Expert advice for happier, healthier feet
David Jones, DPM, MD, has long held an interest in keeping feet healthy, starting with his mother, who suffered from severe bunions and hammertoes with corns and calluses. He earned two health care degrees and has been practicing podiatry for more than 30 years. Currently, he is a member of the team at On-Site Care, which provides podiatry services at The Lutheran Home Association’s Belle Plaine Campus. On-Site Care has been serving the skilled nursing and assisted living communities of Minnesota since 1991, providing podiatry, hearing and vision professionals.
In honor of National Foot Health Month, Dr. Jones has practical suggestions for older adults and those
with low mobility. Keep reading for healthier feet!
Falls. An important concern for seniors is the risk of falling. Often the first clue is the fall itself. Some things to look for are difficulty picking up your feet when you walk. This is also seen as a shuffling gait where the bottom of the shoes tends to drag a little on the floor. People are more likely to slip on a smooth surface or catch on a heavy carpet. The shape of feet change was we get older. Our choice of footgear needs to adapt to make us comfortable and safe. Consider wearing everyday shoes such as an athletic style or a “SAS” brand shoe if you need a little heel to feel more stable.
Another important consideration is daily walking for exercise. Without this, muscles gradually weaken and suddenly you don’t have the balance and endurance you need to avoid falls. Don’t be shy about getting some help. A cane or a walker my provide stability from falling that will keep you active for years to come and avoid that broken hip. Physical therapy and appropriate devices are more effective for weakness or balance problems before the fall.
Heel pain during the day. In seniors, daytime heel pain is frequently caused by thinning of natural fat pad of the heel. Another common cause is arch strain (plantar fasciitis). Using a gel heel pad from the pharmacy is a good first step. Your podiatrist will determine the cause and treatment options for you if these home methods do not help.
Heel and ankle pain that occurs at night. This may be the precursor of a bed sore —tender areas that are softened, turn pink, and may cause shoes to hurt. Untreated, a callus on the heel can form or the skin starts to break down, becoming a bed sore. Several hours of pressure on one spot is one cause. It may be from a disability or gradual loss of nighttime movement. Placing a pillow under the calf and getting the pressure of the blankets off the feet often helps. Try different shoes you have to see which ones feel better.
Beware of scooters, wheel chairs, and power wheel chairs. If your friends use these things, you are at risk – especially in an elevator. Being run over may seem like a bruise, but in seniors, brittle or thin bones can develop tiny cracks. Even an x-ray can miss this injury. Rest, ice and elevation are a first line of treatment. If you can tolerate Motrin or Aleve, use as directed. Pain and swelling that do not rapidly improve should be evaluated. Urgent care and emergency rooms are to stabilize your pain and refer you to a specialist. If you can get an appointment with our podiatrist, you will cut out the middle man and often the treatment will get you better quicker.
Hygiene. Sometimes it is difficult to reach your feet. Trying to wash the toes and between the toes is hit or miss. Buildup of dead skin can cause dry scaling skin, athletes foot, infections, irritation, or pain. Tools are available to extend your reach. Consider a back washer – a long handle with a brush on the end. Wrapping a face cloth on the end can be used to apply cream to the lower leg and feet. Creams and ointment are usually better than lotions that contain alcohol.
Cold feet. People get this metaphorically in different situations, but for seniors it is literal. Changes in circulation are the most common cause. Cotton athletic socks collect moisture, which keeps the feet cold. In winter, try a wool sock or a thermal sock from the local sporting goods store. If wearing socks to bed, put on a new pair before bed to avoid moisture problems.
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David Jones, DPM, MD, received his podiatry degree from Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and his medical degree from International University of the Americas in Cost Rica. He has a particular interest in diabetes and neurological conditions and has worked with seniors since high school, when he was an aide in a Pennsylvania nursing home where his great aunt lived.