Our feet generally often receive less attention than other areas our bodies. However, proper foot care is essential to maintain mobility, independence, and overall well-being. Neglecting foot health can lead to pain, infections, and mobility limitations. Explore essential senior foot care tips to keep feet healthy and comfortable as we age.
Importance of Foot Care
While it’s easy to overlook foot care, it’s quite important for overall health.
- Mobility: Healthy feet are essential for seniors’ ability to walk and maintain independence.
- Preventative Measures: Proper foot care helps prevent common foot problems like blisters, corns, calluses, fungal infections, and foot ulcers.
- Pain Management: Regular care can alleviate discomfort and foot pain that may limit independence.
- Diabetes Management: Proper care helps people with diabetes avoid foot complications.
- Preventing Falls: Foot issues can lead to balance issues and increase the risk of dangerous falls.
- Quality of Life: Maintaining healthy feet contributes to overall well-being and quality of life.
RELATED CONTENT: What Causes Poor Foot Circulation
Daily Foot Care Routine
Here are some practical tips to take care of your feet every day.
- Wash & Dry: Use warm water and gentle soap to wash feet daily; avoid using hot water because it could dry out the skin. Dry feet thoroughly by gently patting them with a towel after washing. Get in between the toes! Leftover moisture could actually lead to skin problems, which we will discuss later on.
- Inspect: Inspect feet regularly for cuts, sores, blisters, or changes in skin color or nail color. Check toenails for ingrown nails or fungal infections. If needed, use a mirror to check the bottom of the feet or ask a loved one.
- Moisturize: Apply a moisturizer to keep your skin soft. Good lotion can prevent cracked skin on your feet, too. However, avoid applying lotion between the toes because it could cause excess moisture.
- Groom Nails: Cut toenails straight across to help avoid ingrown toe nails. Then, smooth sharp edges with a file to prevent cuts. Avoid cut the nails too short and cutting the cuticles to prevent infections. If you need assistance, get a pedicure or ask a family member or professional caregiver for help with senior nail care.
- Choose the Right Shoes: Treat your feet with the right shoes. Make sure your shoes meet the following criteria:
- Fit properly and provide enough room to wiggle your toes
- Provide good arch support and cushion
- Are breathable to reduce moisture and odor
- Avoid high heels if possible
RELATED CONTENT: Guide to Selecting the Proper Footwear for Senior Fall Prevention
Common Foot Issues
Seniors often face specific foot issues that require attention. While these conditions are minor, they can turn into major health problems if not taken care of properly.
1. Corns & Calluses
Corns and calluses are thick areas of skin caused by repeated friction or pressure on the foot. This friction could be from wearing the same pair of shoes every day or wearing shoes that don’t fit.
More specifically, corns form on the top or side of a toe and may be swollen. They are often small but deep and can be very painful. Calluses tend to not be painful. Generally, they are larger than corns.
Here are some tips to care for corns and calluses at home.
- Soak your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes
- Gently rub the corns or calluses with a pumice stone to remove dead skin
- Apply moisturizer after treatment to keep the skin soft
2. Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the skin. The skin may turn red and swell. Ingrown toenails can also cause pus to develop.
To address ingrown toenails, here are some tips.
- Soak your foot in warm water to soften the nail
- Gently lift the ingrown edge and place a small piece of cotton under it
- Do not attempt to cut the ingrown nail yourself
You may be able to take care of minor ingrown toenails at home. However, you should seek professional care if the nail is deeply embedded. The best way to prevent an ingrown nail is to keep toenails trimmed straight across.
3. Bunions
Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe. They can be very painful and impact a senior’s ability to walk. To manage bunions, wear shoes with a proper fit and a wide to box to reduce pressure on the bunion. You can buy bunion cushions or orthotics for additional support.
4. Fungal Infections
Fungal infections can cause athlete’s foot or toenail fungus. Luckily, you can usually treat these infections at home with anti-fungal creams or powders. If the condition does not clear up, see a healthcare professional for a prescription medication.
5. Foot Ulcers
Foot ulcers are open sores in the skin that can become infected. They can be caused by poor circulation, dry skin, poor blood sugar management, calluses, and other medical conditions. Seek immediate medical attention for foot ulcers.
6. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. It can be triggered by overuse, improper footwear, or standing for long periods. Symptoms include sharp pain in the heel, especially after rest. Consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options.
Special Considerations for Diabetic Foot Care
Seniors with diabetes are at a higher risk for foot problems than other adults. Elevated blood sugar levels can damage nerves in the feet, leading to diabetic neuropathy—a condition that reduces sensation. As a result, individuals may not notice skin issues, injuries, or developing foot conditions due to the lack of feeling.
Diabetes also impacts circulation, reducing blood flow to the feet and slowing the healing process for cuts, sores, or infections. This combination of nerve damage and poor circulation increases the risk of serious complications, making diligent foot care essential for adults with diabetes.
Tips for Diabetic Food Care:
- Schedule regular visits with a podiatrist for foot health check-ups.
- Always wear well-fitted, protective shoes to prevent blisters and injuries.
- Avoid walking barefoot to minimize the risk of cuts or infections.
- Check your feet daily for changes like redness, swelling, or sores, and seek medical attention promptly for any skin care issues.
RELATED CONTENT: Tips for Managing Neuropathy in Seniors
Conclusion
Foot care is essential for maintaining overall well-being and mobility. By establishing a daily foot care routine and addressing common foot issues, seniors can keep their feet healthy and comfortable. Prioritizing foot health supports a more active, independent, and fulfilling lifestyle for older adults.
If you or a loved one needs assistance with elderly foot care at home, reach out to a professional caregiver. At Caring Senior Service, we are happy to assist with daily grooming tasks, including foot care, to help seniors remain healthy, happy, and at home. Reach out to your local office to learn more.
