Geriatric Foot Care: Managing Aging Feet and Preventing Complications
- posted: Jul. 25, 2024
A daily foot care routine is essential for seniors. Dr. Ryan Kemp, Dr. Kerry Anderson, and Dr. Boyd Andrews of Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates, with offices in Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID, note that the most vital components of good foot hygiene can help prevent typical issues that develop as one ages.
Geriatric Foot Care – Managing Aging Feet
The following are some of the common issues that affect aging feet:
- Arthritis: Arthritis has the potential to create pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints anywhere in the body. To manage symptoms, be consistent with recommended medication and physical therapy.
- Ingrown Toenails: The aging process causes toenails to thicken, which makes trimming (and preventing ingrown toenails) more challenging.
- Diabetic Foot Complications: Everyone with diabetes should be diligent about foot care. Careful monitoring allows for properly managing reduced blood circulation and peripheral neuropathy, which can cause foot ulcers and infections.
- Corns/Calluses: Friction/pressure can cause calluses and corns to develop, with symptoms that can be managed by one of the podiatrists in Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID.
- Bunions/Hammertoes: These structural issues tend to occur most often in older people. Appropriate footwear and orthotics can help, although surgery is an option for severe cases.
- Plantar Fasciitis: The pain and discomfort from an aggravated plantar fascia can be managed with orthotic support and therapeutic exercises.
- Fungal Infections: Older individuals are more susceptible to fungal infections as their immune systems tend to weaken, and they are also fighting other health issues.
Geriatric Foot Care - Preventing Complications
In addition to consistent and routine podiatric foot check-ups, the following are valuable suggestions for preventing future complications:
- Foot Hygiene: Keep feet clean and dry. Moisturize, but do not apply moisturizer between the toes to avoid fungal growth.
- Proper Footwear: Invest in comfortable, well-fitting shoes (avoid narrow-toe boxes or high heels) with sufficient arch support and cushioning.
- Trim Nails Carefully: Cut toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. If trimming nails is too difficult, seeing a podiatrist is essential.
- Stay Active: Low-impact movement can help maintain foot flexibility and overall foot health.
- Elevate Feet: Elevating your feet (15–20 minutes a few times daily) helps lessen swelling, which in turn improves blood circulation.
Contact Your Leading Podiatrists in Boise, Nampa & Meridian, ID
If you live in and around Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID, and would like more information about managing aging feet and geriatric foot care, contact Dr. Kemp, Dr. Anderson, and Dr. Andrews or an Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates staff associate at (208) 327-0627 for their Boise office, (208) 463-1660 for the Nampa/Caldwell office, and (208) 888-9876 for the office in Meridian. You can also book online.
- posted: Jul. 25, 2024
A daily foot care routine is essential for seniors. Dr. Ryan Kemp, Dr. Kerry Anderson, and Dr. Boyd Andrews of Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates, with offices in Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID, note that the most vital components of good foot hygiene can help prevent typical issues that develop as one ages.
Geriatric Foot Care – Managing Aging Feet
The following are some of the common issues that affect aging feet:
- Arthritis: Arthritis has the potential to create pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints anywhere in the body. To manage symptoms, be consistent with recommended medication and physical therapy.
- Ingrown Toenails: The aging process causes toenails to thicken, which makes trimming (and preventing ingrown toenails) more challenging.
- Diabetic Foot Complications: Everyone with diabetes should be diligent about foot care. Careful monitoring allows for properly managing reduced blood circulation and peripheral neuropathy, which can cause foot ulcers and infections.
- Corns/Calluses: Friction/pressure can cause calluses and corns to develop, with symptoms that can be managed by one of the podiatrists in Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID.
- Bunions/Hammertoes: These structural issues tend to occur most often in older people. Appropriate footwear and orthotics can help, although surgery is an option for severe cases.
- Plantar Fasciitis: The pain and discomfort from an aggravated plantar fascia can be managed with orthotic support and therapeutic exercises.
- Fungal Infections: Older individuals are more susceptible to fungal infections as their immune systems tend to weaken, and they are also fighting other health issues.
Geriatric Foot Care - Preventing Complications
In addition to consistent and routine podiatric foot check-ups, the following are valuable suggestions for preventing future complications:
- Foot Hygiene: Keep feet clean and dry. Moisturize, but do not apply moisturizer between the toes to avoid fungal growth.
- Proper Footwear: Invest in comfortable, well-fitting shoes (avoid narrow-toe boxes or high heels) with sufficient arch support and cushioning.
- Trim Nails Carefully: Cut toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. If trimming nails is too difficult, seeing a podiatrist is essential.
- Stay Active: Low-impact movement can help maintain foot flexibility and overall foot health.
- Elevate Feet: Elevating your feet (15–20 minutes a few times daily) helps lessen swelling, which in turn improves blood circulation.
Contact Your Leading Podiatrists in Boise, Nampa & Meridian, ID
If you live in and around Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID, and would like more information about managing aging feet and geriatric foot care, contact Dr. Kemp, Dr. Anderson, and Dr. Andrews or an Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates staff associate at (208) 327-0627 for their Boise office, (208) 463-1660 for the Nampa/Caldwell office, and (208) 888-9876 for the office in Meridian. You can also book online.