As older loved ones age, it’s even more important that caregivers look to taking care of the feet. With age comes many complex health issues, including ones that affect mobility like arthritis, osteoporosis, asthma, diabetes, and heart problems. In some cases, the feet can be the first to experience issues associated with many of these problems, even pointing you in the right direction when it comes to a diagnosis.
Here are some ways to care for senior feet and why they are important:
- Regular hygiene – It’s important to wash the feet with soap and warm water every day to prevent bacterial and fungal infections. If the skin tends to get dry, apply some moisturizer. Keep in mind that even if seniors are not as active, the feet can sweat and develop an unpleasant odor due to bacteria.
- Frequent foot exams – While helping your loved one wash up, inspect for any new skin issues, like cuts, scrapes, rashes, skin breakdown, or even ulcers. Depending on other health issues he or she might have, their skin may have trouble healing properly, or even feeling that there is a problem. For example, diabetic patients may begin to lose feeling in their feet due to diabetic neuropathy. This is caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the nerves. If you don’t pay attention, a wound can become an infected ulcer, requiring immediate treatment.
- Proper toenail trimming – Toenails need to be cut straight across. Otherwise, they may become ingrown and cause pain. Additionally, allowing them to get too long can cause them to break and cause pain.
- Daily exercises – Keeping feet strong and flexible is part of keeping them healthy. Encourage foot exercises, which will help reduce the risk of falls and also increase circulation in the feet. Seniors who are mostly sedentary are prone to swollen feet, and moving the feet can reduce that risk.
- Make sure the shoes fit – Make sure that they are wearing the correct sized shoes so that they don’t have to worry about painful toe conditions like hammertoes, neuromas, or corns and calluses. If they have a foot deformity requiring special shoes, bring them in to get custom orthotics.
Regular checkups with our podiatrist should also be a part of that care. Remember, the feet can often indicate a larger health issue. Make an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Brad Toll to help you find treatment for your older loved ones’ foot conditions. Call Crofton Podiatry at (410) 721-4505, which provides services to Crofton, Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie, MD areas.