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Your feet are two of your most important body parts; they carry you wherever you want to go, yet many of us give them the least attention, especially when we become older. Only when they hurt or prevent us from walking easily do we give them proper attention. As we age our flexibility lessens and it's more physically difficult to bend and reach our feet. Our toenails become thicker and more difficult to trim – so we let them go. We walk barefoot, wear shoes that do not fit properly and bathe less. We grow calluses on our feet because of improperly fitting shoes.
For persons with diabetes, foot care is even more important due to loss of feeling and poor circulation. An injury may exist and go unnoticed. Persons with Alzheimer 's disease or dementia simply forget about foot care. Many older adults do not want anyone to see their feet because they're in such poor condition. Others cannot walk distances because of corns, calluses or ingrown toenails that have not received proper attention.
Protecting your feet is important. Basic care includes washing feet daily with soap and water, and drying thoroughly especially between the toes. Dry skin can be remedied by applying moisturizing cream immediately after bathing. Wearing clean socks that absorb moisture in addition to wearing the correct shoes is important. Improperly fitting shoes will make any foot trouble worse. Areas reddened from wearing shoes, corns, calluses and ingrown toenails are signs that feet may need professional care. A regular appointment with a podiatrist can avoid many foot problems. There are even persons that will come to the home to perform foot care and there are foot care clinics on a monthly basis at some senior centers.
It's important not only to care for our own feet but for the people for whom we provide care. Make foot care a special event by having a "spa" day once a week where feet are soaked, nails trimmed and feet massaged and lotioned. This will support continued mobility and avoid possible issues of infection. If you have parents offer to check their feet and provide care or hire someone who can do this for you.
Copyright 2011 Pamela D. Wilson, All Rights Reserved.
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