Elderly Man Receives Misdiagnosis about Cause of Ulcers

Elderly Man Receives Misdiagnosis about Cause of Ulcers

Wrong way: Treating an ulcer with a compression bandage can be the best - and worstDoctors told an elderly reverend named Grahame Stephens that the ulcers he had developed on his ankle were caused by blockage in his veins, and gave him special bandages to treat it. But Stephens’ ulcers only got worse. He decided to see a specialist, who identified the problem as an obstruction in his arteries, not his veins. He ended up needing surgery to have the blockage removed, but luckily he avoided any further complications.

As people get older it becomes important to pay more and more attention to the health of their feet. If you are an older person with questions about foot care, visit a podiatrist like Dr. Alan Discont of Family Foot and Ankle Care, PC. Dr. Discont can help manage your feet and provide solutions for all your foot care needs.

The Elderly and their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away.  Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly. There are many complications that can lead to serious issues, if the problem is not taken care of right away.

Common Conditions 

Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet, and can hide many life threating medical conditions.

Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.

Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:

- Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
- Shoes that don’t fit properly
- Pressure sores
- Loss of circulation in legs & feet
- Edema & swelling of feet and ankles
- Injuries left unnoticed
- Insect or pet bites can also become inflamed and infected
- Stepping on sharp objects, without notice can increase pain

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

For more information about the Elderly and their Feet, read the following article.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Chandler, AZ. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to fit your needs.

Read more about Elderly and their Feet.