|
As you age, your feet age too. Many people believe that it is normal for your feet to hurt and simply resign themselves to enduring foot problems that could be treated. It is important to take preventive measures and visit your podiatrist regularly as you age in order to maintain proper foot health. If older people are to live satisfyingly, they must be able to move about. Mobility is a vital component to the independence that is cherished by our aging population. Foot ailments make it difficult or impossible for our aging population to work or to participate in social activities. Just as you need to prepare a newborn's health by visiting doctors, you need to maintain proper foot health to prevent various foot ailments that could distract and reduce your quality of life. Foot Problems can be prevented Foot pain is not something you need to just deal with. The majority of foot pain can be treated by your local podiatrist to eliminate any problems. There are more than 300 different foot ailments, some that can even be traced back to heredity. For the aging population, most of these foot ailments stem from the cumulative years of neglect or abuse. However, even among people in their retirement years, many foot problems can be treated successfully, and the pain associated with foot ailments relieved. Whether it is due to neglect or abuse, the normal wear and tear on your feet over the years can cause various foot problems and pain. As a person ages, their feet tend to spread and lose the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet. Additional weight can affect the bone and ligament structure. Older people, consequently, should have their feet measured for shoe sizes more frequently, rather than assuming that their shoe sizes remain constant. Observing preventive foot health care has many benefits for you, the patient. Preventive measures can increase comfort, limit the possibility of additional medical problems, reduce the chances of hospitalization because of infection, and lessen requirements for other institutional care. Foot Health Tips • Properly fitted shoes are essential; an astonishing number of people wear shoes that
don't fit right which may, cause serious foot problems.
• A shoe with a firm sole and soft upper is best for daily activities.
• Shop for shoes in the afternoon; feet tend to swell during the day.
• Walking is the best exercise for your feet.
• Pantyhose or stockings should be of the correct size and preferably free of seams.
• Do not wear constricting garters or tie your stockings in knots.
• Never cut corns and calluses with a razor, pocket knife, or other such instrument;
use over-the-counter foot products only with the advice of a podiatrist.
• Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm (not hot) water, using a mild soap, preferably one
containing moisturizers, or use a moisturizer separately. Test the water temperature with your hand.
• Trim or file your toenails straight across.
• Inspect your feet every day or have someone do this for you. If you notice any redness,
swelling, cracks in the skin, or sores, consult your podiatrist.
• Have your feet examined by a podiatrist at least twice a year. As you age, it is important to constantly monitor the health of your feet in order to prevent further problems. Visit your podiatrist regularly for examination and treatment if needed. Your feet carry you through life; take care of them as you age.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Bil Buksh, a leading podiatrist in Oklahoma City, Norman and Edmond. Specializing in services such as neuroma, foot surgery and Oklahoma City heel pain, patients turn to Dr. Buksh for all of their foot and ankle health care needs.
|
