Medical care and exercise are critically important in senior care since good general health and mobility make it possible to live a long, healthy late life. One of the most frequently overlooked aspects of senior healthcare is podiatry, or foot care. To understand why this should be a top priority for older people, take a look at a few benefits a podiatrist can offer you or your senior loved ones below.

What Part Does Podiatry Play in Senior Care?

1. Monitor and Treat Ongoing Foot Health Concerns

By the time most people reach their senior years, their feet have seen a lifetime of wear and tear, and many people develop chronic foot conditions long before they retire. Older people frequently struggle with issues such as fungal infections, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis, which can make it difficult to walk or stand comfortably and can contribute to a range of additional ailments.

Podiatrists are trained to identify, assess, and prevent and treat these and other foot-related illnesses and injuries. As such, they’re uniquely qualified to offer care advice and recommend or prescribe treatments and medications to help older people keep their feet healthy and comfortable for years to come.

2. Assessing Nail Care

It’s not uncommon for seniors to experience difficulty trimming their toenails properly, often due to reduced dexterity and range of motion. Consequently, this can lead to issues such as minor infections, ingrown toenails, and difficulty walking or wearing shoes.

A podiatrist can help by advising patients on proper nail-trimming techniques and general foot care. If a senior has difficulty trimming their nails due to a limited range of motion, a podiatrist can even trim their nails for them in order to keep their feet healthy and comfortable.

3. Footwear Advice

As people age, the layers of fat along the soles of the feet that act as cushioning often grow thinner, leading to discomfort or persistent pain while walking or standing. Furthermore, the shoes a senior wore in their younger years may no longer provide the support or comfort they need.

In either case, proper footwear can go a long way toward alleviating discomfort and keeping the feet supported. A podiatrist will usually ask their patients about their footwear and whether they have any complaints about it and suggest footwear better suited to their needs. For instance, a foot specialist can determine whether you should be wearing diabetic or orthopedic shoes and can usually recommend brands their other patients have found helpful.

When you or a loved one are looking for top-quality senior care services, contact Longhorn Village in Austin, TX. This senior living community offers residents independent living with as much support as they need, including a wide range of on-demand health services and advice. For more information, call (512) 382-4664 to speak with a helpful representative, or visit their website.