Footcare Compass: Your Comprehensive Guide to Supportive Aging

January 25, 2024

Greetings, readers! Today, I wanted to take you on a journey of care and knowledge, exploring the realm of footcare for the senior population. As always, I want to share a helpful and informative perspective, offering insights and guidance to support the well-being of aging feet.

The Gift of Regular Foot Inspections: Take a moment to inspect your feet. Outcomes of regular foot checks point to early detection, prevention of complications, enhanced comfort, and an overall improvement in the quality of life for seniors. In a future post I will be discussing how to do a proper foot assessment and things to be concerned about.

Hydration Harmony for Happy Feet: As I discussed in my last blog post, Hydration is the foundation of healthy skin. Embrace the ritual of drinking plenty of water, daily moisturizing and treating your feet with the care they deserve.

SOCKS: Did you know there are socks that are now individual for left and right feet? Sock ingenuity and engineering has come a long way. Your choice of socks can be your allies in the battle against discomfort. Choose socks that provide a comfortable embrace. Socks should fit like a hug, not a squeeze!

Understanding and Nurturing Toe Health: Bunions are one of the biggest toe deformities I see in my practice. They can be approached with compassion and a little self care if surgery is not an option. Understand the signs, such as changes in toe alignment, and seek guidance from a foot health practitioner to offer treatment options is key for worsening pain and discomfort.

Hammertoes may feel like a foot comfort challenge, but with a proper assessment and knowledge, you can address them. Resolving and managing hammer toes often involves a combination of self-care measures and, in some cases, professional interventions.

Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop in response to repeated friction or pressure. While they are generally not harmful, they can cause discomfort. There are several ways to rid yourself of these thickened areas. Stay tuned for my next blog where I go into detailed self care options for a variety of toe deformities and how to treat them.

Understand what podiatry services and Interventions are available:  Laser treatments, including laser therapy for various foot conditions, have shown promising results in some cases, according to the podiatric literature that I have read. One area where laser therapy has shown positive outcomes is in the treatment of onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the toenails. Some studies have reported improved nail appearance and a reduction in fungal infections following laser treatment.

My new favorite topic, Orthotics: Custom orthotics have demonstrated effectiveness in addressing foot-related issues, offering benefits such as improved biomechanics and reduced pain. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, custom orthotics were found to significantly decrease foot pain and improve day to day function in individuals with various foot conditions. This supports my promotion on the use of custom orthotics as a valuable intervention for enhancing foot health.

We should all know by now, the wisdom of footwear selection goes beyond style—it's about understanding your feet. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, the right shoes are your partners in promoting comfort and health. As I always say, choose wisely and let your shoes become the foundation of your journey towards foot comfort and well-being.

In conclusion, I hope to help you navigate the terrain of aging feet with care, empathy, and knowledge. Embrace the wisdom of footcare, and may your journey be filled with supportive steps and flourishing foot health.

Wishing you happy and healthy feet!