It is no surprise that as old age approaches, elders have to deal with joint and muscle pain in the legs. On average, a person would have walked the world 4 times by the age of 70! Over decades of use and strain, our feet tend to get tired and the joints get worn out. It is important to take proper care of your feet and check for irregularities to avoid any complications. They are more prone to other infections too.
Heel pain, bunions, foot arches are some of the many foot ailments affecting seniors above the age of 65. There are about 300+ foot ailments that can affect elders. How do we lower these risks? The only way is to properly care for your feet by wearing comfortable footwear and investing in the right foot care. Healthy feet also mean improved mobility and complete independence to perform everyday activities.
Why is foot care important for the elderly?
- Boosts blood circulation.
- Helps them become independent by making them move better.
- Prevents the risk of falling.
- Healthy foot also represents an overall healthy body.
What are some of the common foot problems in seniors?
- Fallen arches
- Heel pain
- Ingrown toenails
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Calluses and corns
There are many ways to check and take care of your foot. There are also many reasons why some seniors are not able to take care of their own feet. For some, it may be hard to bend and reach their own feet, weak vision, dizziness when they bend or even arthritis.
Let’s talk about some ways to look after your feet and we also give you foot care tips for seniors.
Hygiene:
Hygiene is the most important factor to consider for foot health. Wash your feet frequently with warm water and mild soap. Do not use extremely hot water as it can cause dryness of the skin. Once done, wipe your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, and do not forget to moisturize. If you are diabetic, avoid walking barefoot and wear clean, dry socks. The odds of getting a fungal infection rises with age so make sure you keep your feet dry all the time.
Examination:
Examine for any irregularities at least once a week. If bending is a problem, use a small mirror to look. Did you know? Foot pain affects 1 in 4 elders. Some out of the blue pains can be an early sign of arthritis or diabetes and hence it is important to take care.
Do’s:
- Keep your foot clean.
- Take note of any cuts or burns and go to the doctor if it takes too long to heal.
- Treat cracks, itches and scars with moisturiser.
- Keep a check on your weight to avoid foot pain.
- Stretch your feet and exercise regularly.
- Elevate your foot on a stool to regulate circulation while sitting down.
- Cut your toenails regularly and maintain them well.
Don’ts:
- Do not wear socks that are too tight.
- Do not sit cross-legged for a long time as it may cut off circulation.
- Do not wear shoes with no proper soles as it may lead to skidding.
- Do not keep your feet in hot water for too long.
- Do not ignore wounds, cracks and scars on your feet.
Hope these foot care tips for seniors help you. For seniors who need assisted care, all of this is taken care by our excellent staff at The Chennai Homes. We have all the facilities for senior care and more. Are you looking for a place to retire, a community that feels like home? We are your home away from home. Feel free to call us at +91 99419 95555 to know more about The Chennai Homes. Happy retirement and healthy living to you!
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