As we age, the skin on our feet can become thinner, making us more susceptible to calluses, cracks, dryness, and loss of elasticity. This, combined with all the other factors associated with growing older, makes geriatric foot care even more important. To assist with the caregiving responsibility, the podiatrists at Physicians Footcare have compiled a list of proactive geriatric foot care strategies to help reduce foot pain, prevent injuries, and promote overall well-being.
Practice Good Foot Hygiene
Maintaining an effective hygiene routine is crucial for geriatric foot care. To promote overall foot health, it's important to wash the feet and toes with warm, soapy water on a daily basis. When washing the feet, be mindful of the water temperature to ensure it's not too hot, as this can dry out the skin and potentially cause cuts and flakiness.
After washing, make sure to thoroughly dry the feet with a clean towel. It's important to pay special attention to drying between the toes, as trapped moisture in this area can lead to infections.
Once feet are dry, apply a gentle foot moisturizer to help maintain skin elasticity and prevent the formation of corns and callouses. During this step, it is also recommended that you massage the feet. This will help to promote circulation and overall foot health.
Carefully Trim Toenails
Once you have thoroughly washed and dried your feet, it's time to trim and file your toenails. The nails and surrounding skin will be soft at this point, which will make the trimming process less painful.
Begin by trimming the nails straight across, avoid cutting them too short or at an angle, as this can cause foot pain and ingrown toenails. Once the nails are trimmed, use a nail file or emery board to clean up the edges and ensure there are no hangnails.
Careful, precise trimming can help prevent foot pain caused by ingrown toenails and toenail infections.
Examine the Feet
As we age, the skin on our feet tends to weaken and become thinner, which increases the risk of cuts, cracks, dryness, corns, and fungal infections. To effectively care for the feet of elder individuals, it's important to be proactive. This is why podiatrists recommend adding regular foot examinations to your geriatric foot care routine.
During these examinations, it's essential to check the bottom and tops of the feet, the toes, and the areas in between the toes to ensure that there are no injuries or signs of infection. If the individual prefers to examine their feet on their own, podiatrists suggest using a handheld or standing mirror to improve visibility, especially if they have limited mobility. Regular examinations and attentive foot care can help prevent and address potential foot issues in older individuals.
Wear Supportive Footwear
Supportive and well-fitting footwear can improve overall foot health and mobility in older individuals. They can prevent falls, improve balance, and reduce the risk of injuries. Additionally, it can help reduce foot pain at the end of a long day.
When shopping for supportive footwear, avoid shoes that slide or rub around the heel when walking, as they can cause blisters and sores on the feet. Also, ensure that the shoes are not too tight, as overly tight shoes can cause blisters, callouses, and corns, leading to general discomfort and skin problems.
Podiatrists also recommend wearing thick and shock-absorbing socks. These will help to reduce foot pain and add an extra layer of comfort. Remember to change socks throughout the day as too much moisture can lead to foot infections.
Schedule Regular Appointments With Your Podiatrist
If your elderly loved one is experiencing foot pain and discomfort on a daily basis, and these geriatric foot care strategies have not provided any relief, it is time to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. If there is pain, tingling, numbness, or inflammation in the feet or ankles, it is important to see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Any foot pain or discomfort should be addressed immediately, as it could indicate conditions such as arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, or injuries like plantar fasciitis. Being proactive in these situations will help prevent complications in the future.
Physicians Footcare's expert team of podiatrists specializes in geriatric foot care and the complications associated with aging feet. If you have any questions, or concerns, or require treatment options, please schedule an appointment with our team. We have offices located throughout Georgia and South Carolina and are here to help you safely get back on your feet.
