feet regularly to catch problems early on and reduce your risk of complications. If you’re experiencing or notice any of the following signs or symptoms, talk to your PCP about seeing a podiatrist.
- Numbness, tingling, or pain in one or both feet
- Having a cut, sore, or blister that won’t heal
- A change in the shape, color, or temperature of your feet
- Dry, cracked skin or a loss of hair on your toes, feet or lower legs
What should I do to make sure I don’t run into any problems with my feet?
Examine the bottom of your feet on a regular basis for any problems such as wounds or ulcers. Cuts, calluses, splinters, pressure sores, cracks, and blisters should show signs of healing within 24 hours. If they don’t, make sure you speak to your primary care physician or see your podiatrist directly. Also check to make sure your socks aren’t too tight around your legs. This could be a problem particularly if you have poor blood flow to your legs and feet. Things like ingrown toenails can cause major problems if they are not properly handled. When clipping your toenails, remember to cut straight across the nails and file the corners. Do not cut corners with a clipper as that may lead to an ingrown toenail. Make sure the shoes you’re wearing fit properly. You don’t want to wear shoes that are sized too small or too large for your feet. Lotions and foot baths are helpful as well. Take care to not use too much artificial heat on the feet from items such as heating blankets and water bottles which can lead to burns and other problems.
What conditions can a podiatrist treat?
A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) that specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of diseases that affect the foot and ankle. They work closely with other health professionals, such as your primary care doctor, to diagnose and treat foot-related problems. Podiatrists can manage foot and ankle injuries, toenail issues, abnormal growths like bunions or blisters, and diabetes-related symptoms such as foot pain or nerve damage. It may be worthwhile to see a podiatrist regularly to treat and prevent any potential foot issues.
How do I find the right podiatrist?
Podiatrists specialize in diseases or problems of the feet and ankles. If your primary care doctor diagnoses a general or diabetes-related foot issue, they can offer care options which may include a referral to a podiatrist. If you’re having foot issues, it’s important to have a podiatrist that will help you understand how certain conditions can affect your feet and how to manage and prevent certain foot diseases. If you aren’t having any foot issues but would like to see a podiatrist for a check-up, ask your primary care doctor for recommendations, or type your zip code, city, or state into our search tool to find podiatrists near a location convenient to you.