Geriatric Foot Care
Overview
Elderly foot care is an important part of health for seniors. Most people are born with healthy feet but three out of four seniors develop foot problems as they age. Healthy feet contribute to safety and health in the following ways:
Healthy feet allow you to stay active - You lose strength when your feet are too sore to walk, leading to increased risk of falls. Walking is the perfect exercise to keep your weight down, prevent blood clots and keep your muscles and bones strong.
Keep your balance - Feet that are healthy and pain free help you keep your balance. Good balance prevents falls, a major cause of injury and hospitalization in seniors.
Provide early warning signals - Keeping an eye on your feet can provide early warning signals for health concerns such as diabetes, arthritis, poor blood circulation and nerve damage.
For good foot health, it's also important to improve your general health by daily exercise, smoking cessation and eating healthily.
If an elderly person is unable to reach their toes or does not have feeling in their feet, it is usually recommended a healthcare professional - such as a foot care nurse or podiatrist - do their foot care if feasible.
Consult Your Doctor
Consult your doctor right away if you detect any of the following:
- Any part of your leg or foot turns blue or black
- Reduced sensation to pain or very hot / very cold temperatures
- An injury that doesn't heal or becomes infected
- Any unusual numbness, tingling, cold, cramping or pain in your feet
- Pain while walking that is relieved by rest