Six Common Senior Foot Issues and How to Help

Seniors face so many different changes to their bodies as they age. Their feet are just one area that changes more than they might realize. Proper foot care is so important for seniors because foot issues can have a huge impact on mobility as well as quality of life. Foot care is a lot easier with help from personal care at home and with the right knowledge, too.

Corns, Calluses, and Bunions

Corns and calluses form on feet due to pressure or friction. Bunions are bony deformations that typically appear on a big toe, right where the toe joins the foot. Bunions can form because of arthritis, poor-fitting shoes, or family history. These conditions are uncomfortable and can keep seniors from walking. Using padding and comfortable shoes that are the proper size can help immensely.

Dry Skin

As seniors age, their skin is less able to provide enough natural oil to keep the skin soft and supple. That’s doubly true in areas like the feet, where dry skin can be more common anyway. Dry skin left unattended can cause cracking skin and discomfort. Properly moisturizing this area can help. Seniors who have trouble doing this on their own benefit greatly from the help of home care providers.

Hammertoes

Hammertoes are another type of food deformation that happens when toes bend at the middle joint, forming a hammer shape as the end of the toe points straight down. Arthritis and poor-fitting shoes can cause hammertoes, or the condition can be hereditary. Wearing properly sized shoes is one solution, but seniors with hammertoes may need physical therapy or other types of assistance to correct the condition.

Arthritis

Arthritis can happen in any joint in the body, including any of the 33 joints in the human foot. Arthritis brings with it swelling, pain, and often seriously limited mobility. Seniors may need additional help managing arthritis, no matter where it occurs. Personal care at home can help seniors to stay on target with their treatment plans.

Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia follows the entire bottom of the foot. It’s a wide band of stretchy tissue. When this tissue becomes irritated or inflamed, the condition is called plantar fasciitis. This is a painful condition that can significantly reduce mobility. Seniors with plantar fasciitis may need to rest and elevate their feet in order to recover.

Toenail Issues

All too often, seniors aren’t able to keep up with toenail maintenance. This can lead to ingrown toenails, thickened nails, sharp edges, fungal infections, and more. Seniors often have reduced circulation as well as flexibility, and both conditions make caring for their own toenails much more difficult. Personal care at home helps to take care of toenails properly so that they are less likely to develop these issues.

When seniors have trouble caring for their feet, the potential ramifications can be serious. Reduced mobility, possible illness, and other negative situations can be avoided with the right help, however. Personal care at home can make all the difference for seniors when it comes to caring for toenail health.