Maintaining healthy feet as one ages can help with mobility, and balance, and allows one to live independently longer. Older people may suffer from years of using their feet. Their feet tend to flatten and widen with age, and they can develop dry, cracked skin and other foot ailments from lack of care. One thing can lead to another and injuries like fractures can interfere with health and well-being. Taking care of the feet as one ages can include keeping the feet clean, dry, and moisturized, trimming toenails properly, monitoring foot sores, and wearing properly fitting footwear – primarily flat and closed-toed shoes with support and cushioning. Chiropodists can offer help in foot care services to the elderly and evaluation and treatment of emerging conditions. Regular chiropody visits are even more important if a senior has a health condition, like diabetes, that can affect their feet.
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 chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians 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 offices located in North York and Mississauga, ON .
