As people age, their toenails often become thicker, more brittle, and harder to manage. For many seniors, simple tasks like trimming toenails can become difficult due to limited flexibility, vision changes, or conditions like arthritis. Unfortunately, neglecting toenail care can lead to painful problems, such as ingrown nails, fungal infections, or even ulcers in those with diabetes or poor circulation. Regular toenail maintenance is essential for foot health and overall mobility. Nails should be trimmed straight across, smoothed with a file, and kept clean and dry. Thick or discolored nails may be a sign of fungal infection or other issues that require medical attention. Seniors with difficulty reaching their feet or with underlying health conditions should have their toenails professionally trimmed by a podiatrist. Proper toenail care helps prevent discomfort and keeps feet healthier longer. If you are a senior, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for safe, professional toenail care and a comprehensive foot check-up.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Nassau Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 our offices located in Oceanside, Franklin Square, and East Norwich, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns are hard, thickened areas of skin that typically form on the toes or feet, often with a cone-like shape pointing inward. They develop due to friction and pressure, commonly from wearing ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or repetitive activities like walking or running. The constant pressure causes the skin to thicken as a protective response, leading to pain and discomfort, especially while walking. While home treatments may offer temporary relief, professional care from a podiatrist is often necessary for persistent or painful corns. A podiatrist can remove corns safely and effectively using specialized instruments, reducing the risk of infection or further damage to the skin. This type of doctor can also assess your foot structure, gait, and footwear, identifying underlying causes like bunions, hammertoes, or misalignment. Afterward, they can recommend custom orthotics, proper footwear, or other treatment to prevent future corns. If you have corns on the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and safe treatment.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Nassau Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Oceanside, Franklin Square, and East Norwich, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Selecting the proper shoes for road running is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Road running shoes should have a smooth outsole, rather than lugs or aggressive tread patterns, as these features are designed for trail surfaces and can cause instability on pavement. Checking the heel-to-toe drop is important, as it affects foot strike and running mechanics. A higher drop provides more heel cushioning, while a lower drop encourages a midfoot or forefoot strike. The presence or absence of a medial post should also be considered. Stability shoes with a medial post help control overpronation, while neutral shoes allow natural foot movement. Finding the right combination of cushioning, support, and fit ensures a smooth and efficient running experience while reducing strain on the feet and legs. If you have developed foot pain while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose foot conditions, and guide you on the correct shoes to wear for your running style.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Nassau Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Oceanside, Franklin Square, and East Norwich, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A stiff big toe, medically known as hallux rigidus, affects the larger joint at the base of the big toe, reducing its ability to move freely and causing pain during activities like walking. Initially, people may notice mild stiffness in the big toe, which progressively worsens as movement becomes increasingly limited. Hallux rigidus is often linked to osteoarthritis, a condition involving joint wear-and-tear. This can lead to symptoms like persistent pain, swelling, limited range of motion, and eventual loss of joint mobility. Risk factors for a stiff big toe include prior toe injuries, repetitive stress from sports or work activity, genetic predisposition, specific foot structures, and inflammatory arthritis. Early symptoms include difficulty bending the toe and pain that intensifies with activity, eventually becoming constant, even at rest. A podiatrist can conduct a thorough examination of the big toe joint through imaging studies like X-rays to determine the correct treatment. Options range from custom orthotics to surgery, in advanced cases. If your big toe becomes unusually stiff and continually painful, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Nassau Foot & Ankle. 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Oceanside, Franklin Square, and East Norwich, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.