Mobility helps seniors stay independent and enjoy their twilight years, which is why foot care is essential. Cushioning in the foot and joints weakens with age, leaving seniors more susceptible to injuries. The following are several tips to ensure you or an aging loved one properly care for their feet.

How Seniors Can Preserve Their Foot Health

1. Choose Supportive Footwear

Well-fitting shoes keep your feet from rubbing against the sole and creating painful blisters. Thick soles reduce stress on the heels, so tendons and soft tissue don’t become inflamed. High tops are generally recommended for ankle support and plenty of traction to prevent slips and falls. Seniors with flat feet or high arches may need custom inserts for added support.

2. Clean Them Every Day

Foot sores and infections make it painful to walk, which is why seniors must wash their feet every day with soap and warm water. Scrubbing with a washcloth removes bacteria and fungi around the toenails and prevents infections. 

This is especially important for seniors with diabetes who are more prone to infections. Serious diabetic foot infections make it impossible to walk and could eventually require amputation. Moisturize your feet with petroleum jelly after washing, and trim toenails straight across so they don’t grow into the skin or push against the insides of shoes.

3. Stretch

Stretching improves the range of motion in the ankle and reduces muscle tension. Try flexing toes toward the ceiling and holding for 5 seconds when sitting. Then, curl and hold them for another 5 seconds. Practice spreading the toes, performing circles with the ankles, and rolling your foot over a tennis ball to stretch joints and tendons. Well-conditioned feet are less prone to injury and promote circulation to prevent blood clots that can cause nerve damage.

Address health concerns early by seeing a foot care professional at Choice Podiatry Associates. With locations in Monfort Heights South, Kenwood, and Wyoming, OH, this practice is committed to keeping patients mobile and healthy. They welcome patients of all ages and address foot problems ranging from general pain to ankle sprains and diabetic foot care. Call (513) 574-2424 to schedule a consultation, or visit their website to learn more about the practice.