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Good Foot Care is Critical for Seniors

Good foot care helps a senior stay mobile for longer, improving his or her quality of life. The Institute for Preventative Health in conjunction with the International Council on Active Aging has set out 5 simple guidelines for seniors’ foot care.

Maintain good foot hygiene which should include daily washing and thoroughly drying the feet. Damp feet and damp footwear lead to foot infections, so feet must be dry at all times.

Inspect your feet regularly. Treat small cuts and bruises immediately to avoid infection. Seniors are particularly prone to foot ulcers which result from small foot injuries left untreated.

Trim nails regularly and attend to ingrown toenails, especially important in diabetics. Check nails for discoloration which is often the first indication of infection. If you notice anything abnormal, you should visit your podiatrist immediately.

Seniors who are diabetic should be doubly careful with foot care. Feet should be examined daily and seen by a doctor or podiatrist on a regular basis. Avoid walking barefoot or soaking your feet in excessively hot water. A pair of orthopedic shoes is a worthwhile investment.

Use good fitting shoes that are comfortable and supportive. Orthopedic walking shoes are a good choice since they provide a combination of both. Avoid shoes which provide no arch support or shoes with narrow toes.

Seniors in the Bay Area can visit Foot and Ankle Associates of Los Gatos, CA for any foot complaints, regular foot inspections and proper maintenance advice. This podiatric clinic has a faculty of three trained podiatrists who attend to all conditions of the lower limb, ankle and feet. To schedule an appointment, please call 408-358-6234. Comprehensive details about the clinic and its services may be found at http://www.sjfeet.com

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