Aging makes people consider their health from many points of view, often starting with the heart and mental well-being. However, regarding overall well-being, one more forgotten aspect is foot care. Our feet are a major component of our movement, balance, and independence. Because this is an area of health care that’s easy to neglect, it can predispose us to various problems that could grow to be debilitating. This article shall outline the reasons why foot care is important to seniors, common problems of the feet, and some practical tips to keep the feet healthy and happy.
Why Foot Care Is Crucial for Seniors?
1. Foundation of Mobility:
Our feet are the very foundation of our body and determine our balance and the way we walk. Arthritis, neuropathy, and problems in circulation often show up in older age, making proper foot care important. Painful feet may prohibit one from doing things one loves, let alone such basic activities as going out for groceries or just taking a walk with your friends. Keeping your feet healthy goes a long way in ensuring great mobility and overall quality of life.
2. Avoid Falls:
The leading injuries among older adults involve falls. Foot health is one of the major contributors to maintaining balance. Weak muscles, poor circulation, and changes to any foot part (such as bunions or ingrown/overgrown toenails) may affect one’s stability. Regular foot care, such as nail trimming and callus care, will enhance your stability and prevent falls.
3. Management of Chronic Conditions:
Care for the elderly, especially those suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, requires that much attention be directed to foot care. Complications with neuropathy and poor circulation can occur due to conditions like diabetes, thus placing them at a higher risk of traumas and infections. In this regard, frequent visits to a podiatrist will help in early detection, thus helping them get early treatment before serious complications set in.
4. Improvement in Comfort:
With aging, the skin becomes thinner and less elastic, hence more susceptible to dryness and fissuring, with a consequence of irritation, pain, and even infection. For comfort, simple care such as moisturizing will go a long way in enabling good overall health of the feet. This care also includes keeping the nails trimmed and keeping the nails and feet clean.
Common Foot Problems Among Older Adults
Knowing some of the common foot problems with seniors will better prepare you to recognize the beginnings of a problem. The following are a few to watch for:
1. Ingrown or Overgrown Toenails:
Ingrown toenails may be painful and result in redness, swelling, and even infection. Usually, the major cause is improper trimming of the nails or poorly fitted shoes. Regular trims and properly fitted shoes can prevent ingrown toenails. On the other hand, many seniors face trouble being able to bend to trim their nails properly, resulting in overgrown nails. This can also cause discomfort as shoes may not fit properly, as well as potential issues with balance.
2. Bunions and Hammertoes:
Bunions are bony growths around the side of the big toe. Hammertoes are a condition in which joints of the toes bend in abnormal ways. Both can be painful and, in extreme cases, require medical attention. Comfortable shoes with plenty of room for the toes are the best to alleviate discomfort.
3. Fungal Infections:
Warmth and moisture are a friendly medium for fungi to grow – and can cause infections on the feet when they’re not kept clean. Keeping the feet clean and dry and wearing appropriate shoes that allow air to circulate will prevent fungal infections.
4. Corns and Calluses:
Friction of the skin and pressure causes corns and calluses. They are usually painless, but at times they can be painful. Good foot care will help maintain healthy skin and lower the incidence of problems associated with corns and calluses.
Tips for Effective Foot Care
1. Visiting a Podiatrist:
It is important to make periodic visits to a podiatrist regarding your feet’s health. A podiatrist can check out the present state of the health of your feet, do whatever treatments he finds necessary, and advise concerning specific needs. Never hesitate to call regarding any changes or pains in your feet.
2. Day-to-Day Care of Feet:
Take time every day to look at your feet for redness, swelling, cuts, or color changes in the skin. This is particularly important for you if you have diabetes. The earlier a problem is found, the better the treatment outcome.
3. Good Hygiene:
Wash your feet every day using mild soap in warm water. Ensure they are thoroughly dried after, especially between the toes, as this is one of the sites where moisture collects. The cleanliness of the feet is the very first thing required to avoid any infection.
4. Moisturize Regularly:
Apply a thick moisturizer to your feet daily to help fight dry skin and cracking. It is best to avoid putting lotion in between the toes as you do not want to create a warm, moist area for fungi to take hold. Also, be careful when applying the lotion as you don’t want to risk falling, wait for the lotion to dry or slip some socks and some house shoes on to help lock in the moisture.
5. Wear Comfortable Footwear:
Wearing correctly fitting, comfortable shoes will go a long way in ensuring the health of your feet. Find shoes that offer enough support and have ample room in the toe box while being suitably cushioned. Often, extra support in the arch can help make a shoe more comfortable for longer wear. Avoid high heels or tapered shoes that crowd the toes since this can cause various issues, such as bunions.
6. Nail Care:
Regular trims and maintenance will prevent ingrown toenails. If you cannot reach or have a problem with your feet, ask a family member for help or have a podiatrist visit you who can do the trimming of your toenails on a routine basis.
7. Stretch and Strengthen:
Stretching and strengthening of the feet and ankles can be done at any time, day or night, and can be as simple as toe stretches, circular movements of the ankle, or mild strengthening using a resistance band.
An important but often overlooked part of health in older age is foot care. You can maintain foot health by regularly visiting a podiatrist, paying good attention to hygiene, and dressing comfortably. This will help you maintain mobility, avoid falls, and thus make your life much better because happy feet give you a happier life!
Don’t hesitate to consult a podiatrist if you have any concerns about your foot health. Your feet deserve the best treatment so they can continue to take you on whatever journey you embark on.
To access more helpful tips on health and wellness for seniors, check out our previous blog posts and explore our website for more resources!
Senior Industry Services is committed to helping make Central Texas the best place for seniors to age!
Written for Senior Industry Services by Lauren Hope Bartling
