As we get older, it typically takes more effort to maintain ideal health, and the same can be said for specific areas of our bodies, like our feet. If you are getting older and want to keep your feet fit, or you’re caring for an older loved one with foot issues, you’ll need to take a proactive role in helping those feet stay healthy. We share five ways to do just that in today’s blog.
Tips For Caring For Elderly Feet
Everyone is different, but if you keep these five tips in mind, we’re confident you’ll be helping to create an ideal environment for the elderly feet in your life.
1. Footwear Check – If you’re caring for an older adult or grandparent, they may not pay all that much attention to the shoes they wear, especially if getting a new pair has become difficult now that they are older. Check their shoes to ensure they fit properly, and replace any shoes that are worn or simply don’t provide the right type of support for your loved one. If the shoes are decent but are lacking in support, consider adding over-the-counter or custom orthotics to the insole.
2. Regular Foot Checks/Hygiene – Make it a point to regularly check your feet or the elderly feet in your life. The warning signs of infections and cancers may be visibly present, but you won’t know unless you’re looking for signs of an issue. If your loved one has a hard time trimming their nails, washing their feet or maintaining good foot hygiene, help with the process or find someone who can. Some people may find it hard to ask others to do something like trim their toenails or remove their socks, so ask how you can help if you have reason to believe their foot hygiene could be improved.
3. Encourage Movement – We understand that falls are the leading cause of hospitalization among the elderly, but staying active will help to improve their foot strength and balance. If they are safe to move on their own, encourage movement and exercise, as this will help their feet and their whole body remain healthy while also reducing their risk of developing balance issues that could lead to a fall.
4. Ask Questions – Ask your loved one about their health and hone in on different areas of their body, like their ankles and feet. Are they dealing with swelling, pain or discomfort during certain foot actions? As we’ve said time and time again, treatment is oftentimes very successful at relieving issues, but you need to take the first step and seek out care from a professional. They may be more likely to talk about any new health issues with a loved one or friend than with a doctor, so consider asking about their foot health every so often.
5. Treat Small Issues – Finally, make it a point to connect with a medical professional if you or a loved one is dealing with a new or existing foot issue. Treating problems in their infancy oftentimes yields much better results, so if you’re noticing a small bunion forming or believe you may have a fungal infection, don’t just hope the problem will go away on its own. Treating problems before they snowball can help you maintain ideal foot health, so act when an issue arises.
For more ways to keep your elderly feet healthy, or for assistance with another foot or ankle issue, reach out to Dr. Silverman and the team at Silverman Ankle & Foot today at (952) 224-8500.
