Foot Care for Older Adults

Foot Care

Our feet consist of skin, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels. It is one of the most important organs of our body. A pair of healthy feet enables us to balance our body effectively in walking, running, dancing and in many other daily activities. 

Our feet are vulnerable to repetitive mechanical stress and skin irritations due to tremendous daily usage.

Common Foot Problems

Common foot problems in elderly people include dry skin, calluses, corns, friction blisters, ingrown toenail, foot deformity, fungal infection and warts. These problems are usually caused by inappropriate or inadequate foot care, mechanical cause, infection, as well as underlying problems e.g. diabetic vascular disease, congenital foot deformity, etc.

We can promote foot health and prevent foot problem through proper daily care.

Daily Care

1. Clean both feet thoroughly with warm water
2. Dry both feet especially the space between the toes
3. Apply body lotion onto feet and massage lightly to prevent dryness
4. Avoid applying body cream or lotion in-between toes
5. Trim toenails straightly across. Do not cut too close to the nailbed
6. Sharp corner or edges should be smoothened out by using a nail file
7. Immobile elderly should perform daily foot exercise to ensure good blood circulation
8. Put on footwear when walking to avoid slipping or foot injury
9. Do not apply treatment or drugs onto foot without appropriate advice

Daily Inspection

1. Inspect the feet on skin color, dryness, swelling or tenderness
2. Look out for blister, crack, sores, ulcers, corns and any ingrown toenail ( Nails growing into skin)
3. Any unusual sensation: tingling, paraesthesia or pain
4. If there is joint pain or deformity, seek proper treatment

Selection of Shoes and Socks

Socks

• Use cotton which can absorb sweat
• Wash socks frequently to ensure hygiene

Shoes

• Choose the proper size and shape ( able to put one finger at heel side)
• he front should be roomy enough for the toes to lie flat and wiggle, but it should not be too wide, otherwise the friction will cause calluses
• he material should be soft, breathable and flexible
• he heel part should be strong and rigid enough to provide support for the ankle to avoid sprains
• he height of the heel should be around 0.5-1 inch
• se in-soles and cushions to more evenly distribute the body weight

Source:elderly.gov.hk

RIVERA FOOT & ANKLE: At Orlando H.Rivera DPM, our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. When you have problems with your feet, you need to turn to a podiatrist who listens and responds… an experienced doctor who knows the field and can effectively diagnose and treat your needs… a friendly physician who counsels you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health. Our physician(s) meet all these criteria. Plus, you benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.

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