As you age, your feet undergo various changes that require careful attention and proactive care. Seniors can better care for their feet by understanding these changes and adopting healthy habits. With aging, feet may experience the thinning of fat pads, reduced circulation, and diminished flexibility, making them more susceptible to pain, injuries, and conditions like arthritis and diabetes-related foot problems. Regularly examining feet for cuts, sores, or signs of infection is important. Choosing well-fitting shoes with ample support and cushioning helps maintain foot health and prevent discomfort. Keeping toenails trimmed and groomed properly reduces the risk of ingrown nails and infections. Engaging in foot exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and circulation is also beneficial. Moreover, keeping feet dry and wearing clean socks can help prevent fungal infections. If you are a senior, it is suggested that you schedule regular visits with a chiropodist to ensure comprehensive foot care and early detection of any foot issues.

Foot problems can become increasingly common as we age, making everyday foot care especially important. To learn more about maintaining proper foot health, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Foot Problems

Certain foot problems may be more likely to affect older adults. 

Some examples of foot conditions that can be common in older adults include: 

• Dry, cracked skin

• Calluses and corns

• Blisters

• Ingrown toenails

• Deformities such as bunions or hammertoes

• Fungal infections

• Plantar warts

Systemic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, are also more likely to affect older people and manifest symptoms in the feet and ankles. 

Daily Foot Care Tips

Having a daily foot care routine can help detect problems early on and prevent future issues. 

Things that you can do at home to care for your feet include: 

• Washing the feet daily with warm water, drying them thoroughly, and then applying a moisturizer 

• Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails

• Performing daily foot exercises to improve foot strength and mobility

• Wearing shoes when walking to avoid injury

• Inspecting the feet daily for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities and seeking prompt treatment if any problems are discovered 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.