Taking Care of Senior Feet

As older loved ones continue to age, there are more and more things to worry about. From regular and more frequent doctor visits to keeping track of daily medications, seniors need a lot of support to continue to lead healthy lives.

Body parts also change and behave differently, including our skin, bones, joints, and muscles – and yes, even those parts of the feet. And that means that senior feet might need more attention, such as different footwear and some lifestyle changes.

Foot Wear

• A good, comfortable, supportive pair of shoes could mean less foot and joint pain.
• Shoes should match the environment in which they are used to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Use footwear with smooth outer soles on carpeted surfaces and use footwear with anti-slip grip outer soles on smooth, slippery surfaces.
• Compression socks can help those who have problems with reduced circulation in the feet, from diabetes or other circulatory issues.

Foot Care

• Inspect the feet daily. Foot problems can become harder to spot as senses begin to dull. Get into the habit of helping seniors check their feet for any changes in the skin, toenails, or foot structure (e.g. bunions, hammertoes).
• Use softly padded mats around the house, wherever seniors stand for a long time, such as in front of the bathroom and kitchen sinks.
• Install safety bars in bathrooms to prevent falls or trips getting in and out of the tub, or off the toilet.
• Foot massagers or foot soak machines can help increase circulations in the feet and give relief for painful symptoms from overuse, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.
• Continue to exercise and eat a nutritious diet to prevent problems and maintain foot health. Incorporate foods that are good for bones and soft tissues, like dairy (calcium), salmon (omega-3 fatty acids), and plenty of fruits and vegetables (vitamins and enzymes).

Senior feet need special care. Make an appointment at our Crofton, MD office to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll. At Crofton Podiatry, we will use the latest treatment options to take care of your foot care needs. Our team is ready to assist you at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.