Items filtered by date: September 2025

Savannah, GA- Physicians Footcare, the Southeast’s premier podiatric practice, is pleased to announce that Dr. Sara Palmer will be joining our team.  She will start treating patients at our Savannah office on September 15, 2025.

Dr. Palmer is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. She has conducted research, developed treatments, and provided foot care since 2018. Dr. Palmer has extensive training in correcting bunions, hammertoe deformities, heel pain involving the Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia using minimally invasive surgical techniques.

“I am excited to continue the legacy of Physicians Footcare in providing quality foot and ankle services for the people of Savannah”, says Palmer. “I look forward to sharing my knowledge and expertise to help prevent, treat, and maintain excellent foot health." 

Dr. Kevin L. Ray, CEO of Physicians Footcare, shared, “PFC is excited about Dr. Palmer joining our team. Her professional background as a researcher and practitioner, genuine enthusiasm for medicine, and patient-centered approach to podiatry will be incredibly valuable for our patients and the Savannah community.” 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Palmer, contact us toll-free at 1-833-PFC-FOOT. To learn more about Physicians Footcare and the array of healthcare services we offer, explore our website.

As our lives progress and we get older (and wiser), caring for our feet becomes just as important as looking after our eyes, hearts, or teeth. Our feet carry us through every stage of life, from our first steps to the marathon we’ve always dreamed of running. But with age, they become more vulnerable to issues that affect mobility, balance, and overall health. That’s why routine podiatry checkups are an important element of foot care for seniors.

Let’s explore why geriatric podiatry is essential, common conditions to watch for, and how to keep your feet strong and healthy as you age.

Understanding Foot Care for Seniors and Your Body’s Evolving Needs

Research shows that the average adult will walk 75,000 miles in their lifetime. This equates to traveling around the world 3 times. With that much stress and strain on our feet throughout the course of our lives, it doesn't come as a surprise that podiatry-related health problems can start to show up as we age. 

With that being said, geriatric foot care concerns can go unnoticed all too often. Seemingly minor issues like skin irritations, toenail discolorations, or small aches are easy to overlook, but these minor changes can quickly turn into major health problems if they’re not properly cared for.

Foot care for seniors is about catching these problems early. Our feet directly impact our ability to perform daily tasks and activities, so when their function is impaired, so is our mobility and independence. This is why scheduling regular podiatry checkups becomes increasingly important to care for aging feet.

Recognizing Early Warning Signs of Foot Health Issues in Older Adults

Spotting early age-related foot problems is the first step to improving your health and comfort level. Common warning signs include:

• Changes in skin/nails
• Swelling and discomfort 
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance 
• Formations of lumps, bunions, and calluses

If you notice any of these signs, don't wait; request an appointment with a podiatrist near you as soon as you can. Small problems can be stopped before they become significant restrictions on your mobility and independence. 

Common Geriatric Foot Care Concerns for Seniors

Aging can increase the risk of developing podiatry-related health care problems. These can start out subtle, but can drastically worsen if left untreated. A few of the most common foot conditions for seniors include:

Arthritis

Foot and ankle arthritis usually presents itself as pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints of the feet. The toes and midfoot area often experience the strongest symptoms, inhibiting mobility as you age.

This condition can make it increasingly more difficult to walk, due to symptoms such as:

• Limited range of motion
• Joint swelling
• Pain in the affected area

Over time, arthritis may even result in abnormalities of the shape and function of the foot. 

To help manage arthritic foot pain, your podiatrist may recommend regular low-impact exercise, medication, and physical therapy. Mild toe flexes and foot circles can help prevent stiffness and promote blood flow throughout the area.

Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain and plantar fasciitis present as soreness or pain in the bottom of the foot, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. This can typically be brought on by strain or minute tears in the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot. 

Symptoms may include:

• Pain when standing or walking
• Stiffness in the heel or arch
• Development of bone spurs in severe cases

If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can limit mobility and affect daily activity. Geriatric podiatry specialists often recommend resting the feet, using ice, and taking over-the-counter painkillers to help ease discomfort and promote healing. 

Corns, Dryness, and Calluses

Calluses and corns develop as a result of pressure and friction, commonly from poorly fitting shoes. Seniors may also be affected by Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis), which causes skin to peel and itch. 

