Foot Care Tips for Seniors
Healthy feet provide a good foundation for the entire body. For seniors, it is particularly important to maintain the health of the feet because it will help with difficulties related to balance, mobility, and independence. The goal is for seniors to have comfortable and healthy feet. Over the course of one’s life, the feet flatten and become wider. The natural fat padding wears down, and the bones and joints are impacted more by wear and tear. Simple things like a foot blister, an ankle sprain, or an ingrown toenail can lead to a host of health-related conditions which can hamper the quality of life. Elderly foot care can be maintained by washing, drying, and moisturizing the feet daily, and trimming toenails as needed. This can be done properly by cutting them straight across which may help to prevent ingrown toenails. Additionally, examining the feet often to monitor potential problems is helpful. If you are a senior, it is suggested that you incorporate a chiropodist among your healthcare providers to make sure your feet remain in as good shape as possible through your elderly years.
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.
