Older Feet
As people age sustaining mobility and independence are of utmost significance. Foot complications in the elderly are frequent and are the cause of much discomfort and disability with consequent loss of independence. The pro-active management of foot problems in the elderly as a result makes a worthwhile contribution to the quality of their life.
Foot issues, for example corns, calluses, in grown toenails and fungal toenail infections can impede mobility. Structural difficulties like bunions, hammertoes, heel pain and joint degeneration may also contribute to immobility.
Podiatric care is aimed at maintaining the person on their feet and moving. Mobility is very important to be able to continue leisure activities which include golf, bowling, tennis, walking and in many cases for day-to-day domicile activities and taking care of oneself. Major problems with the elderly are self-diagnosis, ignoring symptoms and many people attempt to self-treat their feet as well, making the outcome worse than the initial problem.
The medical problems of a person can influence by their foot condition. These involve Diabetes mellitus, poor circulation and arthritis. Podiatrists concentrate on the prevention, diagnosis, remedy and rehabilitation of foot troubles. Some foot conditions may well impact on shoe fitting and comfort or precipitate foot ulceration with the presence of vascular and neurological illness.
Podiatric management includes:
The remedy of skin and toenail issues inside a clinical setting requiring the skilled use of sterile instruments. A lot of people are surprised at how little it hurts to remove a corn or nail which has been causing them a great deal discomfort. No one ought to have to suffer walking with a corn, callus or thickened toenail.
Footwear assistance; Proper footwear is extremely critical for the management of any foot condition. A shoe may need to become shorter/longer, wider/narrower, deeper inside the toe/heel location, restrained using a buckle and strap or laces. Shoes need to fit appropriately. An effectively fitting shoe will improve stability though walking and decrease the likelihood of falls. Prescription foot orthotics (in-shoe devices) are manufactured by podiatrists to offer you long-term health options in the remedy and prevention of corns, calluses and ulceration by supplying pressure redistribution. Another form of treatment includes the use of orthotic devices to realign the foot and these are utilised to remedy many structural foot problems.
Educating the elderly in the areas of caring for their feet to foot hygiene as well as the education of early warning signs for other health complications are all roles that a podiatrist can play in maintaining aging peoples independence, mobility and lifestyle.