Care For Aging Feet

Introduction:

The human foot is a marvel of physiological design, with 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 120 muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves that work in unison to support the weight of the body, absorb shock, keep people balanced, and propel them forward when they walk or run. Because of typical daily wear and tear, humans inevitably get more foot problems as they age. From the moment they took their first steps until every morning jog or walk, their feet have served well throughout their lives. The best method to maintain human health well into the elderly years is to take good care of oneself. However, individuals typically only give their feet much thought once something happens poorly. Many elderly patients frequently wait until their foot pain or discomfort becomes intolerable. In such a situation, visit the podiatrist immediately.

What Changes May One Detect in Feet as They Age?

While some foot issues are inevitable as individuals age, pain and unpleasant feet are not something they should "put up with." Making an appointment with a podiatrist can help with mobility, comfort, and pain relief. With the passing of age, the feet experience the following few changes:

• The absence of elastin and collagen naturally cushions the ball of the foot and the heel.

• Collapse of the arch.

• Stiffening of the joints in the foot and ankle.

• Expansion and lengthening of the foot.

• Loss of firmness in the arch and skin elasticity.

• Decrease in the flow of blood through the feet.

What Are the Common Foot Conditions Linked to Aging Feet?

Here are some prevalent foot conditions affecting the feet of the elderly:

• Bunions: Painful bony development often appears at the big toe's base. A bunion may eventually cause the big toe to push over the neighboring toe.

• Calluses and Corns - Thick deposits of dead skin on the toes.

• Hammertoes: When a toe's joints curl up and become rigid, it can occasionally lead to a chronically dislocated joint.

• Age-Related Toenail Disorders - These include ingrown, thicker, and discolored toenails. Fungal infections under the nails are thought to affect one-third of the elderly population.

• Heel pain- It is typically related to plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, which are bony outgrowths.

• Morton's Neuroma: It is a disorder where a swollen nerve generates discomfort, burning, and a feeling of tingling or numbness on the bottom of the foot or the spaces between toes. It affects women more often than males.

See a podiatrist to have a closer look at any of these foot ailments one may be experiencing, especially if they are painful.

How Should Old Feet Be Taken Care Of?

Use some of these crucial senior foot care tips to maintain the health of aging feet and lower the risk of health problems indirectly caused by foot problems.

• Take Care of the Feet: The feet's muscle tissue may weaken with age, and the nerves may become less functional. This may result in neuropathy or an absence of sensation in the feet. Use a long-handled mirror to increase the reach by a couple of inches to see something you might not feel. Check for cuts, blisters, sores, or other areas where moisture has caused skin breakdown on the soles of the feet and between the toes each day. In particular, if individuals have diabetes, this is crucial.

• Select Appropriate Footwear: Individuals can maintain equilibrium, avoid falls, and lessen their chance of blisters and other injuries by wearing the proper footwear. Never buy footwear that slides or rubs on the heel while they walk; this is a frequent way for blisters to form, which can later worsen into sores. Also, avoid shoes with sharp toes, high heels, slick soles, or excessive tightness. See the doctor about prescription orthotics (inserts or devices used in shoes) if individuals have neuropathy or diabetes.

• Hydrate Those Feet: Moisturizing is crucial to preventing open foot sores because dry skin is more susceptible to cracking, peeling, and breaking, especially in older persons with drier skin. After carefully cleaning and drying feet, foot creams should be applied. This keeps skin hydrated and maintains its suppleness. After that, put on breathable cotton socks to keep the feet warm and comfortable.

• Clip Nails: Maintaining clipped toenails is a crucial aspect of foot hygiene. If they become overgrown, it may hurt or make it difficult to walk steadily. Older adults have two options: locate neighborhood nail salons specializing in caring for elderly feet or do their nail trimming themselves. Moreover, podiatrists may provide these kinds of foot care treatments. Seniors with medical issues like diabetes that impact their feet may require professional treatment. If a senior citizen has dementia and cutting their toenails makes them feel anxious, fearful, or uncomfortable, consider creating a more relaxing environment for them. One could try wetting and soothing their feet to divert their attention before clipping or playing their preferred TV show or movie.

• Encourage the Flow of Blood: Reduced circulation in the lower legs and feet is common in older persons with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or problems that impair movement. That may exacerbate risky conditions like blood clots. Elderly feet can benefit from foot massages, having their lower legs elevated when at rest, and discussing the possibility of receiving a prescription for compression hose with their physician.

• Deal With Pain: Feet are generally the first portions of the body to display symptoms associated with illnesses, including arthritis and diabetic neuropathy. Additionally, conditions like plantar fasciitis may have an impact on them. Get the elderly loved one seen as quickly as possible by a physician or podiatrist for a comprehensive examination if they have pain, tingling, numbness, rigidity, or inflammation in their ankles or feet.

• Combat Fungus-Related Illnesses: Wearing correctly fitting shoes, changing the stockings or socks every day (or anytime they become wet), and using foot powder daily can help prevent athlete's foot. See a podiatrist for treatment if one feels burning or itching.

Conclusion:

Elderly people need to take proper care of their feet because it can help avoid falls, accidents, and problems from long-term conditions like diabetes. Aging affects the feet in the same way that it affects every other part of the human body. Speak with a podiatrist if there is anything to worry about the ankles and feet. One can remain pain-free and active with the help of doctors.