Geriatric Foot Care

Elderly foot care, senior foot treatment in the New York County, NY: Manhattan, Lenox Hill, Yorkville, Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Hell's Kitchen, Midtown East, Garment District, Diamond District, Carnegie Hill, Lincoln Square, Murray Hill areas

Foot Care for Seniors in New York, NY

Your feet support the weight of your body and carry you through your daily activities throughout your life. Over time, the natural wear and tear that your feet have endured can make certain foot and ankle conditions more common. Older adults may be more prone to problems such as heel pain, ingrown toenails, bunions, corns, and calluses. The fatty pads that cushion the bottoms of the feet can break down, leading to foot pain while walking or standing. Systemic conditions like diabetes or poor circulation also become more common with age and can affect the feet.

Foot Problems Prevention

For an older adult, having a daily foot care routine becomes increasingly important. Washing the feet daily, drying them thoroughly, and moisturizing are some of the key components of maintaining good foot hygiene, which can help prevent infections and dry, cracked heels. Wearing socks and comfortable, wider shoes with good cushioning and arch support or orthotic inserts can protect your feet from injury and reduce discomfort. Caring for your toenails by trimming them straight across regularly can prevent ingrown toenails. Inspecting your feet daily for any irregularities, such as discoloration, unusual sensations, cuts, scrapes, sores, or bruises is suggested to catch any problems early and treat them before they worsen.

For more information about caring for elderly feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Geriatric Foot Care (FAQs)

Why are elderly people more prone to foot problems?
As with any other part of the body, as we age, our feet undergo wear and tear. The muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and fat pads in the feet can begin to deteriorate, leading to an increased risk of developing various foot problems. Elderly people are also more likely to have systemic illnesses, such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, and arthritis, which can all affect the feet. Additionally, the risk of falling increases with age. A fall can injure the feet and impair mobility.
What foot problems should elderly people look out for?
Certain foot problems are more common among older adults. These include bunions, hammertoes, corns, calluses, cracked heels, toenail fungus, heel pain, diabetic foot wounds, nerve damage, arthritis, and poor circulation.
How do you take care of elderly feet?
The best way to care for elderly feet is to establish a daily foot care routine. This typically includes daily practices to maintain good foot hygiene, such as washing, thoroughly drying, and moisturizing the feet, and trimming the toenails appropriately. Regularly stretching the feet can help maintain their strength and flexibility. It is also important to wear comfortable, properly-fitted shoes. 
How do you prevent foot problems in the elderly?
In addition to following a daily foot care routine, older adults should carefully monitor the appearance and health of their feet. This can be done through daily visual inspection of the feet. Look out for any cuts, scrapes, sores, wounds, blisters, or other changes in the feet, such as discoloration. Also take note of any new or strange sensations, including aches, pains, tingling, or numbness. If you notice any problems, seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible. Prompt and proper treatment is the key to preventing any complications and maintaining good foot health as you age.

Connect With Us

Lenox Hill Podiatry on Instagram Lenox Hill Podiatry on Facebook Lenox Hill Podiatry on Twitter Leave Yelp Review for Lenox Hill Podiatry Leave Google Review for Lenox Hill Podiatry