Caring for aging feet
By Mary Anna Rodabaugh
From your head to your toes, there are numerous medical issues older adults are encouraged to prevent or monitor. As you age, you must keep an eye on your health from head to toe. This includes your eyes, skin, bones, heart and feet.
According to the American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation, at least 87% of people have painful feet at some time in their lives. One-third of older adults have foot pain, stiffness or aching feet.
“Just because your feet are out of sight while in shoes all day, any pain or other discomfort that does not improve, should not remain out of mind,” says Desmond Bell, a nationally recognized podiatrist and board-certified wound specialist. “Seek the expertise of a podiatrist if something doesn’t feel right with your feet, especially if you have other conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis.”
Common foot ailments impacting older adults include, but are not limited to:
- Dry, cracked skin, which can lead to sores or infections.
- Fractures and sprains.
- Swelling of the feet and legs, called edema.
- Disease-related problems, such as nerve damage or poor circulation due to arthritis, diabetes, and other conditions.
Health conditions may cause corns, calluses, bunions, dry skin or brittle nails.
“Serious medical conditions, such as neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease, have symptoms that often present in the feet,” says Dr. Bell, founder of The Save a Leg, Save a Life Foundation. “Symptoms of burning, numbness, tingling, or changes in color and temperature (of the foot), should not be ignored.”
Take care of your feet
There is more you can do besides simply monitoring your foot health. Preventive steps can help you avoid foot problems.
Don’t wait until your feet hurt to obtain treatment. If you notice anything unusual about your feet, contact a podiatrist.
Wash your feet daily. Moisturize dry foot skin, including heels and toes. If you are prone to excessive sweating, you can apply talcum powder to your feet. (This can also help prevent athlete’s foot.) Also, dry your feet thoroughly after bathing or showering.
After consulting with a physician, daily exercise can keep your feet healthy and strong.
If you experience circulation issues, consider propping your feet up while sitting or laying down. Refrain from smoking as well.
Clip your toenails regularly to avoid ingrown toenails, nail damage and infections.
Stay on top of your medications and treatment for any chronic health condition, such as diabetes or arthritis. Failure to do so may cause not only overall health issues, but also can negatively impact your feet.
Foot issues can be caused by improper footwear. Consider getting a shoe assessment at a local shoe store or by a podiatrist. Custom orthotics may be necessary to relieve foot pain and prevent further damage.
As we age, the ligaments and tendons of our feet lose elasticity. This causes arches to collapse and feet to seem wider. Additionally, weight gain may cause your feet to spread out. Finding the proper footwear is paramount, since your foot size and width may change as you get older.
According to the Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center, “It may also be helpful to look into footwear that provides your feet with extra support to avoid fallen arches and ingrown toenails, as well as to help you keep your balance while going about your daily activities.”
Your feet provide balance and movement. They are the foundation of the body. Keeping foot health top of mind can prevent severe foot conditions and decreased mobility in the future. Find a podiatrist to help you maintain or improve your foot health. Your primary care physician can refer you to a local podiatrist.
Foot health resources
- www.HealthInAging.org (Click “Aging & Health A-Z” and scroll to “Foot Problems”)
- www.MyProFootCare.com/geriatric-foot-care | Lehigh office: 215-423-9708 | Nazareth Hospital office: 215-335-1914
- www.PhillyCityFootdoc.com/ageing-feet | 215-471-0433
Mary Anna Rodabaugh is a writer, editor and writing coach.
