4 Exceptional Foot Care Guidelines for Seniors
One of the best ways seniors can stay independent and mobile for longer and avoid issues like foot pain is to take great care of their feet. Like other body parts, age usually affects the feet by making them wider. The natural padding in the feet gets worn out, leaving the joints and bones exposed to rapid wear and tear whenever one stands or walks. Even a small blister can lead to imbalance and immobility and that's the reason why ageing feet require constant care. This piece will share crucial foot care tips seniors, or those who live with seniors should consider.
Get appropriate shoes
Most people don't know that the health of a senior's feet is primarily determined by footwear. Wearing the right footwear minimises the risk of getting blisters and other injuries, keeps balance, and prevents falls. So if you are buying footwear, the shoes shouldn't be too big or too small because either way, the feet will not be comfortable. Shoes with pointy toes, high heels, and a slippery bottom must be avoided. Seniors with health conditions like diabetes should also get special devices to increase comfort.
Keep the toenails short
Another important foot care tip every senior should keep in mind is to trim nails. Long foot nails make it difficult for them to walk comfortably and might sometimes cause pain. Therefore, be sure to cut the nails often. If this can't be done at home, you can always consider seeking the service from a nail care centre that specialises in the elderly or visit your podiatrist. These experts can also offer extra foot care services like a massage after trimming the nails.
Improve blood circulation
Did you know that blood circulation to the feet decreases with age? Every older adult needs to do some activities that will promote blood circulation. This includes getting a foot massage regularly, stretching each day (consider doing simple exercises like walking), and placing the feet on the stool while sitting. Habits like smoking should be avoided since they affect blood circulation.
Get regular foot checks
It's advisable to visit your podiatrist regularly to get the feet checked. The feet tend to show signs of conditions like diabetic neuropathy and arthritis first. The foot expert will notice these signs early enough and offer the right treatment in time, preventing serious complications. Do not wait until your senior starts experiencing numbness, foot pain, stiffness, tingling or inflammation on the ankles or feet to take them to the podiatrist.
Look for a podiatrist near you for more information.