Foot Problems on the Rise for Older Americans.

Jan. 10, 2011 - PRLog -- Alameda, CA – The next wave of seniors with health concerns is also one of the largest sectors in America to enter the Social Security nation – the Baby Boomers. Considered the best and the brightest of a generation, these aging hipsters are quickly discovering that the challenges of an active lifestyle is also putting immense strain on their joints including their feet and ankles.

Today foot injuries are a common occurrence to the everyday citizen and not limited to just athletes or weekend warriors.  Some of these issues may have to do with current and past trends in shoe styles that often sacrificed comfort for fashion. Past usage of high heels and ultra pointed toes may cause feet to undergo permanent, painful cramping and squeezing just for the sake of looking good.  Forcing feet to accommodate to a shape that is unnatural often results in problems ranging from minor discomfort to permanent damage if worn too often or over long periods of time.

Common foot problems such as Plantar Fasciitis, a microscopic tear within the plantar fascia which attaches to the heel, occurs when there is too much stress on the arch of the foot. This causes inflammation and pain and is usually accompanied by stiffness on the bottoms of the feet. This kind of injury doesn’t just affect walking but can be painful while standing or even at rest.  

Bunions are enlarged bursa or liquid filled sacs that appear on the side of the foot near the base of the big toe.  Many times people referring to their bunions are describing a bony deformity known by its medical term; hallux adbucto valgus or HAV.  This condition can be the result of genetics and is aggravated by certain activates and overly tight shoes as well as heels.  Patients can find relief by wearing lower heels, more spacious foot wear or sandals but when the problem becomes too much to bear, surgery is often recommended.

Other conditions like Neuroma, corns and calluses, toenail fungus, ingrown nails and hammertoes are sources of frequent irritation and sometimes must be addressed through conservative care as well as surgery if the problems persist. As we get older our bones and joints become more susceptible to injuries and as we advance in age our ability to recover more quickly diminishes.  Obviously, it's best to have it checked sooner rather than later

One of the best ways to avoid surgery for foot and ankle problems is to see a board certified foot specialist or Podiatrist before a minor problem becomes a major health hazard.  Dr. Jeffrey Niccoli at Alameda Family Podiatry Group in Alameda, California has been successfully treating patients with his mixture of medical knowledge and experience along with his patient demeanor and pleasant sense of humor. Dr. Niccoli is Board Certified, graduated from California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco, received additional externship training from Stanford University, Harvard Affiliate Massachusetts General Hospital, and holds a Masters Degree in Medical Education.

For more information about the how best to treat your foot, ankle or heel pain, contact Dr. Niccoli at Alameda Family Podiatry Group at (510) 521-3410. Also click on http://www.drniccoli.com.  Don't forget to ask about the new TOPAZ procedure for chronic heel pain.

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At Alameda Family Podiatry Group, we are dedicated to excellence. It is not normal for your feet to hurt and we have the special training and experience it takes to treat problems like yours. Whether you are an active, hard-working adult, a weekend warrior or serious athlete, you can trust you will receive the very best care. We treat men and women of all ages as well as children. Our goal is to be the best provider for your foot and ankle care. We strive to make your experience comfortable and convenient.