agei

ngag

eing

agei

ngag

ein

agei

ngag

eing

agei

ngag

ein

ageingageing ageingageinageingageing ageingagein

Foot health and ageingAs our feet grow older, they naturallydevelop more problems. But painfuland uncomfortable feet are not anatural part of growing old, orsomething to ‘put up with’.

A lot can be done to improvecomfort, relieve pain and keep you on your feet for life.

Mirrors of healthThe condition of our feet oftenprovides early indications ofconditions such as diabetes, arthritis,and circulatory disease. For thisreason, the human foot is sometimescalled the ‘mirror of health’.

Look out for signs such as dryskin, brittle nails, burning and tinglingsensations, feelings of cold, numbness,and discoloration. Always seek theopinion of your podiatrist when any of these signs occur.

Foot problems can be preventedAs we age, our feet tend to spread andlose the fatty pads that cushion thebottom of the feet. If we are carryingextra weight, this can also affect thebone and ligament structure.

Many people, including olderpeople, believe that it is normal for feet to hurt, and simply resignthemselves to enduring foot problemswhich could be treated.

There are more than 300different foot conditions. Some areinherited, but for older people, most stem from the impact of years of use.However, even among people in theirretirement years, many foot problemscan be treated successfully, and thepain of foot conditions relieved.

Older people should have theirfeet measured for shoe sizes morefrequently, rather than presuming that their shoe sizes remain constant.Dry skin and brittle nails are otherconditions older people commonlyface.

Taking good care of your foothealth has many benefits includingincreasing your comfort, limiting the possibility of additional medicalproblems, reducing your chance ofhospitalisation due to infection, andkeeping you active and mobile.

Keep them walkingMobility can be a problem for olderpeople, yet with basic footcare, andthe prompt attention of any problems,getting around shouldn’t be difficult.

Podiatrists provide servicesdesigned to help keep older people on their feet, serving in hospitals,community health centres and nursinghomes, as well as in private practice.

Foot health tips◗ Properly fitted shoes are essential.The older you get, the more you needa shoe that holds your foot firmly inplace and gives adequate support.Sloppy old favourites should bethrown out, as they will make you feel unstable.◗ A shoe with a firm sole and softupper is best for daily activities.◗ Walking is the best exercise foryour feet.◗ Pantyhose or stockings should beof the correct size and preferably freeof seams.◗ Except at the beach, avoid goingbarefoot, even in your own home.◗ Do not wear tight garters as thesecan affect your circulation.

◗ Never cut corns and callouses with a razor, pocket knife, or othersuch instruments and don’t use over-the-counter corn products as they maydo more harm than good, unless theyhave been recommended to you byyour podiatrist.◗ Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm(not hot) water, using a mild soap,preferably one containing moisturisers,or use a moisturiser separately.◗ Trim or file your toenails straightacross, or have a podiatrist cut them for you.◗ Inspect your feet every day, or have someone do this for you. If younotice any redness, cracks in the skin,or sores, consult your podiatrist.◗ Have your feet examined by apodiatrist at least once a year.

agei

ngag

eing

agei

ngag

eing

agei

ngag

eing

agei

ngag

ein

Your Podiatrist Talks About

Published in the interest of foot health by the Australasian Podiatry CouncilACN 008 488 748 Co

ver

phot

o by

Dav

id C

airn

, Her

ald/

Sun

Page

3 p

hoto

by

Jerr

y G

alea

AgeingAgeing

My podiatrist is:

Nail careKeeping nails cut and under control will help keep you mobile. Yet a lot ofelderly people find cutting toenails aproblem, due to poor eyesight ordifficulties in bending down.

If you can cut them yourself, makesure you cut them straight across to alength just below the end of the toe,using a strong pair of nail clippers. Afterclipping, smooth nails with a file oremery board, using downward strokes.

Your podiatrist will be able to cuteven heavily overgrown or thick nailspainlessly, and advise on appropriateself-care.

How your podiatrist can helpPodiatrists are highly skilled healthprofessionals trained to deal with theprevention, diagnosis, treatment andrehabilitation of medical and surgicalconditions of the feet and lower limbs.Podiatrists have completed a Bachelor of Podiatry or higher degree, and are

continually upgrading their skills andknowledge through further educationand training.

Regular visits to your podiatristcan help prevent foot problems, alleviatepain, and help keep you on your feetand mobile.

Where can I find a podiatrist?In Australia refer to your Yellow PagesTM

for a list of podiatrists in your area, orcontact the Australian PodiatryAssociation in your state. In NewZealand, contact the New ZealandSociety of Podiatrists.

Many health funds in Australiaand New Zealand provide cover forpodiatry services on their ancillarytables and government funded servicesare available through the Department ofVeterans’ Affairs, some public hospitalsand community health centres.

*This information is not to be used as asubstitute for podiatric or medical assistance.