Foot care is even more crucial for those with limited mobility or physical limitations. Poor foot care can lead to issues with your feet that further impair movement, cause pain, and could precipitate a fall. Do you have diabetes? Foot care is critical to these individuals to prevent life-threatening infections.
Foot problems can exacerbate mobility issues, further hindering access while also causing chronic discomfort or pain. Taking care of your feet is more than an activity of daily living- it is a proactive and necessary health precaution that can prevent infection and illness. If you have issues with your feet, consider using mobility aids; it can help you avoid serious risks to your overall wellbeing.
Some tips for proper foot care include the following:
Measure Your Feet
Did you know that there is a national observance dedicated to measuring your feet? It’s true. Measure Your Feet Day on January 23rd aims to inspire you to measure your feet regularly to ensure well-fitting footwear. After all, your feet are the basis of your mobility, accessibility, and balance. Do not let ill-fitting shoes hinder you. Give your feet a bit of extra attention. Remeasure your feet and see if they have grown since the last time you checked!
Pay Attention to your Feet
Daily Foot Care is a lot more than merely washing and drying your feet. It includes wearing moisture-absorbent socks, tending to any wounds or blisters, trimming your nails, and keeping your feet safe from potential infection. Make sure that you are drying your feet thoroughly to prevent moisture from becoming trapped and change your socks each day.
Some more foot care tips include these!
- Switch shoes and rotate the pairs that you wear regularly. During wet weather- or if you are prone to perspiration- give shoes a day between wearing to dry out.
- If you walk around barefoot, make sure to wash your feet well after. It is best to avoid being barefoot outside, if possible.
- Try to trim your toenails at least every two weeks and use a file or emery board to smooth down the edges and corners after. Have a professional trim them for you if you have trouble seeing your toes, difficulty reaching them, or if you live with medical issues, like diabetes. Even a superficial nick or cut can cause big problems for people with diabetes or circulatory issues.
- Use clean nail clippers or scissors. Sanitize them periodically by immersing them in alcohol.
- If you notice a discolored toenail, avoid putting nail polish on it. Let it breathe and, hopefully, heal and keep your physician informed.
It is important to get a good look at all areas of your feet, so if you are having trouble, use a small, handheld mirror for a better vantage point.
Stimulate the Circulation
A lot of problems with feet are caused by poor circulation, and seniors, are prone to circulation problems. Do you always feel like your hands or feet are cold? This is a sign of poor circulation. It is important to keep blood moving in all areas of the body, and the numbness caused by poor circulation can be immobilizing and cause falls.
Even more seriously, poor circulation in the extremities can lead to big issues among those with diabetes. In fact, many suffer amputations due to a lack of blood flow in their legs or feet. A warm foot soak with Epsom salt can be soothing, and cause blood flow, improving circulation. Another solution is to treat yourself or someone you love to an invigorating and therapeutic foot massage!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
As mentioned, well-fitting footwear is vital to maintaining foot health, but also make sure that the shoes you choose are comfortable. This will go a long way in preserving posture and helping you get around with more ease. Also, comfy shoes prevent sore blisters and wounds on your toes or heel that can impede movement. Assess your shoes for good arch support and do not choose footwear that is too snug or tight.
See a Foot Doctor
Do not suffer in silence with corns or bunions, they really hurt! These are common foot issues that happen typically due to a lot of wear and tear on your feet. This is also more prevalent the older that you get. Do not try DIY corn treatments, but instead, see a doctor for proper care and treatment. Furthermore, the longer you let these situations persist, the more painful and debilitating they can become- see your provider right away.
Use these tips to provide your feet with proper care to prevent a wide range of health issues and repercussions. If you live with medical issues like diabetes, it is even more critical to take care of your feet. For mobility aids and enhanced accessibility, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility today!
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)
