I have a number of patients in their eighties and nineties. As a result, I’m very comfortable with this grouping; alleviating their fears, addressing their concerns and agreeing on management plans. Some may argue that getting someone in that age group to comply is difficult; whilst this can be so, it’s all about approach. When things are broken down and explained, it makes the picture clearer. As well, there are some habits you just have to leave alone; accept that this person has been existing this way all these years. Other habits have to go, and a revised or new plan is devised.

Many seniors suffer with recurring foot pain; however, caregivers can help alleviate their patients’ discomfort. Furthermore, many times the early signs of a systemic condition appear in the feet; therefore, care providers can also examine a patient’s foot to attain insight into his or her health. These systemic conditions include circulatory problems, diabetes, and arthritis. Signs caregivers can look for include brittle nails, dry skin, discolouration, and loss of leg hair. Patients should also be asked if they are experiencing any cramping, numbness and or tingling, along with burning in their feet.

Foot Disorders…Reduction in Mobility

The American Podiatric Medical Association states that by the time an American reaches the age of 50, on average, he/she has already walked a total of 75,000 miles. This fact sheds some light on the reason seniors frequently suffer with foot disorders that lead to pain. These issues are usually painful, and reduce mobility. Elderly patients who have problems, are more likely to need additional assistance from their caregivers, or use of a walking aid device. Care providers can assist their patients, by examining and tending to their feet on a regular basis.

Caregivers Assistance

Individuals who have senior care training, know that proper foot care is especially important for individuals who have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or any other health issue that causes poor circulation in the feet. Aid can be achieved in the following ways:

• Checking the Bottom of the Feet

It is stated that of the 16 million Americans who have diabetes, 25 percent will develop foot problems. Caregivers therefore need to keep a close eye on the soles of their elderly diabetic patients’ feet. Cuts, splinters, cracks, calluses, blisters and pressure sores, should show signs of healing within 24 hours; if they don’t, an appointment should be made with the patient’s doctor or podiatrist.

• Toenail Care

Avoiding an ingrown toenail is important for any senior; but for an individual with a circulation issue or diabetes, an ingrown toenail could lead to amputation. For this reason, close attention needs to be paid to toenails. After cutting the nails, they should be filed straight across.

• Examine the Shoes

According to Health in Aging, three out of four people who are older than 65 wear shoes that are too small. Since ill-fitting shoes are a major cause of foot pain, caregivers need to ensure that their patients’ shoes fit properly. Another key element is checking closed shoes for any items that could have fallen into the shoe. Equally, check under all shoes for nails, thumbtacks, staples, etc to prevent puncture wounds.

• Apply Moisturising Lotion

Obviously, lotion can be used to moisturise the skin of the feet. While the top and bottom of the feet can be moisturised, avoid between the toes, as this can lead to athlete’s foot. Many elderly persons have never had this regime before, so it’s new, and a routine has to be developed.  For those who are forgetful, remind them of the importance, to eliminate cracks in the feet which can be portals for infection.

• Pedicures and Medical Pedicures

While caregivers can easily provide a standard pedicure, for the patient with poor vision, diabetes, poor circulation and/or numbness, a podiatrist visit, or in some instances, a medical pedicure, is beneficial.

• Teach Patients How to Properly Stretch Their Feet

Patients should be encouraged to stretch their feet on a daily basis. Since a foot spa treatment loosens tense muscles, a great time to have a patient stretch his or her feet is directly after such a treatment. Stretching also addresses knot formations, before these knots actually become painful.  Also, patients should be taught how to perform stretches for their overall body, after consultation with, and approval from their doctors.

• Patients Need to Know How to Keep Blood Flowing to Their Feet

Inform patients that crossing their legs for an extended periods can inhibit blood flow to their feet. As well, sitting or lying for long periods isn’t ideal; getting up and walking at intervals is ideal however. Whenever possible, have the patient elevate his or her feet.

Your feet mirror your general health . . . cherish them!