It`s no surprise that we are kicking off our educational blog with this important topic. As we age, taking care of our feet becomes more important- and more challenging.
Many of the elderly struggle to inspect their feet regularly due to limitations such as back problems, arthritis or reduced flexibility and other age-related changes, including poor eyesight. This means that foot issues may go unnoticed until they become serious. Its quite amazing to hear how many patients say “oh really? I didn’t even know I had that down there- I cannot reach or see under my feet!”
Common problems that are often missed include:
Skin changes (redness, dryness, thinning)
Cuts, blisters, sores
Swelling
Discharges
Nail changes (ingrown, discoloured, thickened)
Lumps, bumbs and changes in foot shape
Why daily checks matter
Early detection allows for early treatment. A minor ingrown toenail problem can rapidly progress into a serious infection if not attended to timeously. Changes in foot shape can result in altered walking patterns which may subsequently lead to accidents such as sprains and falls.
A helpful tool: A foot inspection mirror
One simple tool we recommend for home use is a foot inspection mirror. These mirrors help you easily check the bottoms and sides of your feet- areas that are hard to see, without bending or twisting. Some come with extendable handles or lights making inspection even easier.
When to contact a Podiatrist
If you notice anything concerning during your daily checks, reach out to your podiatrist as soon as possible.