If you feel unsure about foot care, hire a professional foot care nurse. Elderly persons don’t have as good circulation in their feet as they used to. The average person walks over 10,000 steps in one day! Our feet must stay healthy in order for us to stay mobile and active. Unique feet challenges and problems can occur as we age, so our foot health should be monitored on a regular basis.
Good elder foot care might include:
- An assessment to see what shape the feet, toes and nails are in as well as spot any problems like callouses, cracked heels, ingrown toenails, etc.
- A foot massage that encourages circulation and helps the person to relax.
- Teaching him/her how to take care of their feet properly.
- Teaching the person the best way to cut the nails.
- How to treat or remove corns and callouses.
- Showing the person how to avoid ingrown toenails and what to do if they occur.
- Identify any specialized foot care needs the person has, as well as giving referrals to appropriate community resources.
Maintaining good foot health:
- Bathe feet every day in warm water (not hot water.)
- The feet should be dried well after getting wet, and especially make sure to thoroughly dry between all toes.
- Check the feet every day for spots, bruises, blisters, cuts or swelling.
- Use a mirror to check bottoms of feet or have someone check for you.
- Diabetics should consult on a regular basis with their health care team.
- Keep skin soft and smooth with a good moisture-retention cream.
- Wear shoes and socks at all times. They defend and protect your feet.
- If your feet need cushioning, try thick, soft cotton or wool for your socks.
- Keep good blood flow in the feet.
- Avoid crossing legs for any length of time.
- Avoid or stop smoking; it detracts from foot health.
Make a doctor’s appointment right away if you notice:
- Your feet hurt when walking, but not when resting.
- Your feet aren’t as sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, or to pain.
- You have injuries to the feet that don’t seem to heal, or become infected easily and it’s hard to get rid of the infection.
- Any unusual tingling, numbness or discomfort in your feet or toes.
Did you know? There are a lot of sweat glands in your two feet – approximately 25,000! No wonder feet can become sweaty. It’s a very effective way your body uses to cool off.
Elder Care – Foot Care
If you feel unsure about foot care, hire a professional foot care nurse. Elderly persons don’t have as good circulation in their feet as they used to. The average person walks over 10,000 steps in one day! Our feet must stay healthy in order for us to stay mobile and active. Unique feet challenges and problems can occur as we age, so our foot health should be monitored on a regular basis.
Good elder foot care might include:
- An assessment to see what shape the feet, toes and nails are in as well as spot any problems like callouses, cracked heels, ingrown toenails, etc.
- A foot massage that encourages circulation and helps the person to relax.
- Teaching him/her how to take care of their feet properly.
- Teaching the person the best way to cut the nails.
- How to treat or remove corns and callouses.
- Showing the person how to avoid ingrown toenails and what to do if they occur.
- Identify any specialized foot care needs the person has, as well as giving referrals to appropriate community resources.
Maintaining good foot health:
- Bathe feet every day in warm water (not hot water.)
- The feet should be dried well after getting wet, and especially make sure to thoroughly dry between all toes.
- Check the feet every day for spots, bruises, blisters, cuts or swelling.
- Use a mirror to check bottoms of feet or have someone check for you.
- Diabetics should consult on a regular basis with their health care team.
- Keep skin soft and smooth with a good moisture-retention cream.
- Wear shoes and socks at all times. They defend and protect your feet.
- If your feet need cushioning, try thick, soft cotton or wool for your socks.
- Keep good blood flow in the feet.
- Avoid crossing legs for any length of time.
- Avoid or stop smoking; it detracts from foot health.
Make a doctor’s appointment right away if you notice:
- Your feet hurt when walking, but not when resting.
- Your feet aren’t as sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, or to pain.
- You have injuries to the feet that don’t seem to heal, or become infected easily and it’s hard to get rid of the infection.
- Any unusual tingling, numbness or discomfort in your feet or toes.
Did you know? There are a lot of sweat glands in your two feet – approximately 25,000! No wonder feet can become sweaty. It’s a very effective way your body uses to cool off.
If you or an aging loved one needs elder care services in the Sacramento, CA area; remember there is “Senior Home Care Services” for all services needed. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
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