Caring for your feet is important to your overall health, but is often underestimated in self-care routines. Establishing a routine for good foot hygiene is essential for keeping your feet healthy and happy as you get older. Daily washing, with extra attention to the spaces between your toes, significantly lowers the risk of infections. As the skin on your feet tends to become thinner and drier with age, follow up with moisturizing lotion, excluding the areas between the toes to avoid creating a damp environment conducive to fungal growth. Proper toenail maintenance is needed to prevent ingrown toenails. If you cannot trim them yourself, a care worker or a chiropodist can perform that task safely. Addressing calluses is equally important. Deep calluses can crack and bleed, posing a risk of infection. Regular self-examination of your feet is essential. Check the tops, soles, and under the toenails, in addition to the spaces between your toes for any changes, growths, or discolorations. Swelling or changes in color may indicate poor circulation or other problems that require prompt attention. For individuals with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, communicate with your chiropodist about any unusual or concerning developments. For guidance in the proper care for your feet, it is suggested that you 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.