CHICAGO, IL, April 25th, 2012:  In recognition of Older Americans Month in May, Hettinger Podiatry Center in Wheaton, Illinois is offering free foot screening for all senior citizens, aged 65 and older.  

Foot pain is a part of the aging process and elderly people are at very high risk.  As they age, their feet widen and flatten, and the fat padding on the sole of the foot wears down.  In older adults, foot pain may be the first sign of age-related conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, and circulatory disease.  It can impair balance and function in this age group.

Even though some foot problems are inevitable, their progress can be slowed with early detection.  “Screening is preventive,” says Dr. David F. Hettinger, a board certified podiatrist who has been successfully running his foot care clinic in Wheaton since 1992 and is encouraging senior citizens to get free foot screenings at his clinic in May.

“Often times, relatively simple treatments can give patients a great deal of relief. It’s all a matter of having the right advice,” adds Dr. Hettinger.  He views foot screening as an opportunity to discuss foot related problems with senior citizens and arm them up with the necessary information to treat common foot problems.  

Speaking about his clinic’s offering, Dr. Hettinger adds “It’s only fitting that we invest in seniors the way they have invested in us.”  In recent years, foot screening has shown increasing improved treatments.  With its help, doctors can detect changes in the foot and catch problems before it is too late.

Dr. Hettinger and his experienced staff at Hettinger Podiatry Center provides senior citizens with professional foot care services including, trimming of toenails, corns and callouses.  The foot care center staff also make house calls for homebound patients in the immediate area.

For more information or to set up an appointment for the free screening, call 630-682-3338 or visit www.hettingerpodiatry.com.  The Hettinger Podiatry Center is located at: 59 Danada Square East, Wheaton, IL 60189.

About Dr. David F. Hettinger:  

Dr. Hettinger is a fellow in the Academy of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is Board Certified, American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry, in the categories of Surgery as well as Primary Care in Podiatric Medicine. He has lectured at podiatry conferences in London, England and the United States. The doctor has also written a chapter of a medical textbook, Procedures in General Practice, regarding radiowave surgery techniques. He has authored or co-authored nine published research papers on medical or surgical procedures. He is a member of the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association and the American Podiatric Medical Association.  To learn more, visit www.hettingerpodiatry.com