Foot Care Tips for Elderly People

Introduction

Foot care is necessary for all ages, but taking serious care to make the foot healthy is essential to bring pain-free mobility to seniors. Physical activities will be hard with foot problems. The feet can cause painful problems leading to the generation of fear of carrying out movements in old age. It can further increase the chances of falling and slipping too.

What Are the Most Common Foot Problems in Older Adults?

Years of standing can change the feet drastically. Bearing full body weight for decades can reduce the cushioning effect. Over the years, these changes will lead to pain and other foot disorders. Some of the main foot problems are:

• Bunions: A bunion is a misaligned bone or a bony growth at the base of the big toe, eventually leading to abnormal bending of the big toe towards the small toes.

• Corns and Calluses: They are dead and thickened skin on the toes.

• Hammertoes: Hammertoe is the abnormal upward or downward bending of the middle joint of the toes.

• Toenail Problems: Ingrowth, abnormal thickening, and discoloration can be seen in the toenails.

• Foot Problem Related to Underlying Issues: Diabetes (a metabolic condition that causes an increased blood sugar level) can cause foot ulcerations that are painful and difficult to heal. Diabetes can also cause decreased blood circulation to the foot and loss of sensation. Arthritis (inflammation of the joints) can also cause foot problems.

• Foot Pain: The heel can become painful, and the pain may get radiated upwards. Flat feet or abnormally high arches can cause foot pain.

What Causes Foot Problems in Adults?

The causes of foot problems are mentioned below:

• Genetics: Foot problems like bunions or ingrown toenails can be genetically inherited.

• Friction: Many years of using ill-fitting footwear can cause friction and lead to corns, calluses, and bunions forming.

• Tension: Abnormal tension on the muscles around the joints makes the joints rigid and causes hammertoes.

• Nail Care: Trimming nails in an arch shape instead of straight across can cause ingrowth of toenails.

• Injury: Injury to the foot can cause foot and toenail problems.

• Infection: Fungal infections can cause toenail ingrowth and thickening.

• Diabetes: Diabetes causes a decreased foot sensation, making it hard to notice foot injuries. Due to the interruption of blood flow in diabetic patients, healing the injuries will be hard and takes time. The wounds will get easily infected due to the same reason.

• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis (joint inflammation) and gout (joint pain due to increased uric acid levels) can cause foot problems.

A person may also get foot problems in the following cases:

• Frequent use of poorly fitting, high, or point-heeled footwear.

• Diabetes and arthritis.

• Overweight or obese.

• Walk regularly on a hard surface.

• Usually walks barefoot.

• Flat feet.

• High-arched feet.

What Are the Ways to Take Care of Foot in the Old Age?

The following methods can be referred to maintain one’s foot:

• Being Gentle to the Sole: Sole is the undersurface of the foot. With age, the muscles in this area get weak and thin out, and the nerves may perform inefficiently. This leads to the loss of sensation in the feet, a condition called neuropathy. Losing the feeling makes it hard to notice the changes or lesions on the feet. A long-handled mirror can examine the foot area for cuts, blisters, or other problems. People with diabetes should take extra care as it can lead to more complications.

• Choosing the Appropriate Footwear: Choosing the right footwear can reduce pain, blisters, and sores due to ill-fit. It can improve balance and can prevent falls. In the case of neuropathy or diabetes, prescription orthotics (medical devices placed inside the shoes to correct the foot issues) may be helpful.

• Stretching the Foot: Supporting the feet with the help of a couch or stool while sitting can help to reduce the tiredness caused by the feet. Giving regular foot massages and stretching the foot can reduce the tension. Wiggling the toes after sitting for too long can also be helpful.

• Wearing Footwear Is Vital: Footwear is the protector. It is important to use footwear outdoors to prevent cuts and other injuries. Closed shoes are preferred to open and fancy ones. Pointed and high heels can be dangerous to the muscles and the bones. Using footwear indoors can also be practiced.

• Taking Care of the Toenails: Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short can prevent ingrown toenails. If the person has health issues, it is preferred to visit a podiatrist (a physician specializing in foot care). Getting a timely and hygienic pedicure is also important.

• Promoting Blood Flow: Blood flow is essential to keep the foot healthy. Stretching and foot massaging may improve blood circulation.

• Taking Care of the Skin: It is important to change the socks regularly and to check if the feet are sweaty. Keeping the feet dry from sweat is essential to prevent infections and foot skin diseases. At the same time, too much drying can cause cracks and calluses, which can be prevented by applying moisturizers. There should be a balance between dryness and moisture to maintain foot health.

• Hygiene Is the Key: Wearing footwear that fits properly and regularly changing socks and stockings can prevent fungal infections like an athlete’s foot (a fungal infection that begins between the toes). In case itching or burning sensation develops in the foot, it is necessary to seek medical help.

• Medical Foot Checks: Medical foot checkups help prevent foot problems from getting worse and more serious.

• Medications: Some foot problems may get extremely painful, which can be relieved by taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicines like Ibuprofen. Antibiotics may be prescribed in case of infections.

• Surgery: Seeking medical help is important if foot problems affect a person’s life. Surgery may be performed in case of severe bunions, where the bunion may be gently shaved away. Ingrown toenails, in extreme cases, may require minor surgical procedures.

Conclusion

If not taken care of, foot problems can affect the independence of an old individual. Foot care, if considered a part of a daily routine, may get gradually easier to incorporate into daily life. Taking measures to reduce overweight, maintain foot hygiene, and manage underlying health conditions like diabetes and arthritis is also important.