08 Apr, 2021
The foot is a very complicated body part with about 26 bones and must endure years of wear and tear. With age, the foot widens, flattens, exposing joints and bones to uncomfortable pressure. As we age, healing slows, and a minor injury like a blister can affect older adults' mobility, balance, and overall general health. Not all seniors are flexible enough to care for their feet, and they should have a caregiver there to help them when needed. Whether if it is a pedicure or home-based care, assisting a senior with regular foot care is important to their general well-being. Here are the key benefits of regular foot care for seniors: Improved Blood Circulation Seniors with underlying conditions like diabetes or peripheral artery diseases experience low blood circulating to their feet and lower legs. When ignored, this could result in dangerous blood clots. Some common signs of low blood circulation include cold feet, skin discoloration, numbness, swelling, cramps, or limb pain. Regular massage can help increase blood circulation. Other times, all that is needed is to change the foot position. Elevate the feet to eliminate kinks in the blood vessels and create room for proper blood flow. Alternatively, you can do a warm water soak. It stimulates blood vessels near the surface to dilate, increasing circulation. A caregiver should also ensure that seniors put on the right socks to promote proper circulation, preferably of a breathable cotton material. Alleviated Pain Around 24% to 30% of older adults report foot pain. When improperly cared for, the foot, blood vessels, nerves, ligaments, and bones can lead to sources of pain. If seniors wear shoes that don't fit properly, they could put pressure on the delicate bones of the foot, causing pain. When they put on improperly sized footwear, the toes can rub against each other, causing painful blisters that post risk of infection. It is a best practice to have the senior’s feet measured and sized by a specialist before buying a pair of footwear. Additionally, with age, the sole padding may become thinner and the skin becomes dry. Using foot lotion daily helps manage this issue. Other illnesses like gout, inflammation, and diabetes can cause damage to the feet and result in pain. With proper care, you can reduce mobility pain and improve a senior's quality of life. Identify Diseases Earlier By keeping a close eye on a senior's feet and mobility, you can spot early signs of infections. Caregivers should examine the feet daily for bruises, scrapes, scars, or blisters that don't seem to heal. Excess dry skin on the feet could also be a sign of early-stage thyroid issues. You should then contact a physician to address the problem before it could escalate to a more serious issue. Blood circulation problems or pinching sensations also warrants a visit to a specialist. Seniors Will Enjoy a More Active Lifestyle Tending to senior's feet often helps improve their mobility. It boosts foot strength and makes it easier for them to take part in activities and be more mobile. The stronger the feet, the longer a senior can maintain an active lifestyle. Additionally, footbaths and spas help relax tense muscles and soothe any dry skin. Treat seniors to a regular massage or spa session to help them feel happier, rejuvenated, and more confident. Prevent Infections Cleaning the feet often wards off possible infections; hence, seniors should wash their feet daily with soap. Caregivers should also see to it that seniors have a regular foot bath outside the shower. Once thoroughly cleaned, dry the feet completely to prevent bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. When the foot's skin dries, it can crack, flake, or break, resulting in open sores. Applying foot lotion locks the moisture in to keep the skin soft and supple. Additionally, remember to trim the toenails. When neglected, nails can grow into the skin, causing pain and infections, which interfere with stability and mobility. Wearing open-toed shoes and past foot-related injuries could also lead to ingrown toenails. When this happens, rather than pulling it off, trim the nail straight across and keep it leveled with the top of the toe. To avoid ingrown toenails, regularly trim the nails in straight and across directions. Also, file the nails straight, across, and around the edges. It's worth noting that older adults who have dementia may experience discomfort while trimming the nail. Find calming methods to put the individual at ease, you can try massaging or soaking their feet first to soothe them before trimming their nails. Good foot hygiene will leave seniors both looking and feeling great. As we age, it can pose a challenge to care for our feet on our own. It's only through good foot care that they can maintain mobility and overall foot health. Maintaining a senior’s feet grows their independence, increases their activity level, and significantly reduces pain, and risk of serious injuries. First Choice Senior Care is a licensed home care agency that specializes in non-medical home care for seniors. We strive to ensure a better quality of life for our clients and their families with comprehensive senior care services. If you would like to learn about our team and our services, contact us today to find out more! The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.