As people age, the feet undergo natural changes that can affect comfort, stability, and overall mobility. Skin becomes thinner, circulation may slow, and conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, or balance issues become more common. Regular foot exams help identify these changes early so small concerns do not turn into painful or limiting problems. A podiatrist checks skin health, nail condition, joint function, and sensation to detect issues that may not yet cause symptoms. These visits are especially important for adults living with diabetes, vascular problems, or a history of foot pain. Early detection of pressure points, calluses, or subtle wounds can prevent complications and support safer walking. Foot exams also provide guidance on proper footwear, activity levels, and strategies for maintaining strong, healthy feet. If you or a loved one experience persistent discomfort, numbness, or skin changes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

If you need your feet checked, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM of Aung Foot Health Clinic . 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 our office located in Tuscon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails can turn a simple step into a sharp reminder that something is not quite right. They often begin when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin, creating tenderness, swelling, and redness. Many people try to manage the discomfort at home, but there are clear moments when professional care becomes important. Increasing pain, persistent drainage, or signs of infection signal that the issue is progressing. People who have diabetes, circulation concerns, or nerve problems should be especially cautious because even a mild ingrown nail can lead to complications. A podiatrist can gently remove the offending nail edge, reduce inflammation, and help prevent the problem from returning. If you have an ingrown toenail and notice worsening pain, recurring irritation, or any symptoms that worry you, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM of Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

When your toes start to curl downward instead of lying flat, it may signal more than a minor irritation. Conditions such as hammertoe, mallet toe, and claw toe develop when imbalances in the muscles and tendons cause the toe joints to bend in unnatural ways. Hammertoe typically affects the middle joint, mallet toe the tip, and claw toe causes all joints to curl, often digging into the sole of the foot. These deformities can begin as mild stiffness or shoe discomfort, but may progress to painful, rigid joints if untreated. Wearing tight footwear, past injuries, or inherited foot shapes often contribute. A podiatrist can recommend wider shoes, stretching, pads, or custom orthotics to reduce pressure and improve alignment. For more advanced cases, minor surgery may be needed to straighten the toes. Early treatment keeps your steps comfortable and your toes flexible. It is suggested that you pay attention to early signs of crooked toes, and if problems arise, seek treatment from a podiatrist.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM from Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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