Elderly foot care becomes increasingly important as the skin, joints, and circulation change. Common concerns include bunions and heel pain from plantar fasciitis. A bunion may appear as a bony bump at the base of the big toe, causing redness, swelling, and discomfort in shoes. Plantar fasciitis often causes sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning. In older adults, these conditions may be worsened by thinning skin, reduced flexibility, and changes in balance or walking patterns. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, skin health, and circulation to identify any underlying issues. Treatment may include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, gentle skin care, and targeted exercises to maintain strength and flexibility. Routine foot checks are important to catch concerns early and prevent complications. If you have a bunion, plantar fasciitis, or other foot concerns, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you need your feet checked, contact Shalonda Davidson, DPM of Instride Carolina Foot Care. 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 Statesville, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, especially between the toes. It often causes flaking skin, itching, cracking, and redness that can become uncomfortable, if left untreated. The condition develops in warm and moist environments, making shared areas around pools and locker rooms a common source of exposure. Prevention includes keeping feet clean and dry, and wearing appropriate shoes in pool areas to reduce contact with fungi. Prescribed medication can effectively clear the infection and prevent it from spreading or returning. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete’s foot, recommend the right treatment, and provide guidance on proper foot hygiene. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include prescribed medication.

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 Shalonda Davidson, DPM from Instride Carolina Foot Care. Our doctor 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 Statesville, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Choosing the right running shoes is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Start by understanding your goals and the type of running you plan to do. Knowing your arch type is important. A neutral arch provides balanced support, a low arch often leads to increased inward rolling of the foot, and a high arch may result in reduced shock absorption. Understanding your running gait also plays a key role. Neutral pronation allows even weight distribution, overpronation causes excessive inward movement, and supination results in outward rolling. Each pattern affects how your foot interacts with the ground. A podiatrist can help by evaluating your foot structure and gait to recommend proper footwear or orthotics. If you have sustained a foot injury from wearing the wrong shoes while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions and guidance on choosing the right shoes and fit. 

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Shalonda Davidson, DPM from Instride Carolina Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

Pedicures can feel relaxing and leave feet looking well cared for, but they also carry a risk of infection, if proper hygiene is not followed. Small nicks in the skin, aggressive cuticle trimming, or the use of non-sterile tools can allow bacteria or fungi to enter. This may lead to redness, swelling, pain, or changes in the nails, including thickening or discoloration. Shared foot baths that are not thoroughly cleaned between clients can also harbor microorganisms that increase the chance of skin or nail problems. Even minor irritation can become more serious if left untreated, especially for those with sensitive skin or underlying health conditions. Choosing a salon that follows strict cleaning protocols and avoiding shaving before a pedicure can help reduce risk. Paying attention to any changes after a visit is important. If you notice signs of infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and immediate treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Shalonda Davidson, DPM from Instride Carolina Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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