Seven Steps Seniors Can Take Toward Happier Feet

“Oh, my aching feet!” You don’t have to be a senior citizen to relate to this complaint. But for older adults, foot problems can be more than an achy annoyance, they can be downright painful and lead to serious consequences. Yet, while we know that self-care is vital for seniors to thrive, foot care is often overlooked as part of that regimen.

Feet Do More than Show Off Your Shoes

“Frequent painful foot problems occur in an estimated 24% of older adults and have been shown to impair balance and foot function and more than double the risk of falling,” notes an article published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. They say we shouldn’t be surprised by foot pain as we get older, since most people will have walked about 75,000 miles by age 50.

Because foot problems can make it difficult or just no fun to exercise or even walk, they can increase the risk of heart disease and weight gain and exacerbate complications of chronic disease, especially diabetes and arthritis. Foot problems can also lead to infections that could become dangerous if untreated.

Happy, healthy feet are vital to maintain mobility, independence, physical comfort, and overall well-being.

What Happens to Our Feet as We Age

Aside from wear and tear, foot problems occur because our health or feet themselves change.

• Tendons, ligaments, and muscles lose elasticity and strength, so arches flatten, effectively making your feet longer. So no, shoes aren’t actually getting smaller, your feet are just getting a bit bigger.
• Almost half of men and women will develop osteoarthritis in their feet. (Did you know each foot has 33 joints?)
• Obesity puts added stress on feet and ankles.
• Nearly one-third of seniors suffer from corns, calluses, and/or toenail fungal infections.
• Age-related physical foot changes can also cause bunions or hammertoes.
• And improper trimming can lead to ingrown toenails.

Diabetics Face Even Greater Risk

Diabetes impairs circulation, which can lead to nerve damage and numbness in the feet, called neuropathy. Non-diabetics can also develop neuropathy. The reduced sensitivity makes it hard to feel cold or heat or to know if you have an injury (even something small, such as a blister) or infection, so problems can progress further without treatment. Ulcers and other damage can eventually require amputation, so regular foot care and medical visits are critical.

Steps That Lead to Happier Feet

1. Inspect your feet frequently, including the soles, nails, and between the toes. Redness, swelling, and blisters could be signs of trouble.
2. Trim properly. Nails should be cut straight across to avoid ingrown nails. If you can’t do this yourself, it may be a service your assisted living community provides, or ask a caregiver or medical professional to help. This isn’t the same as a nail salon pedicure.
3. Moisturize. Daily lotion application keeps skin soft and supple to prevent painful cracks or itching. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to massage your feet. This improves circulation and feels oh, so good.
4. Forget “fashion” that squeezes your feet, wear sensible shoes. If you’ve made it to your senior years, don’t you deserve to be comfortable? Along that same line, wear clean, dry socks. Ask your doctor if padded socks or orthotics would help your foot health and comfort. (In some cases, medical orthotics may be covered by Medicare.)
5. Exercise your feet to boost circulation and maintain strength and range of motion. Wiggle your toes, circle your ankles in both directions, and practice balancing on your toes if you can.
6. Give your feet a lift – put them up when you’re sitting and stretch them or wiggle your toes.
7. Consult a podiatrist. These medical specialists are experts at not only detecting and treating foot problems but also helping patients prevent or reduce the effects of common foot problems.

If you take good care of your feet, they will repay you with more years of faithful service, less worry about pain or falling, and greater comfort.

Enjoy a Stroll at Any of Our 8 Campues

All of Magnolia Manor's eight senior living campuses in south Georgia have beautiful outdoor spaces for our residents and their guests to enjoy. Come see for yourself! Schedule a tour today or give us a call at (855) 540-LIFE to learn more.