Brookdale Foot Clinic - When Your Feet are 50 Plus

Foot Facts...

America's population has been growing rapidly in the past few decades. And the most rapid population growth has been among older people. The nation's population today includes more than 30 million people who are 65 and older. And that figure is rising quickly to the point where a third or more of all Americans are 55 or older.

When you realize that in the average lifetime a person walks around 70,000 miles, it's easy to understand why a lot of older people have foot problems. As a matter of fact, people over the age of 50 constitute the largest group who receive treatment from podiatrists, the foot health physician specialists.

Older people obviously need foot care because they have made more use of their feet. As part of extended use, the cushions of fat on the bottom of the feet are compressed. Repeated pressure and shock lead to a thinner layer of protective fat.

A less exotic, but just as real reason for increased podiatric care for elderly people is the fact that many are physically unable to care for their feet. This comes at a time in life when the feet need more care than ever.

Certain medical conditions that afflict older people require that they take particularly good care of their feet. These include arthritis, circulatory problems and diabetes.

Circulatory Problems

Cold feet often an early sign of a circulatory disorder. Other signs include a bluish discoloration, tingling or numbness of the feet, or pain and burning of the feet and calves when walking. If you have noticed these symptoms in your feet, contact a podiatrist for an evaluation.

Circulatory disorders underline the fact that you should not use tobacco, wear garters, stand for prolonged periods of time in one position or sit with your legs crossed. Never use hot water or heating pads if you suspect poor circulation.

Diabetes

If you suffer with diabetes your feet should be bathed each day. You should avoid extremes of heat and cold and you should inspect you feet everyday. Exercise is a good idea for diabetic patients. Walking is the best form of exercise.

Diabetic people need to be extra careful to protect their feet from injury. Always wear comfortable fitting shoes and do not use home remedies such as "over the counter" products for corns, calluses and ingrown nails. These products often contain acids that damage flesh.

Tips for Foot Care...

Older people can prevent many potential foot problems by paying good attention to foot care and following a few simple tips...

Daily Inspection

Inspect your feet every day. If you find redness, swelling or skin sores, consult your podiatrist.

Daily Bathing

Bathe your feet every day in lukewarm water and bath soap. Blot the feet dry with a towel. As you bathe, look to see if the skin is rough. If so, use a skin moisturizer recommended by your podiatrist. If your feet sweat a lot use a foot powder prescribed for you.

Nail Care

Diabetic people and people with circulation problems must be extremely careful about caring for their toenails. They should never cut their own nails. Never cut into the corners of the nails. If your nails are thickened, if you are a diabetic or if you have poor circulation consult your podiatrist. If you are healthy and your nails are thin, your nails should be cut carefully and regularly.

Protect Your Feet

Wear shoes and avoid walking barefoot to prevent cuts or wounds to your feet. Try to give your feet some sun and air, but don't expose them to rain, cold or excessive sun. Keep in mind that high heat from pads, hot water or hot water bottles can cause injury to the feet.

Socks & Stockings - It's a good idea to always wear socks or stockings with shoes. Socks or stockings should be changed daily. Because they restrict circulation, garters should not be used and don't tie knots in stockings to hold them up.

The Right Shoes - Comfortable, correctly fitting shoes are an important part of taking good care of your feet. They should conform to the shape of your foot and allow adequate space for your toes. New shoes should be broken in gradually. Wear shoes that are appropriate for the activity, especially if you participate in sports. Walking is excellent exercise for anyone, but especially for older people. To aid you in walking, make sure your shoes provide support and protection.

Corns & Calluses

Corns and calluses are thickened areas of the skin over an area of excessive pressure from the underlying bone. Never use corn removers on these areas. Such products contain an acid which can cause a burn in the skin that may lead to infection.

With the right kind of care and attention our feet can carry us through an active old age. Regular preventive measures combined with professional care are big steps in the direction of better foot health for older people. Contact the Brookdale Foot Clinic for more information, we're here to help!