Geriatric Foot Care

According to the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics, impairment of the lower extremities is a leading cause of activity limitation in older people. If older people are to live useful, satisfying and independent lives, they must be able to move about. Mobility is a vital element for independence, which is why it is important for you to have  your feet examined by a foot specialist, at least twice a year.

The human foot has been called the mirror of health. Foot specialists, are often the first practitioners to identify the signs of systemic conditions such as: diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory disease. Among these signs are: dry skin, brittle nails, burning / tingling sensations, feelings of cold, numbness, and discolouration of the feet. It is important to seek care from a health care professional, when any of these signs present.

Foot Problems Can Be Prevented

Many people (including the elderly), believe that it is normal for the feet to hurt and simply resign themselves to endure foot problems that could be treated with routine care. There are more than 300 different foot ailments. Some can be hereditary, but most of these ailments stem from the cumulative effect from years of neglect or abuse. However, even among people in their retirement years, many foot problems can be treated successfully, and the pain of foot ailments relieved, with proper care and monitoring.