Your Ageing FEET
Older feet naturally develop more problems because the skin tends to thin and lose it's elasticity. Healing can take longer and wear and tear to the joints over the years may have caused some degree of arthritis. The answer to staying mobile and independent could begin with the feet. Neglecting this vital part of the body can lead to discomfort and problems with the knees, back and hips.
But painful and uncomfortable feet aren't a natural part of growing old or something to "put-up with". A lot can be done to improve comfort, relieve pain and maintain mobility.
It's not too late to start caring!
Follow the a foot care routine and keep on the move.
Keeping toenails cut and under control will help keep you mobile but you may need help with this from your chiropodist/podiatrist or a friend.
Keeping warm
Try to keep your feet as warm as possible, but don't cook them out in the sun! Warm stockings or socks can help. Avoid anything too tight which can restrict your circulation or cramp your toes. Wearing fleece-lined boots or shoes or even an extra pair of socks will also keep you warm but do make sure your shoes aren't tight as a result. Bed socks are also a good idea.
Choosing the best footwear
The older you get, the more you need a shoe which holds your foot firmly in place to give adequate support. Throw out those sloppy old favourites as they may make you unstable when you walk.
Look for shoes with uppers made of soft leather or a stretchy man-made fabric which is also breathable. Avoid plastic 'easy clean' uppers which don't allow the foot to breathe and won't stretch to accommodate your own foot shape.
Many shoes have cushioning or shock absorbing soles to give you extra comfort while walking.
When buying shoes, ensure that you can put them on and take them off easily. Check that the heel is held firmly in place - you'll find that a lace-up or velcro fastening shoe will give more support and comfort than a slip-on.
Ageing feet
Tips for buying shoes for elderly feet
Many older people continue to wear ill-fitting shoes contributing to pain and trauma in the feet and toes. Our choice of shoes can also increase our risk of falls.
Tips for finding shoes for ageing feet
Your shoes should be roomy enough, particularly, if you intend to wear them everyday. If you suffer with swollen feet, it's a good idea to put your shoes on as soon as you wake up, before your feet have had a chance to swell.
Common problems of ageing feet Fortunately most problems associated with ageing feet can be treated or avoided successfully with good foot care and regular visits to a podiatrist.
Ageing feet can be prone to damage. As we age our feet lose the fatty padding that cushions and protects the feet. Corns and calluses are caused by continuous pressure and friction to the feet. This pressure is commonly caused by ill fitting shoes, underlying structural problems of the feet or moving in a certain way.
Calluses A callus appears as thickened hard skin on the foot. When we exert pressure on a particular area of the foot for too long, the skin hardens to protect itself. A callus can become painful when the foot is not relieved of underlying pressure. Calluses commonly occur on the heel, side of toenails, top or balls of the foot.
Corns A corn develops when the thickened skin becomes hard, painful and tender. A corn appears as a central core or cone shaped area under or surrounded by a callus. Corns are often found on the side or top of toes. Corns can even occur in between the toes.
Treating corns and calluses Corns and calluses will not go away by themselves and should be treated by a podiatrist. Don't try cutting calluses or corns at home. Simply using home remedies, corn paint and plasters doesn't treat the underlying cause of the pressure. Corn paints can damage fragile skin. For people with diabetes this could result in skin breakdown and infection. The safest and most effective way to treat a corn or callus is to consult a podiatrist.
Importance of nail care Sometimes habits we formed years ago like cutting the toe nails incorrectly can lead to painful ingrown toenails and infection. Toenails can get thick with age and can be difficult to cut. People with poor vision or problems reaching the toes can find it especially difficult.
You will need a strong pair of nail clippers for thick or over grown nails. Toe nails should be cut straight across just below the end of the toe. File with an emery board or nail file in a downward stroke. Diabetics should have their nails cut by a podiatrist.
Cutting toenails incorrectly can lead to further problems, always ask a podiatrist to show you how.
Checking ageing feet Checking the condition of the feet should be a part of any daily routine. Some people will find it difficult to reach or see their feet and a family member may need to help. Hand held mirrors are a handy tool for inspecting the feet. Pay extra attention to in between the toes and check for any changes in the feet such as:
• Discolouration
• Swelling
• Changes in temperature of the skin
• Sores, cracked heels, blisters
• Odour
• Corns and calluses
• Tingling, loss of sensation or pain.
Exercise
Exercise can help to keep feet healthy – it tones up muscles, helps to strengthen arches and stimulates blood circulation. Exercises also help to prevent falls.
https://new.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Things-to-do/Active-Healthy-program/Active-Healthy-calendar
Look at Gold Coast Seniors Guide - gives some info to learn strategies and techniques on how to avoid a fall. Wearing appropriate footwear is one of the first steps.
Further advice
You can ask your GP to refer you a local podiatrist, or just ring one yourself that can come to your home.
If you have heel pain - look here for some clues.
Older feet naturally develop more problems because the skin tends to thin and lose it's elasticity. Healing can take longer and wear and tear to the joints over the years may have caused some degree of arthritis. The answer to staying mobile and independent could begin with the feet. Neglecting this vital part of the body can lead to discomfort and problems with the knees, back and hips.
But painful and uncomfortable feet aren't a natural part of growing old or something to "put-up with". A lot can be done to improve comfort, relieve pain and maintain mobility.
It's not too late to start caring!
Follow the a foot care routine and keep on the move.
Keeping toenails cut and under control will help keep you mobile but you may need help with this from your chiropodist/podiatrist or a friend.
