Your Feet are Getting Older: Foot Issues Matter
Elderly individuals are at a high risk for many ailments, including those that affect the feet. Some of them are simple to treat, and others may be more serious. This is why it is crucial that anyone over the age of 60 knows how to care for their feet.
How Feet Change as We Age
The reason feet cause us more trouble when we are elderly is because of the changes our bodies go through as we age. Issues that affect the feet include:
- Decreased circulation to the lower portions of the body
- Diminished sensation
- Ease of contracting infections
- Skin breakdown
- Less agile and unable to easily wash or examine feet
- Arthritis development
- Muscle weakness
Common Geriatric Foot Issues
- Dry and cracking feet that lead to small cuts and other injuries
- Resistant athlete’s foot
- Bunions, calluses and corns
- Hammertoes
- Toenail problems
- Heel pain
- Diabetic nerve pain and gangrene
- Deformities
Prevention is Key
All of these prospects may sound scary, but the good news is there are things you can do to take care of your feet so they are healthy for several more years to come. Preventing issues such as dryness and infection are the most important parts of caring for your feet when you are over 60. Simply washing well with soap and water every other day can prevent such problems, and there are products such as moisturizing soap or tea tree soap that can add to the health benefits of cleansing the area. Also helpful is non-greasy lotions with extra moisturizing power used daily.
Contact Us Today
Do you have issues or questions about your foot health? Schedule an appointment at Advanced Foot & Ankle today or call us at (214) 366-4600.
