Foot Care Tips for the Seniors


Human feet become more vulnerable to problems with aging due to reduced elasticity and thinning out of the skin. These problems can be painful, but it is possible to mitigate their effect by following a few tips.

Arthritis is one of the most common problems that appear with aging. It is painful and difficult to adjust to but it can be managed with the right mindset, and attitude. Arthritis usually appears at the ankle or big toe joints. It can impair balance and impair normal walking. Seniors must consult the doctors and discuss treatment options if they experience any symptoms of arthritis. Unfortunately, Arthritis cannot be cured, but here are ways to manage its symptoms and retain the ease of walking. 

A major problem that comes with ageing is thinning of skin. With ageing, the skin of our feet wears off and the fatty layer under the skin become weak. These changes can be taxing because they make the skin increasingly dry, which may lead to rashes. The seniors should regularly apply foot cream to their feet to keep the skin hydrated and to prevent the development of rashes. If the seniors have any allergies or skin conditions, they should consult their doctors before applying a particular lotion or foot cream. Existing skin conditions and allergies can make things considerably worse and further make the skin dry. Therefore, selection of appropriate lotion is extremely important. 

When the fat layer under the skin starts reducing, the heels have less cushion and hence becomes more susceptible to cracking. The best way to deal with calluses and cracks on the feels is to keep the weight under control and to minimize the excessive stress on the feet. Toenails should also be consistently observed with ageing. The toenails tend to become more brittle with age. They become harder to cut, making them more prone to toe injuries. The overgrown toenails can also become infected and if one is diabetic the infection can lead to a serious disease. Toenails should be kept trimmed to prevent injuries and mobility issues. However, as the toenails become thicker, the seniors experience greater trouble trimming them. Long toenails also make it much more difficult for seniors to walk or put on their shoes. It might not seem like a huge issue, but it can seriously affect the mobility of the seniors. Assistance must be provided to seniors to help them with such tasks. Choosing the right footwear is also one of the most overlooked albeit important decision. Seniors should look for shoes that offer the best support for the arches of their feet and provide cushioning on the heels. Seniors should pick up shoes that are easy to put on and also provide enough security to the feet.

Velcro shoes usually offer good support to seniors because they can be put on easily and do not require to be tied. They also offer greater security than slip on shoes. The senior should also keep monitoring the condition of the shoes because worn out shoes may feel more comfortable but have reduced support and functionality. The use of insoles is a good idea because it can facilitate the purchase of the right shoes without the need to visit too many stores and spend money on different sort of shoes

 

Proper foot care can facilitate walking and therefore must never be neglected. Family caregivers should help the elders in trimming their feet and maintaining their foot care by applying lotion to their feet. Wearing shoes is a norm doe outdoors, but many of us overlook its importance in the indoors. For seniors, this might be the difference between keeping the feet healthy and sustaining cuts and scrapes. The seniors should be encouraged to wear slippers to ensure comfort and protection.

More serious concerns and problem should always result in proper visit to the doctor. Foot related can easily deteriorate, if left untreated. One must never ignore niggles or discomfort in the feet. A bit of extra care can ensure healthier life for the seniors. The feet reflect a person’s overall health. Warning signs such as burning and tingling sensations on the feet, numbness, discoloration, and irritation must not be ignored. Regular checkups with podiatrists are recommended if the elderly cannot look after their feet.