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 Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC of New York. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tophi are firm deposits that develop beneath the skin when uric acid crystals build up in the joints, often as a complication of long-standing gout. In the feet, tophi may develop around the toes, ankles, or Achilles tendon, creating swollen lumps that can interfere with movement, and cause pain if inflamed. Over time, untreated tophi can damage cartilage, tendons, and other soft tissues, making it difficult to walk comfortably and leading to stiffness or deformity. In some cases, the skin may become stretched and break open, leaking chalky material made of uric acid. A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of joint involvement to determine treatment. Options include reducing the size of the tophi or removing them surgically if they impair function. Surgery may also be considered if tophi are particularly large or threaten joint health. If you have developed tophi from gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetes can greatly impact the way wounds on the feet heal, often causing them to heal more slowly and leaving them at risk of infection. Even small cuts, blisters, or sores on the toes, heels, or ankles may progress into more serious problems when circulation is reduced and blood sugar levels are poorly controlled. Peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, can reduce sensation in the feet, meaning injuries may go unnoticed and untreated for too long. This combination of reduced blood flow and nerve damage makes foot ulcers more likely to develop. If left untreated, they can progress to severe infections that sometimes require surgery or may even result in the risk of limb loss. A podiatrist can examine wounds, provide advanced wound care, and recommend strategies to protect vulnerable areas of the feet. If you have foot wounds related to diabetes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and ongoing treatment.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If your child has stubbed their toe and you notice he or she is limping, it may be an indication of a broken toe. Some of the symptoms that are often associated with this condition may include severe pain, swelling, and the inability to put weight on the toe. After a proper diagnosis, which generally includes having an X-ray taken, proper treatment can begin. This can consist of taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, which is referred to as buddy taping. This method can give the fractured toe the stability that is needed as the healing process takes place. If the fracture is severe, it may be necessary to use a cane or crutches, which can help lessen the weight placed on the toe. If you think your child may have broken their toe, it is advised that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.