Geriatric Foot Care

geriatric foot care

The feet support and carry your body weight throughout your entire lifetime. Because of this, it’s no wonder that they tend to experience wear and tear as we age. With that being said, it’s important we care for our feet on a daily basis; it’s especially important, however, that we care for our feet into old age, when they are more prone to developing certain conditions. Some common foot complications that tend to affect elderly patients include bunions, changes in the overall foot structure, arthritis, fungal or ingrown toenails, and general foot pain or soreness.

As we age, our feet tend to grow in size. If you’re not regularly changing your footwear to properly and comfortably fit the size of your feet, and in turn, are constricting your toes, it’s likely you may develop a bunion or hammertoe. These conditions can be incredibly uncomfortable and may cause a great deal of pain if not properly treated by a podiatrist. Caring for our feet can become more difficult as we age. In order to help avoid incorrectly cutting the toenails, it’s advised that you seek the care of a podiatrist who can trim your toes straight across, preventing the formation of an ingrown toenail. The older we get, the more our chances of having arthritis increases. Arthritis tends to be the cause of foot pain, as well as stiffness, and can even lead to the development of the foot conditions listed above. Patients have found relief from the discomfort caused by arthritis by wearing custom orthotics, as well as including light stretches in their daily routine.

For more information and tips on maintaining proper health for geriatric feet, we recommend you consult with a podiatrist for professional care and guidance.

Geriatric Foot Care (FAQs)

Why are elderly people more prone to foot problems?
As with any other part of the body, as we age, our feet undergo wear and tear. The muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and fat pads in the feet can begin to deteriorate, leading to an increased risk of developing various foot problems. Elderly people are also more likely to have systemic illnesses, such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, and arthritis, which can all affect the feet. Additionally, the risk of falling increases with age. A fall can injure the feet and impair mobility.
What foot problems should elderly people look out for?
Certain foot problems are more common among older adults. These include bunions, hammertoes, corns, calluses, cracked heels, toenail fungus, heel pain, diabetic foot wounds, nerve damage, arthritis, and poor circulation.
How do you take care of elderly feet?
The best way to care for elderly feet is to establish a daily foot care routine. This typically includes daily practices to maintain good foot hygiene, such as washing, thoroughly drying, and moisturizing the feet, and trimming the toenails appropriately. Regularly stretching the feet can help maintain their strength and flexibility. It is also important to wear comfortable, properly-fitted shoes.
How do you prevent foot problems in the elderly?
In addition to following a daily foot care routine, older adults should carefully monitor the appearance and health of their feet. This can be done through daily visual inspection of the feet. Look out for any cuts, scrapes, sores, wounds, blisters, or other changes in the feet, such as discoloration. Also take note of any new or strange sensations, including aches, pains, tingling, or numbness. If you notice any problems, seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible. Prompt and proper treatment is the key to preventing any complications and maintaining good foot health as you age.