10/24/2017
FOOT CARE ISN'T A LUXURY, IT'S A NECESSITY - ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS.
Most of us spend very little time thinking about our feet, and even less time actively taking care of them. Yet by age 50, the average American logs 75,000 miles on the pair, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.
By paying attention, getting care and treatment when you need it, and managing conditions like diabetes and heart disease, you might just get another 75,000 miles out of them.
Foot disorders in older people are very common and can lead to pain and disability, and consequently loss of mobility and independence, according to Foot.com. Being able to walk easily is something you don’t want to lose.
** It’s important for all of us to practice good basic foot care. **
If you have diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or another health condition that causes lack of sensation in your feet, you need to check them carefully every day. And don’t forget to check the bottoms.
Use a mirror or have someone look for you if it’s too hard to get the bottom of your foot where you can see it. Check for cuts, blisters, ingrown toenails, bunions, dark spots that may signal skin cancer — yes, skin cancers occur on both the top and bottom of the feet — and anything else that appears out of the ordinary.
Fungal issues, toenail cutting and rough patches on the soles of the feet are handled by some podiatrists and other doctors, but there’s a growing trend toward medical pedicures.
Ordinary pedicures are a nice way to pamper the feet, but medical pedicures are a necessary procedure when you have diabetes, numbness, poor circulation or wounds that won’t heal. People with these conditions are at higher risk for infection from skin injuries when they have little feeling in their feet.
Too many of us take our feet for granted or just assume they’re supposed to ache now and then. After all, we put them through their paces every day. Giving your feet the care and attention they need and deserve is a step in the right direction.
~~ Dr. Scott Smith, Monterey Spine & Joint