It is always important to take care of our feet but as we get older this becomes even more vital as foot health starts to decline. This can affect our general wellbeing and ability to stay fit and healthy so here are some vital footcare tips for the elderly.
Years of wearing too tight or ill-fitting shoes (and even tight socks), old foot injuries, poor circulation and uneven weight distribution can cause corns, calluses, bunions and other issues with the feet. Left untreated, symptoms can quickly worsten. As we age this can even lead to falls and infections so footcare is very important.
For abnormal changes in your feet please consult a footcare professional like a podiatrist or even a doctor. Diabetics must not self-treat feet without consulting a medical professional.
Our feet grow and change
Along with the rest of our bodies when we are young and developing, our feet grow and change. However, when we get older feet grow due to the wear and tear of supporting our entire body weight. This causes feet to flatten out and become both wider and longer as the tendons and ligaments in the foot become less elastic. This can also lead to the foot arch lowering and the foot becoming flatter and changing shape. Wearing the same shoes or even the size you used to, may no longer suit your foot shape and size.
When the tendon running along the sole of the foot gets longer it can also contribute to bunions.
As we age the fat pads on the bottom of the feet get thinner. Less cushioning can lead to general foot soreness. Corns or calluses can form on the toes and sides and undersides of the feet. For an effective treatment, try using Kroko's best selling Corn and Callus Remover has been tried and trusted by generations nearly 90 years.
More stiffness and less flexibility
As we age we usually experience more stiffness and less flexibility. Even if health conditions limit the amount and type of exercise you can do, it’s important to try to maintain foot and ankle mobility. You can build strength and flexibility in your feet by being active and at the very least doing some basic stretches. Keeping your feet and ankles strong and healthy is especially important to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.
Swelling in the feet, ankles and lower legs
Poor circulation and problems with veins, hormonal changes, heart disease, the side of effects of some medications or reduced physical activity can cause swelling in feet, ankles and lower legs. It is important for you to know what the reason is if you experience this.
Feet can become dry and itchy
When we age skin produces less collagen so feet become drier and can be itchy. This can lead to more calluses, cracked heels and rashes. Kroko Heel Balm with 20% Urea is specially formulated to hydrate and soften rough, dry cracked skin.
Heels thicken and crack
As there is less collagen in the skin, heels can crack. To help seal up heel fissures or cracks Kroko Heel Balm is a paint on application which can help treat and heal the skin. It's a real miracle product for people who suffer from cracked heels.
Toenails can get thicker as we age
This is mainly caused by age-related hormonal changes. Nails grow more slowly but can be thicker and more brittle nails which can be difficult to cut. If nails aren’t kept short and trimmed this can push the toes against the shoes and cause increased pressure which may lead to corns and calluses.
Arthritis
Arthritis can cause pain in the joints of the ankle and toes and can make bunions or hammertoe symptoms worse. This pain may change your gait and affect the knees, hips and back. Arthritis in knees or hips can cause alignment changes and lead to foot pain and put cause pressure on your toes when wearing shoes.
Many of these symptoms can be mitigated with a proper foot care routine:
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