Foot Care in Older people

In older people especially, foot problems are common for a variety of reasons. Our feet tend to lose cushioning as they age, and the nails and skin tend to grow dry and brittle. Also, many seniors tend to have poor circulation – this slows the healing of foot sores. Finding comfortable shoes is the best thing that we can do for our feet. Ill-fitting shoes put unnecessary pressure on our feet. They also cause corns and calluses as well as bunions.

Athlete’s Foot

For the older people, there are a few hazards which can be prevented and treated; one of those would be athlete’s foot. One does not necessarily need to be an athlete in order to develop fungal infection. Fungus thrives in dark and warm moist areas – making our feet inviting targets. This can be prevented by keeping feet dry and clean, and when possible, wearing open-toe sandals.

Dry Skin

This can be relieved by applying moisturizers – this can be with petroleum jelly or lanolin. Dry skin is irritating because it has a burning and itching feeling.

Heel Spurs

Putting too much pressure on the feet results to heel spurs – it can be from being overweight, wearing shoes that don’t provide proper support, or standing too long. An older person can wear heel cups, heel pads, and other forms of support.

Corns and Calluses

As mentioned earlier, the proper footwear prevents painful sores from developing. When corns or calluses develop, you can use a pumice stone to pare them down. You can also protect them from being irritated by using pads.

Ingrown Toenails

This occurs when a nail grows inwards, piercing the skin. Instead of pulling the nail off, it’s better to trim it carefully straight across. When your ingrown toenail appears red and infected, it’s important to see a podiatrist immediately – especially if you have diabetes.

Hammertoes

Hammertoes are particularly bothersome.. This develops when a toe doesn’t have enough space to move – the knuckle swells and draws the toe back. For the simplest remedy, wear socks and shoes that give ample space for your toes to move.

For lingering pain or worsening foot problems, it is best to set an appointment with a podiatrist at the soonest possible time.  Sheldon H. Nadal, D.P.M. can surely help you choose the right treatment for all your foot problems.