Proper Care For Aging Feet

Maintaining mobility as you age is a key to independent living. Unfortunately, many older adults find their independent lifestyles threatened because of various foot problems that are associated with aging. Keeping your feet healthy by practicing regular foot care is essential to living an active life throughout your elder years.
People who have spent years working on their feet or wearing improper footwear find that the wear and tear on their feet can cause problems or damage that magnifies as they age. Other people experience issues with their feet due to medical issues such as diabetes, gout, and heart disease. Chronic illnesses that cause poor circulation or require certain medications can also compromise the health of your feet. Whatever the cause of your foot problems, practicing proper senior foot care can help you avoid or minimize problems that may arise are you grow older.
Caring for aging feet is easy and simple for most people. Good hygiene is at the top of the to do list for keeping your feet healthy, which is why it is important to wash and thoroughly dry them on a regular basis. When your feet are clean and dry, moisturize them with a gentle lotion or cream to help prevent itching, cracking, or callouses. Soaking your feet in warm water and massaging them can help relax tense muscles and ease the pain of most foot problems.
Wear clean socks, changing them daily and rotate your shoes so you never wear the same pair two days in a row. Make sure your shoes are clean inside and out, in good condition, and properly fitted for comfort. Try to avoid going barefoot, especially outdoors or in public areas. If you suffer from foot odor or Athlete’s Foot issues, use over-the-counter powders that can prevent these problems from occurring. When buying shoes, choosing the right ones can protect the health of not only your feet, but also minimize the risks of slip-and-fall injuries. Wearing the right footwear can correct many common foot conditions such as flat feet. Customized orthotic insoles are also available that you can insert into shoes that you already own to correct certain foot and walking problems.
One of the most important things you can do to ensure healthy feet is to inspect them periodically. According to the American Geriatrics Society, one-third of people 65 and older experience problems with their feet. Podiatrists treat more seniors than any other age group with the most common foot problems being:
• Bunions, which is a deformity of the big toe joint.
• Hammertoes, which occurs when tendons pull the toes into an upside-down position, affecting balance and the ability to walk normally.
• Corns and callouses. These are layers of dead skin that can cause foot discomfort and pain.
• Ingrown toenails. When toenails are cut incorrectly, the corners or sides can dig into the skin and cause intense pain.
• Toenail fungus. Shoes provide a warm, moist environment that can be an ideal breeding ground for some types of foot fungus. These fungal conditions are usually treated with medications or podiatric procedures.
There are other foot problems that are treated by physicians and podiatrists including but not limited to: warts and growths, arthritis issues, cracked heels, bone spurs, plantar fasciitis and more. Regardless of the foot problems you are experiencing, they will not go away without treatment so always consult your foot healthcare provider as soon as problems arise. The good news is that most of these common foot problems are treated on an out-patient basis with recovery time being minimal.
Being proactive about foot care can protect your ability to live well independently. Of the 206 bones in the human body, 52 are in your feet, supporting body weight and acting as shock absorbers as you walk. Keeping your feet healthy is essential to enjoying an active lifestyle, so be on the alert for small problems before they become more serious issues. If and when your feet tell you something is wrong, don’t delay. Seek help immediately so that you can keep on living life as fully as possible all the days of your life.