What is geriatric foot care?
Geriatric podiatry is specialized foot and ankle care for adults over the age of 65.
Geriatric podiatry differs from general podiatry in that it focuses on the unique needs of older adults. As you age, your feet undergo changes that can impact mobility, flexibility, comfort, and overall health. We offer geriatric foot care services to help adults over 65 catch and treat foot problems early and remain as active and mobile as possible.
What happens to your feet as you age
Your feet have a big job to do, including supporting your body weight, acting as shock absorbers, and even helping you stay balanced by sending signals to your brain about your body’s positioning. While doing all this work, you may notice some changes in your feet over time, including:
- Thinning of the fatty padding that cushions your feet
- Arches flattening
- Joints becoming stiffer
- Drier skin and weaker toenails
- Changes in shape
- Greater sensitivity
Seniors are also more likely to face health conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, and diabetes, which can all directly impact your foot health.
Common geriatric foot problems
Some of the most common foot problems seniors experience, include:
- Bunions: Anyone can get bunions, but they tend to get worse with age as ligaments loosen
- Corns and calluses: Being at a higher risk for developing bunions can also mean you’re more likely to experience corns or calluses, which can form as a result of high levels of pressure or friction on your feet
- Hammertoes: Another bunion-related issue, hammertoes can happen because of the shifting of your toes, occurring when the middle joints become permanently bent
- Arthritis: Various types of arthritis can limit mobility in your feet, as well as cause pain and stiffness</li
- Swelling and diabetic foot problems: Often a product of poor circulation or diabetes, swelling in your feet, ankles, and lower legs can cause mobility issues and nerve damage
- Skin and toenail conditions: Susceptibility to infections of the skin or nail increase with age, including ingrown toenails, cracked heels, and fungal infections
How to prevent and treat geriatric foot problems
While you might not be able to avoid some age-related foot and ankle problems, there are things you can do to delay and treat certain conditions, and keep them from worsening.
Regular physical activity
Staying active can help to improve overall circulation, maintain flexibility, and promote physical strength. Anything from taking regular walks, swimming, or stretching daily can keep your muscles strong and reduce your risk of injury. Working with a physical therapist can also be beneficial for seniors experiencing arthritis or other foot problems impacting mobility. Physical therapy offers more focused exercises to treat and strengthen areas of the feet, ankles, or lower legs.
Proper footwear and shoe inserts
Properly-fitting shoes can make all the difference in your overall foot health. Wearing shoes that crowd toes, put a lot of pressure on your feet, or that are simply too small, can greatly increase your risk of developing foot problems or worsen conditions you’re already experience. Make sure to adapt your footwear to the changing conditions of your feet, which could mean upsizing, opting for wide-fit, or shoes with extra arch support. For shoes that don’t provide the support you need as-purchased, using shoe inserts can be an effective way to make them more comfortable.
Routine foot care
Trimming your toenails regularly (and properly), moisturizing, and regular self-inspections are all part of routine foot care. When done consistently, your risk for things like ingrown toenails, cracked skin, or pain and discomfort from untreated calluses, fungal infections, or corns decreases significantly. Regular check-ups with your podiatrist can also help you stay ahead of potential foot problems and ensure you’re receiving proper treatment.
When is it time to see a podiatrist?
As you age, foot problems can develop or worsen, impacting your mobility and overall well-being. Seeking professional care early can help prevent complications and keep you as active as possible.
You should schedule an appointment with Volunteer Podiatry if you’re dealing with chronic foot discomfort, swelling, numbness, or any skin and nail issues like ingrown toenails or fungal infections. Our doctors are here to help manage and treat age-related foot problems to keep you active and pain-free.