Foot Treatment For Seniors
Top Rated Local® Foot Treatments
To Live Useful, Satisfying Lives As We Get Older, It’s Vital That We’re Able To Move Around Efficiently. Foot Ailments Make This Difficult, If Not Impossible, For Some Seniors.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, a leading cause of activity limitation in elderly people is impairment of the lower extremities. In fact, more than 25% of nursing home patients can walk only with assistance — or not at all. If you or a family member are suffering from aging foot problems, our team of foot specialists at A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center are here to help you to treat these problems as well as maintain healthier feet for the future. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Problematic Signs & Symptoms
The foot has been called the mirror of health. Many early signs of systemic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory problems first appear in the feet. The sooner these issues are identified and treated, the easier it is to treat and improve your overall foot health.
If you should experience any of these symptoms, contact your local podiatrist at A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center immediately!
Dry Skin - While dry skin on your feet may not seem like a cause for concern, it’s presence could be a sign of a bigger foot problem such as athlete’s foot, corns, or atopic dermatitis.
Brittle Nails - With age, your nails start to become brittle, which can lead to pain caused by broken nails, as well as a higher possibility of fungal infections and ingrown toenails.
Numbness - Numbness in your feet and ankles is often a cause for concern. This symptom could be a result of anything from tarsal tunnel syndrome to peripheral neuropathy.
Tingling - Often accompanying numbness is a tingling sensation in your feet. This could be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, kidney failure, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and other serious conditions.
Discoloration - Discoloration of your feet and ankles is often due to poor circulation — a common issue that seniors face. However, this could also be caused by an issue with your veins.
Loss of Leg Hair - Another symptom of poor circulation in your feet is the loss of hair on your legs and feet. Additionally, loss of hair can be a sign of diabetes or peripheral artery disease.
Cramping - Cramping in your feet can be caused by a number of different mineral deficiencies or dehydration as well as diseases such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis
Common Foot Problems In Seniors
With the aging of feet comes a higher possibility of suffering from a number of different foot problems. While the majority of these issues are easily treatable by your local podiatrist, it is important to not ignore them as they could get worse over time and require more extensive treatments. Are you suffering from any of these common foot problems? If so, contact our foot specialists at one of our A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Centers today!
Bunions
These bony growths commonly form on the joint of your big toe, causing immense pain and stiffness. Toe bunions will most likely be removed surgically.
Corns
When spots of thick, hardened skin develop on your feet, it is known as corns. These are most commonly treated with proper footwear or professional trimming.
Hammertoes
Hammertoes are a deformity of the smaller toes that causes them to be stiff and bend abnormally. Shoe inserts and surgery are common treatment options.
Structural Issues
With age comes a number of different structural issues for your feet. The most common of these is flat feet, which is often corrected with functional orthotics.
Arthritis
Arthritis often affects the small joints in the foot and ankle, causing severe pain and stiffness. This can be treated with heightened arch support and NSAIDs.
Plantar Fasciitis
Heel pain, also known as plantar fasciitis is caused by an inflammation of the plantar fascia. Treatment includes: OTC medications, functional orthotics, and noninvasive orthotripsy.
Diabetes-Related Issues
Diabetes often causes nerve damage to your feet, heightening your chances of injury and foot problems such as corns, peripheral neuropathy, blisters, and more.
Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is the cause of many issues such as discoloration, thickness, detachment, and others. Laser treatments are the most effective treatment option.
Pain/Discomfort
As you age, it is common for your feet to become painful to use. This pain may decrease with proper footwear, inserts, foot exercises, and proper foot care.
Treating
Foot Problems In Seniors
Tips For
Maintaining Good Foot Health
Keep Your Feet Clean
Bathe your feet with warm water and soap daily. Avoid rubbing your feet dry with the towel, instead, blot them with the towel until completely dry.
Massage & Moisturize
Massage your feet with cocoa butter or lanolin cream to help the skin retain moisture and stay soft to avoid the pain and discomfort of dry skin.
Caring For Brittle Nails
Soak brittle nails before clipping and filing. This makes them easier to cut, and helps avoid breakage that may cause painful nail beds and ingrown toenails.
Keep Them Warm And Dry
Keep your feet warm and dry. Always wear socks with enclosed shoes as well as when going barefoot, especially if you have bad circulation in your feet.
Exercise Often
Exercise carefully, but often. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise for your overall health as well as the functionality of your feet and ankles.
Proper Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and offer proper support. Visit your local podiatrist for details or assistance in finding proper footwear.
Rest Your Feet
Rest your feet whenever possible by elevating them above your heart. This will help improve circulation and avoid a number of foot problems.
Annual Foot Exams
Visit your local podiatrists at one of our four foot and ankle clinic locations for an annual foot exam to catch signs and symptoms of problems early.
The Importance Of Healthy Feet
A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center
The physicians and staff of the A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Centers maintain two complete podiatric clinical facilities and provide 24-hour emergency service. We participate in most health plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, and Medicaid. Our experienced staff completes and files all necessary insurance forms, and makes every effort to assure that you receive maximum benefits with minimum out-of-pocket expenses.
If you are interested in receiving more information on how to properly care for your aging feet, contact A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center today! One of our foot and ankle specialists will discuss your concerns with you, or schedule an appointment for you to come into one of our foot and ankle clinics for further examination.