Symptoms may include: 

• Thickened or hardened skin on toes or heels
• Cracking or peeling of skin
• Irritation or pain when walking

To reduce friction and pressure, shoes and socks should be properly fitted to your feet. Using a daily moisturizer can help prevent dryness and cracking. If issues persist, your podiatrist can safely remove thickened skin and prevent complications.

Bunions and Significant Toe Alterations

Hard lumps called bunions form on the outside of the big toe, causing the joint to become misaligned. Common in older adults, bunions can lead to foot pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking. 

Symptoms may include: 

• Redness and swelling around the joint
• Calluses on affected toes
• Trouble fitting into shoes 

Left unmanaged, bunions can worsen and impact mobility. Geriatric foot care specialists often recommend roomy shoes, padded insoles, custom orthotics, toe spacers, or splints. Surgery may be considered for severe cases. Routine podiatry visits are critical for early detection and management.

How to Care for Aging Feet

Along with regular geriatric podiatry appointments, taking proactive steps at home can also help minimize your risk for foot problems. Here are some podiatrist-recommended geriatric foot care routine tips for how to care for aging feet:

Choose Supportive, Proper Footwear

Your footwear plays a vital role in your comfort, stability, and joint alignment. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box can help prevent ingrown toenails, bunions, and cramping. Make sure to shop later in the day when your feet are slightly swollen for the most accurate fit.

Natalie McCoy, CPed, reminds us that, “Size matters. When it comes to your footwear, being properly measured and knowing what general size is appropriate for your foot and its unique needs is imperative to good foot health and daily comfort.”

Consider Personalized Orthopedic Support

For issues like flat feet, persistent pain, and high arches, custom foot orthotics may be a worthwhile solution. Our certified pedorthists are foot mechanics specialists trained in the fitting, adjusting, and fabricating of custom orthopedic shoe inserts. They’ll assess your feet and create an insert molded to your foot to provide corrective support and comfort. 

Keep Your Feet Clean and Maintain Hygiene

Clean and thoroughly dry your feet each day, especially in the spaces between your toes where moisture tends to collect. Regularly trim your nails straight across, ideally every 2 weeks, to lower your risk of fungal infections and ingrown toenails.

Regular Activity

Consistent physical activity helps to maintain strong muscles and loose joints, which can improve your balance and prevent falls. Water aerobics, daily walks, or yoga are low-impact activities that can build foot flexibility and lower the risk of injury. 

By keeping up with proper foot care and scheduling regular foot checkups with a podiatrist, seniors can significantly reduce foot pain and maintain mobility and independence throughout their later years.

Protect Your Foot Health As You Age with Expert Foot Care for Seniors

Aging comes with changes, especially in our feet, affecting comfort level, mobility, and overall health. At Physicians Footcare, our podiatrists are skilled with extensive knowledge on addressing foot-related issues associated with aging. We offer individualized care to help you preserve your mobility, comfort, independence, and overall health. Recognizing early warning signs and keeping your feet as healthy as possible are the first steps in preserving the health of your feet. 

Don't wait for minor foot troubles to escalate into more serious ones. Schedule a podiatry appointment at the Southeast’s premier choice for foot and ankle care to start on the path to pain-free, healthier feet for years to come. 

Are your back and foot pain related, or just two separate issues that happen to flare up at the same time? The truth is, the connection between your feet and spine runs deeper than most people realize. 

Because your feet form the foundation of your body’s alignment, even minor problems, like uneven arches, poor footwear, or muscle imbalances, can send ripple effects upward, leading to discomfort that starts in your feet and ends in your lower back. Understanding how these systems interact is the first step toward lasting relief.

How Foot Problems Contribute to Back Pain

Your feet act like shock absorbers for the rest of your body. When they’re working properly, they distribute weight evenly, reduce stress on joints, and keep your posture aligned. But if there’s an issue with your foot mechanics, that balance is thrown off in ways that put stress on the knees, hips, and lower back. 

Here are a few common foot issues that can lead to back pain:

• Flat Feet or Collapsed Arches: Without proper arch support, your feet roll inward (overpronation), which shifts your hips and spine out of alignment.
• High Arches: A higher arch can cause rigidity, reducing shock absorption and placing extra strain on your lumbar spine.
• Uneven Weight Distribution or Gait: Limping, favoring one foot, or altered movement from pain creates an imbalance that stresses your spine.
• Improper Footwear: Wearing high heels or unsupportive shoes alters posture and spinal balance; incorporating strengthening exercises and conservative treatment options can help restore stability and prevent recurring pain.
• Muscular and Postural Strain: Repetitive stress from poor foot alignment can trigger muscle spasms, weakness, and difficulty lifting, creating a cycle of tension that contributes to back and foot pain-related symptoms.

