Proper foot care is essential for the elderly as it helps prevent falls, injuries, and complications related to diabetes. Like the rest of the body, feet undergo changes with age, and common age-related health conditions can further impact their health. To keep aging feet healthy and strong, follow these expert foot care tips.
How do feet change with age?
Per UCLA Health, Americans will have trekked 75,000 miles by the time they reach age 50. Walking takes a toll on the feet in the form of wear and tear. The feet change, too, over time. By understanding these changes, seniors can lessen age-related health issues and discomfort.
For instance, aging feet change in size and shape. Seniors’ ligaments and tendons no longer spring back as readily, leading to a decrease in the arch. The flattening and lengthening of the toes and feet increase an older adult’s shoe size by at least a half-size.
The shape of feet may change due to the emergence of bunions—bony protrusions on the sides of the big toe. Bunions develop as the toe drifts out of position with age. Hammertoe, when the second toe pulls back compared to the others, may accompany bunions.
Aging feet also experience arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a common condition affecting the elderly after decades of wear and tear as well as stress or injury to the joints. Although osteoarthritis commonly affects the joints of the feet, not all seniors experience arthritic pain.
Seniors with diabetes may suffer from diabetic neuropathy. This condition causes a loss of sensation on the feet. As a result, wounds on this part of the body go unnoticed and can develop into infections. Other chronic conditions, like heart disease, can cause circulatory problems that affect the feet.
What are foot care tips for the elderly?
1. Examine the feet daily
Especially for elderly diabetic patients, examining the feet on a daily basis is important for maintaining good health. Use a long-handled mirror to check the soles of the feet and in between the toes for cuts, blisters, sores, and any areas broken down by moisture.
2. Choose the right shoes
Properly fitting shoes can prevent a host of issues, such as falls, blisters, and injuries and help seniors maintain good balance. Choose shoes that do not rub the heels while walking. Shoes that slide around or rub against the feet can cause blisters that can later become painful sores.
Older adults may need to purchase shoes that are slightly larger due to the change in the size of their feet. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or have high heels or pointy toes. Shoes that are slick along the soles are hazardous for the elderly to safely wear.
Consider orthotics, which are shoe inserts that support falling arches. Due to the extra support and padding for the feet, orthotics are more comfortable to wear. Obtain custom-made insoles, which range from $200 to $800 a pair, from the podiatrist’s office. Cheaper, non-custom orthotics are less sturdy.
3. Wear shoes indoors and outdoors
Going barefoot outdoors isn’t recommended for older adults. It’s vital to protect the aging feet, preferably both indoors and outdoors, by wearing closed-toe shoes. Seniors who wear shoes whenever possible prevent cuts and scrapes and reduce their risk of falling.
4. Prevent ingrown toenails
Trimming the toenails is key to preventing ingrowth. Use correct techniques, such as trimming the toenails straight across. Toenails should be trimmed no shorter than the tip of the toe. Visit a podiatrist, rather than a nail salon, for medical pedicures if trimming the toenails is difficult.
5. Promote healthy circulation
Increase blood circulation in the feet, as this part of the body can have poor circulation. When seated, prop the feet up on an ottoman or stool. When sitting for prolonged periods, wiggle the toes often. Stretch and massage the feet regularly. Smokers should quit, as smoking affects good circulation.
6. Keep feet dry yet moisturized
Thoroughly dry off the feet after showering and exercising; put on shoes once the feet are no longer damp but fully dry. Change into clean socks regularly. Moisturize the feet with creams or lotions after showering to prevent cracking, calluses, and itchiness.
7. Stretch the feet daily
Reduce joint stiffness by stretching the feet daily. Older adults who continue to feel pain or experience swelling in their feet due to arthritis can take over-the-counter medications for relief. Maintain a healthy weight to prevent added stress to the foot joints.
8. Treat foot pain
See a podiatrist for foot pain, even when minimal. Many seniors avoid seeking medical care until they are unable to endure the pain. A specialist can diagnose and treat the foot pain. The doctor can also spot bunions, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, and bone spurs before they become problematic.
Senior Home Care from Assisting Hands
If your aging loved one experiences issues with their feet, it’s important to not ignore the problem. Caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care are available to provide the support older adults need to manage the care of their feet as well as their overall physical, emotional, and social health.
Senior home care includes transportation to local destinations, such as the podiatrist’s office and pharmacy. Caregivers give timely medication reminders to ensure the elderly take their medicines on time and in the right doses. Light housekeeping, companionship, and fall risk assessments are included in our home care services.
Our caregivers offer respectful assistance with hygiene tasks, such as bathing, toileting, dressing, and grooming. We help your aging loved one trim their toenails to prevent ingrown toenails. Caregivers can also check the feet of aging care recipients, looking for cuts, scrapes, or other injuries.
Whether the senior in your life needs help with foot care or any other health concern, Assisting Hands Home Care provides the necessary non-medical support. Our licensed, bonded, and insured caregivers serve Las Vegas, Henderson, Paradise, Summerlin, NV and the surrounding areas. Call us at (725) 696-9942 to schedule a free in-home consult today to learn about quality elder care.
