The weight of the body can take a toll on a person’s feet, especially as we get older. There are also many foot issues that many senior citizens deal with. If you are helping to care for your elderly loved one, there are some foot issues that they may need help with. Keep reading here to find out more about these issues and what you and home care providers can do to help.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is very common in elderly people. It can affect different joints throughout the body. The feet are one of the areas that are commonly affected by this condition. It is also important to note that women are more likely to get arthritis when they are older than men. This is likely due to menopause and related bone loss. There are some other factors that could lead your elderly loved one to get arthritis, as well. These include bunions, ankle or foot injuries, and hammertoe. If your elderly loved one does have arthritis, over-the-counter pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications may be able to help. Exercise could help, as well.
Gout
Your elderly loved one may have gout, too. This is a type of arthritis. It is also a type of autoimmune disease. In many senior citizens, gout will lead to a lot of pain. This condition is caused by uric acid crystals building up around the joints. Usually, it starts in a person’s big toe. If your elderly loved one has this condition, their doctor can prescribe a treatment plan. If you can’t get your elderly loved one to this appointment, a home care provider can.
Dry Skin
Your elderly loved one may have dry skin on their feet, as well. This can make their feet very sore. If your elderly loved one’s feet are too dry, you or their home care provider can pick up a hydrating lotion for them to use. This can help to prevent cracking of their skin. It can also help to prevent further dryness in their feet.
Toenail Issues
Your elderly loved one might have toenail issues, too. As people get older, their toenails become brittle and thicker. This can make it tough to clip them. In addition, many senior citizens get cracks in their toenails. This can be very painful if they get caught on something.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about the feet issues that your elderly loved one might encounter, you can help them if these conditions arise. It is important to remember that if your loved one is in pain because of their foot issues, they may need you or a home care provider to help them with certain tasks.
If you or an aging loved one needs homecare services near Lincoln, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
Sources
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/feet-problems-and-treatments
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