Over time, these small misalignments accumulate. What starts as a dull ache in your heel or arch can eventually radiate upward into your lower back and hips to cause pain, numbness, and muscle weakness.

Signs Your Foot and Back Pain Are Related

It isn’t always obvious that discomfort in your lower back could actually be caused by your feet. Subtle issues in your gait, arches, or foot alignment can shift how your body moves and carries weight, creating tension that radiates upward over time. 

Below are several signs your back pain may actually be linked to your feet:

• Heel Pain in the Morning: Sharp or aching heel pain when you first step out of bed may signal plantar fasciitis, a condition that changes how you walk and increases strain through the legs and lower back.
• Uneven Shoe Wear: Noticeable wear on one side of your shoes suggests gait imbalances that rotate your hips and pull your spine out of alignment.
• Frequent Ankle Sprains or Instability: Weak or unstable ankles cause your back and core muscles to overwork in order to maintain balance and stability.
• Arch Pain After Standing or Walking: Persistent arch soreness often points to flat feet or overpronation, leading to compensations that affect spinal positioning.
• One Leg or Hip Feels Higher Than the Other: Subtle leg-length discrepancies or uneven arches can tilt your pelvis, creating chronic lower back strain.
• Back Pain That Worsens After Long Periods on Your Feet: If your back hurts more after standing, walking, or working all day, poor foot mechanics could be magnifying the impact on your spine.

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to schedule a podiatry evaluation to determine whether a foot imbalance could be contributing to your back pain.

Daily Foot Checks: An Overlooked Habit

Foot health doesn’t just affect mobility—it can be a window into your overall health. As Dr. Driesen of Physicians Footcare explains: 

“The feet can provide important clues to other underlying health conditions. My primary piece of advice is to perform a daily foot inspection. The feet are often overlooked as vital parts of the body, yet examining them each day allows early detection of abnormalities and can play a critical role in preventing complications and preserving limbs.”

A simple daily check can reveal early signs of issues that may contribute to pain or even more serious health concerns, such as diabetes, poor circulation, or neuropathy. Look for changes in color, swelling, sores, or thickened nails, and bring any concerns to your podiatrist right away.

How a Podiatrist Can Help

When you visit a podiatrist for foot or back pain, the goal isn’t just symptom relief—it’s to address the root cause. At Physicians Footcare, our providers take a comprehensive approach that may include:

• Gait Analysis: Evaluating how you walk and whether abnormal movements contribute to strain.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays or ultrasounds to assess bones, joints, and soft tissues.
• Custom Orthotics: Prescription shoe inserts designed to realign your foot structure and relieve pressure on your spine.
• Footwear Guidance: Recommending supportive shoes for your lifestyle and activities.
• Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen feet, ankles, and calves, improving overall stability.
• Preventive Care: Ongoing monitoring for conditions like diabetes or arthritis that can worsen foot problems over time.

Lifestyle Tips to Support Both Feet and Back

In addition to professional care, small daily habits can make a big difference in protecting your foundation and easing back pain:

• Wear supportive shoes, even at home—avoid walking barefoot on hard floors.
• Stretch your calves, Achilles tendon, and hamstrings to relieve tension.
• Replace worn-out shoes regularly (every 300–500 miles if you’re active).
  Alternate between sitting and standing to reduce repetitive strain.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on both your feet and spine.

Don’t Ignore the Connection

Foot pain and back pain may seem like separate issues, but they’re often two sides of the same coin. Ignoring one can make the other worse. By paying attention to your feet, you can prevent long-term discomfort and improve overall mobility.

At Physicians Footcare, we specialize in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions, while also understanding their impact on your whole-body health. Whether you’re dealing with persistent heel pain, flat feet, or chronic back discomfort, our team can help identify the link and create a personalized treatment plan to get you back on your feet.

If foot or back pain is slowing you down, don’t just treat the symptoms. Schedule an appointment with Physicians Footcare today and discover whether your feet are the missing piece to lasting relief.