Significance of Foot Care for Seniors

Foot Care

Our feet are actually a good indicator of what is going on with our entire body. A variety of health problems can give rise to foot related issues. Diabetes, poor circulation and arthritis are among the most common culprits.

If you have a pre-existing health condition and it is left untreated it can lead to serious problems. Keeping an eye on your foot health can prevent complications. Having a foot inspection done by your podiatrist can help to catch any problems early. Depending on the severity of the issue, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist. Below are some common problems to be on the lookout for:

Fungal and Bacterial Infections

People suffering from diabetes can be more prone to infections because of high blood sugar and blood vessel damage. In order to avoid it, make sure to keep your socks dry and wash your feet with an antibacterial soap. If it continues for more than 1 week, it is time to visit a doctor. If left untreated, infections can become even more difficult to treat.

Calluses and Corns

Corns and calluses are caused by thickening skin which is caused by friction. You can get better fitting shoes but this may not be the source of the issue. Although you may be tempted to treat yourself with over the counter medications, it is always best to talk to a doctor.

Bunions

Bunions are mainly caused by the misalignment of the toe joints which causes extreme discomfort. Many times medical treatment is not needed but if you are having trouble finding properly fitting shoes then scheduling a consultation with a doctor could be quite helpful.

Dry Skin

This can cause a lot of discomfort however it is not always sign of an underlying condition. In order to get rid of dry skin, try soaking your feet in warm soapy water and scrub your feet properly. After, apply a lotion that suits your skin.

Hammertoes

This can pose a lot of problems for seniors since they can easily throw off your balance. You can reduce your risk by wearing properly fitting shoes. If you are already suffering from hammertoes then it would be good to talk to your doctor.

Heel Spurs

A heel spur is a calcium deposit on the heel that can cause immense pain in the foot. Some common treatments you can consider are, anti-inflammatory medicine, exercise and cortisone injections. If the problem persists, you should talk with your physician.

In order to lower the risk of foot problems, make sure to keep good circulation. You can do this by avoiding long periods of sitting, taking a warm foot bath, treating yourself to a foot massage, avoid uncomfortable shoes, going for walks and stretching on a regular basis. Good foot health will help you to be able to live a more independent life.

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