Items filtered by date: May 2025
Proper Foot Care and Common Foot Issues in Older Adults

Caring for the feet becomes increasingly important with age, as seniors are more prone to various foot issues that can affect mobility and overall well-being. Common concerns include ingrown toenails, which can cause pain and infection if not properly trimmed, and brittle toenails that may crack or break easily. Tingling or burning sensations in the feet may be signs of nerve issues or poor circulation. Foot pain and cracked heels can make walking uncomfortable and increase the risk of falls. Regular foot inspections, gentle cleaning, moisturizing, and wearing well-fitting shoes help prevent these problems. If you are elderly and have foot pain, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and help you to monitor your foot health.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor 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 New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Understanding Foot Fractures

Foot fractures are breaks in the bones of the foot and can range from tiny cracks to complete breaks. They may happen suddenly from a fall, direct impact, or a twist, or can develop slowly over time from overuse, known as stress fractures. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, bruising, and trouble putting weight on the foot. Some fractures are easy to spot, while others may feel like a sprain or general soreness. Diagnosis often requires an X-ray or other imaging test to confirm the location and severity. Treatment depends on the type of fracture and may involve rest, a walking boot, or, in some cases, surgery. Ignoring a foot fracture can lead to improper healing and long-term problems. If you have foot pain after an injury or unexplained swelling, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
- Bruising
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blue in color
- Numbness
- Cold
- Misshapen
- Cuts
- Deformities
Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Definition and Relief Tips for a Broken Toe

A broken toe occurs when one of the bones in the toe fractures due to trauma or excessive pressure. This condition can result from stubbing the toe against a hard object, dropping something heavy on the foot, or repetitive stress from activities like running. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty walking. Immediate attention is important to prevent complications, such as improper healing or joint stiffness. Relief begins with rest and elevating the foot to reduce swelling. In some cases, taping the broken toe to an adjacent one provides stability. If the pain is severe or the toe appears misshapen, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.
A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What to Know About a Broken Toe
Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
- Throbbing pain
- Swelling
- Bruising on the skin and toenail
- The inability to move the toe
- Toe appears crooked or disfigured
- Tingling or numbness in the toe
Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.
Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Managing Foot Cramps

Foot cramps are sudden, involuntary muscle spasms that can cause sharp, intense pain in the feet or toes. These cramps can last from a few seconds to several minutes, and may feel like the muscles are tight, knotted, or twitching. Common causes include physical activity, prolonged standing, dehydration, medication side effects, or underlying health conditions like nerve issues or circulation problems. Poorly fitting shoes and lack of support can also trigger foot cramps, especially during exercise or at night. While most cramps go away with gentle stretching, massaging, or walking, frequent or severe cramps may signal an underlying issue. A podiatrist can assess your symptoms, review your medical history, and recommend proper footwear, orthotics, stretching routines, or hydration strategies. They may also evaluate for circulatory or nerve-related causes and suggest treatments accordingly. If you have foot cramps, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment to see a podiatrist.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
