(410) 721-4505
2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25
Crofton, MD 21114
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.
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.
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
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.
As our loved ones get older, they have a harder time keeping balance and being aware of their surroundings. Balance, or lack thereof, is a key reason for the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older people - Falls. That is why proper, supportive footwear is important for protecting our seniors to keep them healthy and mobile.
The ability to move about and be independent can play a huge part in the lifestyle of an older adult. Not only is mobility helpful to seniors, but to their loving caregivers as well. While there are many risks for older adults’ falls, including brittle bones, slippery floors, and loss of balance, supportive footwear can reduce the risk level.
So what makes supportive footwear for older adults?
Arch and Heel support: Make sure that the heel is stiff, but cups the heels of your feet comfortably. The insoles should have flexible cushiony support, but the outer soles of the shoes should not be easily bent in half.
Toebox: The toebox should not be too wide, narrow, flat, or tall. Your toes should have room to wiggle, but not enough that the front of the shoes feel like they flop around. You should be able to tie laces comfortably enough that they are snug, but not restricting so that you feet do not slide around.
Outer rubber soles: Take into consideration the environment in which you will be walking the most. For smooth surfaces, the rubber soles should have a good grip. For carpeted areas, the grippy soles could be a hazard that causes trips.
Feet should be measured each time you buy shoes as foot sizes can change. Weight changes, and especially for diabetic patients, there can be fluctuations in swelling.
When trying on new shoes, they should feel comfortable and secure. Thinking that they may feel better when broken can be deceptive, especially if you plan to wear these shoes right away.
If you are unsure about footwear for seniors, your best bet is to go to a podiatrist. Our board-certified foot doctor, Brad Toll, DPM, at Crofton Podiatry will be more than happy to assist you with your foot support needs. We know how important it is to keep your older loved ones protected and mobile, so make an appointment to come see us at our Crofton, MD office! Call us today at (410) 721-4505.
2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25
Crofton, MD 21114