1 Foot 2 Foot

Good foot health is especially important for senior citizens. The longer your feet stay healthy, the longer you can maintain an active lifestyle. Simply follow these 5 guidelines put forth by the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) and the Institute for Preventative Foot Health (IPFH):

Principle One: Proper Foot Hygiene. Simple daily routines can go a long way when it comes to promoting foot health among senior citizens. Feet should be washed daily, taking special care to wash between the toes. Just as important as daily washing is making sure that the feet are dried thoroughly. Damp feet in shoes can lead to infections such as fungal toenails and Athlete’s foot. Footwear should also be kept clean and dry. Rotate footwear regularly, and purchase shoes with removable insoles – a feature that makes it easier to thoroughly dry shoes overnight.

Principle Two: Regular Foot Inspections. If left untreated, small cuts and sore spots on the feet can lead to more serious infections. Foot ulcers (open wounds on the feet) are common among senior citizens who fail to notice minor foot injuries early on. Reduced nervous sensation and circulation in the feet mean that the feet will need to be inspected visually. A family member or friend may need to help out if there are problems with eyesight or flexibility.

Principle Three: Proper Nail Care. Failure to trim nails properly can lead to ingrown toenails and various infections. Toenails should be cut straight across to prevent the corners of the nail from growing into the skin. File away any sharp edges. If a toenail does become ingrown or infected, see a doctor who can care for it properly. This is especially true from senior citizens with diabetes or anyone who is particularly vulnerable to infections on their feet. Discolored or abnormally thick toenails may be a sign of a fungal infection. If the discoloration or tenderness persists, speak to your doctor.

Principle Four: Foot Care for Diabetics. Senior citizens with diabetes must be particularly vigilant when it comes to the care of their feet. Daily foot inspections are crucial, and your doctor should also inspect your feet on a regular basis. Invest in a pair of orthopedic shoes. Avoid going barefoot or soaking your feet in hot water.

Principle Five: Proper Footwear. Supportive footwear is especially important when it comes to preserving good foot health. Look for shoes that protect and support your feet. Orthopedic walking shoes often provide a good combination of comfort and support. Avoid shoes with narrow toes or little arch support. Make sure your shoes fit you properly and can accommodate the socks you usually wear.

Geriatric Foot Care

Congratulations! You have earned the status of SENIOR CITIZEN. Your age entitles you to retire, receive discounts, and even play Bingo 5 nights a week if you want! But aging also has its downfalls. Remember...you probably don't move as fast as you used to and your body seems to echo aches and pains. You might get winded performing normal day-to-day activities, while your sense of altered balance leaves you prone to falls and accidents. The elderly are subject to many foot disorders that leave them handicapped if not prevented or treated. Some of these disorders include: arthritis, ingrown toenails, fungal nails, diabetic ulcers, and even corns and calluses.

As a senior citizen, you have a responsibility to yourself of keeping your feet healthy so that as you age, you can still participate in and enjoy life's daily activities.

Tips for Seniors

• Don't rush. Take your time. Society will wait for you. Rushing only increases your accident potential. Use handrails and canes when necessary. In the bathtub, use the grab bar. Avoid bath oils, as the tub floor is already very slippery.
• Keep floors and hallways in the home free of stray objects. Also, do not use "throw rugs" in entryways or stairwells. They are slippery and hazardous.
• Keep moving! A daily exercise routine contributes to a healthy body and mind. Walking is an ideal form of exercise for seniors. Depending on one's physical condition, walking can be combined with brisk walks and jogging, offering strengthening benefits to the feet, as well as the heart and lungs.

Footcare for Seniors

• See your podiatrist regularly. Prevention and maintenance are the best sources of healthy feet.
• Inspect your feet daily, especially if you are a diabetic. If you are unable to see your feet adequately, ask for assistance. Don't ignore the two things that enable you to participate in life's daily activities.
• Avoid walking barefoot. Wear soft leather shoes that offer support and that are made with rubber soles and heels.
• Ask your podiatrist if you are a candidate for orthotics. Orthotics will improve foot function, offer arch support, and act as a shock absorber.
• Keep feet clean, warm and dry. Apply lotion to dry feet and powder to moist feet.
• Trim toenails straight across, not down into the corners. Avoid cutting nails too short. Nails should never be cut down to the flesh. See your podiatrist if you are unable to cut your own nails.
• Never use commercial corn pads or medicines. They often burn and irritate the skin, doing more damage.
• Avoid sitting with your knees crossed, as it reduces circulation. Wearing circular garters and elastic banded hose also reduces circulation.
• Seek surgical intervention when necessary. A chronic source of pain or irritation can be eliminated by a simple surgical procedure, restoring a patient's quality of life.

Here are some foot care tips for older adults

• Inspect your feet daily. If you have trouble seeing your feet, ask for help. Wear comfortable, sensible shoes with rubber shoes to avoid falls.
• It's normal for people to experience some foot problems as they age. But experts say that problems with feet can be the first sign of more serious medical conditions, particularly among older adults. Health problems, such as arthritis, diabetes, nerve issues, and circulatory disorders, may first be manifested in the feet. That is why it is important to pay attention to your feet and seek medical attention as soon as you notice a problem.
• Practice good foot care. Check your feet regularly or have a member of your family check them for you.
• Keep blood circulating to your feet as much as possible. Do this by putting your feet up when you are sitting or lying down, stretching if you've had to sit for a long while, walking, having a gentle foot massage, or taking a warm foot bath.
• Wear comfortable shoes that fit well to prevent pressures that can lead to friction and infection and keep your foot structure properly aligned.
• Avoid exposing your feet to cold temperatures.
• Don't sit for long periods of time (especially with your legs crossed).
• Don't smoke because it decreases blood supply and increases the chance of swelling and other circulatory problems.