Foot Care Tips for Seniors
At NY Foot Health, we want patients to have healthy feet at every stage of life. As we age, foot problems are more likely to occur—after all, those feet have a considerable amount of mileage on them! However, that doesn’t mean that pain and difficulty walking are just “normal” and to be accepted. There are ways you can protect and improve the health of your feet as a senior patient.
Keep your feet clean and dry. Sounds basic, but this simple tip will help prevent many common foot problems such as athlete’s foot and other fungal infections. Of course, you should always wash socks each time you wear them, but you should also change your socks during the day if you notice they feel damp or sweaty.
Discard worn-out shoes. When the heels wear, the insoles are matted down, or your shoes show other obvious signs of wear, it’s time to replace them. Shoes that are past their prime can not only cause foot and heel pain, but they can also become a trip and fall hazard as well. Be sure to get professionally measured and buy well-made shoes and constructed of soft, flexible material.
Commit to self-exams. One of the best ways to head foot problems off before they fully develop is by looking your feet over daily. Ask a family member or caretaker to do this for you if you cannot see your entire foot. Signs to be on the lookout include cuts or wounds that don’t seem to be healing, bruising, swelling, lumps or growths, rashes, changes in skin color, or toenail appearance.
Make healthy lifestyle choices. There are many ways to take better care of your feet that may not seem related to your feet. Eating a healthy diet and avoiding being overweight, for example, can significantly reduce foot pain. Not smoking and exercising regularly will improve circulation.
Schedule regular podiatric exams. A routine checkup with the podiatrist is best to monitor chronic foot and ankle problems and detect current issues at their earliest stages when easily treated. If you don’t currently have a podiatrist, use our online directory to find one in your community.
To learn more about proper foot care at any age, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.