September is Healthy Aging Month!

Our feet carry us thousands of miles throughout our lifetime, so it’s no wonder as we age, our feet begin to change. Because September is Healthy Aging Month, Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC in New Haven County and Fairfield County are sharing information regarding what you need to know about your aging feet.

Some examples of the most common foot issues the elderly experience include the following:

• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis affects various joints, including the feet, especially in women.

• Gout: This autoimmune disease can cause severe pain and discomfort because of the acid crystals that collect around a joint, typically in the big toe.

• Dry, Flaky Skin: Left untreated, dry, flaky skin on the feet can cause discomfort when walking. It can also allow bacteria to form, which increases the likelihood of an infection. Applying moisturizer to your feet regularly before the skin becomes cracked and dry can help prevent this condition.

• Flat Feet: Many patients with flat feet experience pain and swelling within the arch of the foot and the inner ankle. In some instances, it also causes these same symptoms, upward starting at the lower back and extending up through the knee and hip. It can cause instability and balance issues and elevate the likelihood of sprains in the feet and ankles.

• Changes in the Toenails: As we get older, our toenails often thicken and get more brittle, which makes them more challenging to trim correctly. They also continually develop cracks and ridges and change in color.

• Achilles Tendon Issues: The Achilles tendon can lose water during the aging process. When this occurs, it can shorten the tendons and make them more at risk for tears or ruptures, making them substantially less flexible, and cause the patient to develop a flat-footed gait.

Take the first step to improving your foot health or that of a senior loved one! Contact the offices of Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, in New Haven County and Fairfield County today to schedule a consultation. You can reach our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown office at (203) 270-6724.