Elderly Foot Care: The Importance of Washing, Drying, and Moisturizing
The feet are often the most neglected part of the body. This is unfortunate because they carry the weight of the entire body and can negatively affect your overall health if there is foot pain or complications with the feet. It is important to maintain daily foot care, and this is especially true in elderly patients. One of the ways to properly take care of elderly feet is to ensure that your shoes fit well. This is essential in possibly preventing bunions, hammertoes, cracked heels, and corns from gradually forming. The proper shoes should have the right amount of flexibility, lower heels, and not be too heavy for the wearer. To exhibit good foot care, wash and dry the feet thoroughly each day followed by using a good moisturizer. Additionally, it is wise to have the shoes accommodate thicker socks if the patient chooses to wear them. If you would like to know more information about how to care for elderly feet, please schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.
Foot problems can become increasingly common as we age, making everyday foot care especially important. To learn more about maintaining proper foot health, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Foot Problems
Certain foot problems may be more likely to affect older adults.
Some examples of foot conditions that can be common in older adults include:
Dry, cracked skin
Calluses and corns
Blisters
Ingrown toenails
Deformities such as bunions or hammertoes
Fungal infections
Plantar warts
Systemic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, are also more likely to affect older people and manifest symptoms in the feet and ankles.
Daily Foot Care Tips
Having a daily foot care routine can help detect problems early on and prevent future issues.
Things that you can do at home to care for your feet include:
Washing the feet daily with warm water, drying them thoroughly, and then applying a moisturizer
Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails
Performing daily foot exercises to improve foot strength and mobility
Wearing shoes when walking to avoid injury
Inspecting the feet daily for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities and seeking prompt treatment if any problems are discovered
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