Keeping warm
Try to keep your feet as warm as possible, but don't cook them out in the sun! Warm stockings or socks can help. Avoid anything too tight which can restrict your circulation or cramp your toes. Wearing fleece-lined boots or shoes or even an extra pair of socks will also keep you warm but do make sure your shoes aren't tight as a result. Bed socks are also a good idea.
Choosing the best footwear
The older you get, the more you need a shoe which holds your foot firmly in place to give adequate support. Throw out those sloppy old favourites as they may make you unstable when you walk.
Look for shoes with uppers made of soft leather or a stretchy man-made fabric which is also breathable. Avoid plastic 'easy clean' uppers which don't allow the foot to breathe and won't stretch to accommodate your own foot shape.
Many shoes have cushioning or shock absorbing soles to give you extra comfort while walking.
When buying shoes, ensure that you can put them on and take them off easily. Check that the heel is held firmly in place - you'll find that a lace-up or velcro fastening shoe will give more support and comfort than a slip-on.
Ageing feet
- Our feet get bigger with age but many people buy shoes that don't fit properly. Wearing shoes that are too narrow or ill-suited to the condition of the feet increase the risk of falls and discomfort from bunions and calluses.
- If you are buying shoes for a family member, make sure they fit comfortably on the spot and are appropriate for the kind of activity intended. It can help to get the feet measured and shoes properly fitted by a professional.
- Shoes need to be of sufficient length and width. Some people may need to wear special orthoses (inserts) or a custom made shoe to fit misshapen feet. People with hammertoe for instance will need a shoe with enough toe room. If a loved one has diabetes take special care when choosing a shoe, watch out for inside seams that could cause pressure or friction on the feet.
- For people in residential care, ask a local shoe shop if they can visit an aged care home or take a tracing of your family member's foot for some indication of shoe size, take it with you to avoid too many return visits.
Tips for buying shoes for elderly feet
Many older people continue to wear ill-fitting shoes contributing to pain and trauma in the feet and toes. Our choice of shoes can also increase our risk of falls.
Tips for finding shoes for ageing feet
- Feet can swell during the day so shop for shoes when feet are their largest (end of day)
- Shoes should not need "breaking in" they should fit comfortably from the start
- Ensure the toes don't touch the end of the shoe, allow a 1cm gap from the longest toe
- Choose rubber soles for extra cushioning
- Ensure shoes are wide and deep enough to prevent heel slip
- Lace up, buckles or Velcro should hold the heel in place Velcro straps can be easier for arthritic hands
- Slip on shoes can encourage the toes to ‘claw’ at the shoe to keep it on leading to discomfort, corns and calluses
- Look for shoes with soft leather uppers
- Ensure shoes protect the feet from injury
- Ask your podiatrist about specific lace techniques to prevent heel slip
Your shoes should be roomy enough, particularly, if you intend to wear them everyday. If you suffer with swollen feet, it's a good idea to put your shoes on as soon as you wake up, before your feet have had a chance to swell.
Common problems of ageing feet Fortunately most problems associated with ageing feet can be treated or avoided successfully with good foot care and regular visits to a podiatrist.
Ageing feet can be prone to damage. As we age our feet lose the fatty padding that cushions and protects the feet. Corns and calluses are caused by continuous pressure and friction to the feet. This pressure is commonly caused by ill fitting shoes, underlying structural problems of the feet or moving in a certain way.
Calluses A callus appears as thickened hard skin on the foot. When we exert pressure on a particular area of the foot for too long, the skin hardens to protect itself. A callus can become painful when the foot is not relieved of underlying pressure. Calluses commonly occur on the heel, side of toenails, top or balls of the foot.
Corns A corn develops when the thickened skin becomes hard, painful and tender. A corn appears as a central core or cone shaped area under or surrounded by a callus. Corns are often found on the side or top of toes. Corns can even occur in between the toes.
Treating corns and calluses Corns and calluses will not go away by themselves and should be treated by a podiatrist. Don't try cutting calluses or corns at home. Simply using home remedies, corn paint and plasters doesn't treat the underlying cause of the pressure. Corn paints can damage fragile skin. For people with diabetes this could result in skin breakdown and infection. The safest and most effective way to treat a corn or callus is to consult a podiatrist.
Importance of nail care Sometimes habits we formed years ago like cutting the toe nails incorrectly can lead to painful ingrown toenails and infection. Toenails can get thick with age and can be difficult to cut. People with poor vision or problems reaching the toes can find it especially difficult.
You will need a strong pair of nail clippers for thick or over grown nails. Toe nails should be cut straight across just below the end of the toe. File with an emery board or nail file in a downward stroke. Diabetics should have their nails cut by a podiatrist.
Cutting toenails incorrectly can lead to further problems, always ask a podiatrist to show you how.
Checking ageing feet Checking the condition of the feet should be a part of any daily routine. Some people will find it difficult to reach or see their feet and a family member may need to help. Hand held mirrors are a handy tool for inspecting the feet. Pay extra attention to in between the toes and check for any changes in the feet such as:
• Discolouration
• Swelling
• Changes in temperature of the skin
• Sores, cracked heels, blisters
• Odour
• Corns and calluses
• Tingling, loss of sensation or pain.
Exercise
Exercise can help to keep feet healthy – it tones up muscles, helps to strengthen arches and stimulates blood circulation. Exercises also help to prevent falls.
https://new.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Things-to-do/Active-Healthy-program/Active-Healthy-calendar
Look at Gold Coast Seniors Guide - gives some info to learn strategies and techniques on how to avoid a fall. Wearing appropriate footwear is one of the first steps.
Further advice
You can ask your GP to refer you a local podiatrist, or just ring one yourself that can come to your home.
If you have heel pain - look here for some clues.