Geriatric Foot Care Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ

At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, we understand that geriatric foot care is essential for maintaining mobility, independence, and quality of life in older adults. Geriatric foot care is a specialized area of healthcare focused on addressing the unique needs of older adults when it comes to foot and ankle health. As people age, they become more prone to various foot problems such as arthritis, poor circulation, neuropathy, and bunions, which can affect their mobility and overall quality of life. Geriatric foot care includes regular assessments, preventive care, and treatments aimed at improving comfort, reducing pain, and preventing complications such as infections or falls.

Proper geriatric foot care involves not only treating existing conditions but also educating patients on maintaining good foot health through proper footwear, foot hygiene, and exercises. It often includes managing chronic conditions like diabetes that can affect foot health, ensuring appropriate treatment for foot deformities, and providing advice on managing age-related changes such as reduced flexibility or strength. By focusing on these aspects, geriatric foot care helps older adults maintain their independence and continue enjoying an active lifestyle.
 
At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, our goal is to help prevent pain, infections, mobility issues, and serious complications that can impact your daily life. We are committed to educating our patients and offering personalized treatments tailored to the specific needs of seniors. If you or a loved one needs expert geriatric foot care, our team is here to support your health every step of the way.

At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, we understand that foot care is especially important for seniors. As we age, our feet experience changes that can increase the risk of health problems. The skin becomes thinner and less elastic, making it more vulnerable to injuries and infections. Circulation can also decrease in the lower limbs, slowing down healing and increasing the risk of complications from even minor cuts or blisters.
 
Many older adults are also managing chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis, both of which can significantly impact foot health. For example, diabetes can cause nerve damage and reduce sensation in the feet, making it harder to spot injuries or pressure sores before they become serious. Arthritis can lead to joint pain, deformities, and challenges in maintaining proper foot hygiene.
 
At our practice, we help seniors prevent common foot issues such as ingrown toenails, calluses, corns, and fungal infections—all of which can be more problematic as we age. Good foot health plays a crucial role in maintaining mobility and balance, reducing the risk of falls and related injuries.
 
For seniors, taking care of your feet isn’t just about comfort—it’s a key part of preserving your independence, preventing hospitalizations, and maintaining a better quality of life. If you or a loved one needs expert foot care, our team at Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians is here to help you walk comfortably and confidently at every age.

Seniors should consider visiting a podiatrist for foot care at least once a year for a comprehensive check-up, even if they don’t have any obvious foot problems. Regular visits allow the podiatrist to detect early signs of common age-related foot issues, such as arthritis, bunions, or diabetic neuropathy, before they become more serious. Early detection and treatment can prevent more severe complications that could affect mobility or quality of life.

For seniors with existing foot conditions like diabetes, circulation problems, or joint pain, more frequent visits may be necessary—typically every 3 to 6 months. These individuals are at a higher risk for developing complications such as infections or ulcers, so routine check-ups are crucial for managing their condition and preventing long-term damage. Your podiatrist can offer personalized recommendations based on your specific health needs and foot care concerns.

Regular visits to Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians can help detect potential problems early and prevent serious complications. Your ideal visit frequency will depend on your personal health profile and risk factors. Our podiatrists will work with you to develop a care plan tailored to your individual needs, ensuring you stay active and comfortable as you age.

Diabetes can significantly affect foot health in seniors, primarily due to the impact of high blood sugar levels on nerves and blood vessels. Over time, elevated blood sugar can lead to diabetic neuropathy, a condition that damages the nerves in the feet, causing a loss of sensation. This means seniors with diabetes may not feel pain, heat, or injuries like cuts and blisters. Without this sensation, even minor wounds can go unnoticed, which increases the risk of infections that may go untreated.

In addition to nerve damage, diabetes can reduce circulation to the feet, which hinders the delivery of oxygen and nutrients necessary for healing. Poor circulation slows down the body’s ability to fight infections and heal wounds. This can result in foot ulcers, open sores that are slow to heal, which can become infected and lead to serious complications if not properly treated. Seniors with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to these issues, which can further complicate their mobility and overall health.

The effects of diabetes can also alter the natural structure of the feet, leading to deformities like hammertoes or Charcot foot. These changes put additional pressure on specific areas of the feet, increasing the likelihood of calluses, corns, and other skin problems. If these issues go untreated, they may worsen, potentially leading to severe complications like gangrene, which in extreme cases may require amputation. Regular foot care and timely intervention are essential to managing these risks and maintaining healthy, functional feet.

At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, we understand the critical role that proactive foot care plays in managing diabetes-related foot health issues. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive diabetic foot care tailored to the unique needs of seniors. We offer regular foot inspections, personalized treatment plans, and expert guidance on proper foot hygiene, footwear, and injury prevention. By addressing foot health early and providing ongoing care, we aim to help seniors with diabetes maintain mobility, prevent complications, and enhance their quality of life. If you or a loved one is living with diabetes, our clinic is here to support you every step of the way.

Dr. Nathan Plaskey, board-certified, is an experienced and compassionate podiatrist at Arizona Foot & Ankle Physicians, specializing in geriatric foot care. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges that aging adults face, Dr. Plaskey provides personalized care to help seniors maintain their foot health and mobility. He offers comprehensive evaluations to diagnose common age-related foot conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and poor circulation. His thorough approach ensures that each patient receives tailored treatments aimed at improving comfort and preventing long-term complications.

By choosing Dr. Plaskey, you are entrusting your foot care to a dedicated professional who values patient education and quality care. Dr. Plaskey takes the time to educate seniors on how to prevent foot problems, offering advice on proper footwear, daily foot care routines, and exercises to maintain strength and flexibility. His commitment to improving the lives of his patients through effective and compassionate care makes him a trusted choice for geriatric foot care in Scottsdale, AZ.

For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 11390 E. Via Linda, Ste 102, Scottsdale, AZ 85259. We serve patients from Scottsdale AZ, Fountain Hills AZ, Paradise Valley AZ, Carefree AZ, Rio Verde AZ, and surrounding areas.