Many older adults get
frequent checkups, exercise regularly, and in general, try to take good
care of themselves. But one aspect of their health that they (and for
that matter, younger people) frequently neglect is good foot care. Foot
injury, neglect and disease are major factors contributing to mobility,
or lack thereof, in older adults. In one study, 71 percent of
respondents aged 65 or older reported foot pain and problems, yet only
39 percent of them had sought medical advice and only 26 percent of them
believe their foot problems were medical conditions.
Senior adults tend to experience more problems with their feet than
younger adults simply because they have used them for longer. Women are
four times more likely than men to have foot problems, probably because
of the preponderance of high heels. Other conditions, such as diabetes
and poor circulation can also affect foot health. The danger of
neglecting feet can mean reduced quality of life — problems with
coordination, balance and gait, all of which produce an increased risk
of falling, and can lead to diseases and infections. Like other parts of
the body, however, good care and maintenance can go far in promoting
health and ensuring that senior individuals remain mobile and
independent.
Healthy seniors should monitor foot health by regularly cleaning and
examining the feet for any changes or irregularities. Using mild soaps
followed with lotion helps keep the skin from drying out, cracking and
itching. Ensuring that feet remain dry helps to fight off fungal
infections, and keeping the feet warm can aid in circulation.
Keeping toenails properly trimmed helps prevent problems such as
in-grown nails and toe pain. Toenails should be cut straight across, not
curved, using clippers designed for toenails, and should be slightly
longer than the tips of the toes. Also regularly stretching the legs,
calves, and feet by walking, and wearing appropriate shoes, promote foot
health and prevent conditions such as plantar fasciitis, which can
cause debilitating heel pain.
Caring for feet can become difficult for seniors who may be less
flexible or have other impairments that prevent them from reaching,
cleaning and examining their feet. Caregivers may need to help in these
cases, especially in seniors with medical problems, such as diabetes
that can severely impact the feet, to ensure that feet and toenails are
properly maintained.
Family caregivers should ensure that feet are kept clean and dry and
monitor the toenails for deformities or misshapenness, trimming them as
necessary. They should also examine the feet for any fungal infections,
sores, cuts or cracking from dryness. These conditions can lead to
disease, infection and amputation in seniors with diabetes and other
medical conditions, so they need to be addressed promptly by medical
professionals. Caregivers can also aid with circulation by providing a
stool for senior individuals to elevate their feet, and by providing
ample opportunities for the older individual to sit and rest when out
walking.
Courtesy of The Las Cruces Sun-News
