09 Aug LOOKING AFTER AGING FEET
What happens to feet as they age?
As you age, you can lose cushioning and soft tissue fat in the pads of your heels and balls of your feet, near your toes. Looking after aging feet is like looking after the skin on your face. There is a loss of elasticity in the skin on your feet, making it thin and vulnerable. Bone deformities – such as bunions or arthritis – and difficulties undertaking basic foot care, can lead to foot health issues and sometimes an increased risk of falls – which for many can have drastic consequences. Nails also become more brittle, thicker and harder, making them difficult to trim and prone to ingrown toenails, fungal breakouts and other infections.
Can foot problems be improved?
For older people, most foot problems can be improved by regular maintenance and care, keeping weight down, shoe modification, and using cushioned insoles. To undertake regular foot maintenance, some elderly people have difficulty reaching their feet or have bad eyesight, so simple things like cutting toenails can be an issue – if this is the case get a family member to help or go and see a podiatrist. If you can cut your toenails yourself, trim them just short of the end of the toe, using a strong pair of nail clippers. After clipping, smooth the nails with a file or emery board, using downward strokes. It is also important to have your feet measured frequently as the shape of your feet can change with age, this way you can ensure you choose shoes that fit well and are comfortable—taking good care of your feet as you age is good for your foot health as it helps you stay active and mobile.
When should you see a podiatrist?
Your feet are mirrors of your health. Warning signs of health conditions can be dry skin, brittle nails, burning and tingling sensations in your feet, or feelings of cold, numbness, and discolouration. If these occur, see a podiatrist, as they, along with your GP, will be able to pinpoint the cause. Regular check-ups with your podiatrist are recommended, especially if you cannot look after your feet yourself and you have no one to help you. Nails that grow too long can become infected and if you are diabetic – which has a higher risk factor as we age – infection can lead to more serious illness.
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