Elderly Foot Care: Things You Must Know
Seniors frequently suffer from the problem of recurring foot pain that hinders their mobility, balance, and independence. Moreover, there are times when the symptoms of a systemic disease first appears in the feet itself. For all these reasons and more, the elderly need special care to be taken of their feet. And on that note, here are the seven things you must know in about elderly foot care.
- Check the bottom of your feet
A considerable percentage of people who suffer from foot problems have diabetes. Blisters, calluses, cracks, splinters, and cuts on your feet should ideally start healing within a day. You need to contact your physician if they do not start healing.
- Choose to wear proper socks
Socks must not be too tight because that ends up inhibiting blood flow to your feet. Elderly people should not wear cotton socks as it does not come with moisture wicking properties. It is best to wear socks with acrylic blend because it absorbs moisture well.
- Cut the toenails properly
Ingrown toenails are one of the most common problems faced by the seniors. Coupled with the issues of circulation, it can lead to a need for amputation. Thus, while cutting toenails, it is important to file them straight across and rounding out at the edges.
- Wear shoes that fit
Most seniors tend to wear shoes that are too small for their feet and choose to overlook the slight discomfort that they feel. Over time, it can turn out to be a major problem for your feet and the constant, nagging foot pain would grow worse with time.
- Use a gentle moisturizer
It is common practice among seniors to moisturize their feet, as a part of Geriatric Foot Care, and it is actually a good habit. But, you need to make sure to use a gentle moisturizer and use it only on the bottom and top of your feet. Do not use moisturizer between your toes.
- Regular foot baths and foot massages
Foot massages and foot baths help the muscles in your feet relax. It is helpful in soothing dry skin and relieving bunions. Foot massages would help in improving circulations in your feet, and keep away the usual problems of foot pain and soreness.
- Monitor the sores
The heels of your feet are common places for bedsores because you tend to spend most of your time in a chair or bed, while resting your feet on a mattress or pillow. Doing this for a prolonged time leads to skin irritation and tissue breakdown. So, try to suspend your feet in the air from time to time by keeping a support underneath it.
Routinely following the suggestions mentioned above would help in keeping foot pain and other problems at bay, and ensure greater mobility. Consult a reliable and experienced foot specialist in Houston if there is any continued feeling of continuous pain and numbness in your feet.
