FOOT CARE FOR 50 AND OLDER
Tips for keeping the foundation of the body strong , aligned and full functioning
By Glenda Sanders • Contributing Writer Photos by Trenton Steele
Your feet are your foundation . They keep you standing , and they keep you moving . Neglecting your feet as you age can result in painful conditions , make you more susceptible to falling or lead to serious limb-threatening conditions .
“ Your two feet are the only two that you have . They are your main mode of transportation and are tied to your independence ,” said Dr . Leigh White , a podiatrist with Foot Clinic of Internal Medicine Clinic . “ We all want to stay independent as long as we can , and if you cannot get around walking that can limit where you can go and what you can do as a senior .”
As people age , they tend to lose the fat , or padding , in their feet . For people who stand all day at work or wear high heels , this can lead to pain in the heel , arch or ball of the foot .
“ The years of standing on your feet all day can add up ,” White said , noting that heal pain and planter fasciitis are two of the most common foot problems she sees in patients .
Also , the feet expand with age for both men and women . Most senior adults should be wearing a bigger or wider shoe than they did when they were 20 . Cramming a foot into a shoe that is too small can lead to toe pain , stiffness , corns , calluses and ulcers .
Wearing the proper shoes , as well as the correct size , is important , White noted .
“ If you are over 40 , your feet and ankles are going to swell during the day , and you will need a bigger shoe by the end of the day ,” she said . “ Since it is hard to find extra wide shoes , I recommend to my patients that they go up half a shoe size in order to get the width that they want .”
To help alleviate foot problems , White recommends wearing shoes that are wide and deep in the toe box , have good arch support and a cushioned sole , are closed heel and are lace-up .
“ A good athletic shoe for everyday is the best route to go ,” she said , except for people who have gait issues when walking because the traction on the sole of the running shoe can lead to falls .
Most seniors prefer slip-on shoes , so they do not have to tie laces , White added . However , she warns against wearing flip flops or sandals all day because they can cause a person to grip their toes , which can lead to more foot problems .
For people with diabetes , poor circulation and neuropathy , taking care of their feet is extremely important , she said . Foot ulcerations can quickly spiral into a serious wound that does not heal especially for a diabetic patient . Wounds that do not heal can lead to the loss of a foot and lower leg .
“ If you are a diabetic and you have an area of irritation or you notice a blister or a corn or any area that is painful , then you should seek help and try not to self-treat ,” White said . “ Those kinds of wounds can really change fast . You might not have three
“ Your two feet are the only two that you have . They are your main mode of transportation and are tied to your independence .”
Meridian podiatrist Dr . Leigh White
weeks to deal with something on your own before you seek help . Days make a difference with diabetics .”
White offers these tips for diabetics in taking care of their feet : keep their blood sugar within normal limits , keep their feet clean even if it requires a long-handled sponge or soft body brush to reach them , dry between toes after showering , keep their feet moisturized so they do not get hard and cracked , wear diabetic socks and proper shoes , avoid going barefooted , and get a yearly foot check-up from a podiatrist or primary care physician .
Since senior adults tend to lose moisture in their skin due to aging and medications , White suggests they keep their feet moisturized daily to help avoid dry , cracked heels and toes . Also , keep toenails cut straight across to avoid ingrown toenails and be sure to keep the skin around the nails moisturized with a tea tree , vitamin E or cuticle oil . If you have not had your toenails trimmed in a long time , you may need to see a podiatrist who can help .
Older people can sometimes get fungus infections on their toenails , which can cause the nails to thicken , appear discolored , and feel brittle and crumbling . White recommends keeping the infected toenails cut and filed down as the nail grows out . Also , keep the nails soft with oils and moisturizers . Topical antifungals can be used .
Pedicures are safe for senior adults who have no history of circulation problems and are not diabetic , but are generally not recommended for people with diabetes , White added .
Taking care of your feet is important as you age to help avoid problems or injuries that can significantly impact your quality of life and independence , White said . www . meridianstar . com
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