As people age, changes in the lower limbs can quietly raise the chance of losing stability and stumbling. Reduced muscle power in the toes, along with stiff joints, can alter walking patterns and slow reactions. Ill-fitting shoes or worn soles further increase the likelihood of trips. Many seniors also develop sensory loss, making it harder to detect surfaces and obstacles. Targeted care can help, including tailored exercises for the lower limbs and guidance on properly fitted, supportive shoes. Regular assessment allows early identification of issues and timely management. Addressing these factors can improve confidence during daily activities and lower injury risk. Podiatrists can recommend skin care, orthoses, and routine nail maintenance, while coordinating with other clinicians to support safer movement and independence at home and in the community. If you are a senior and have developed foot pain or are looking for additional fall prevention tips, it is suggested that you schedule routine visits with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tinea pedis, often called athlete’s foot, is a common fungal skin condition that affects the feet, especially between the toes. It can cause itching, peeling, cracking, and a noticeable odor, which many people find embarrassing in social or personal settings. The skin may look dry or inflamed, and, in some cases, small blisters can form. Warm, moist environments such as sweaty shoes or locker rooms often allow this condition to develop and spread. Beyond appearance, untreated cases can lead to deeper skin damage or secondary infection. Care typically includes antifungal creams, keeping feet clean and dry, and wearing breathable footwear. Avoiding shared surfaces without protection can also help prevent reinfection. Addressing the condition early can improve both comfort and confidence. If athlete’s foot symptoms continue or worsen, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves in the feet, often leading to unusual sensations that can develop gradually. Patients may notice burning, tingling, numbness, or a pins and needles feeling, especially in the toes or soles. The skin may appear normal, but the loss of sensation can make it difficult to detect injuries, increasing the risk of unnoticed wounds. Some individuals also experience sharp or shooting pain, particularly at night. Common causes include diabetes, nerve compression, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions that affect nerve health. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve function through a detailed exam and may recommend additional testing to determine the cause. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, protecting the feet, and improving nerve health with medication, supportive footwear, and targeted exercises. Early attention is important to prevent complications. If you have symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel bone due to ongoing inflammation where the foot’s tendons connect to the heel. They are commonly located at the back of the heel or underneath it, and are often associated with conditions like arthritis or plantar fasciitis. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, tenderness, and discomfort while walking or standing. Risk factors include repetitive strain, improper footwear, excess weight, and prolonged standing. A podiatrist can diagnose heel spurs through examination and imaging, recommend supportive footwear, prescribe orthotics, and provide treatment to reduce inflammation and pain while improving function. If you have persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat heel spurs.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.