Aging can take a big toll on our feet. Even though we rely on our feet every day, they often get neglected when it comes to foot care. But taking good care of our feet can make all of the difference, especially as we get older and the padding in our feet starts to wear down, leading to neuropathy, ingrown toenails, and even injuries. Want to prevent these painful foot conditions? Here are our top tips for senior patients.

Clean Your Feet

One of the most important foot care steps is keeping your feet clean. During your shower, take the time to wash your feet, including in between your toes, with mild soap and lukewarm water. If you need help showering or don’t shower every day, it might be helpful to clean your feet outside of the tub with a washcloth and some soap.

Moisturize Daily

Older skin is more likely to get dry, leading to cracks, flakes, itchy skin, and even sores. Avoid this by using a foot lotion on clean, dry feet.

Keep Your Nails Trimmed

It might not seem like it, but keeping your toenails short and trimmed can help tremendously. Long nails can eventually lead to pain and unstable walking. If you’re comfortable trimming your nails at home, cut straight across and file if necessary. If you have trouble cutting your nails, go to your local nail salon or ask your podiatrist if they offer this service.

Wear The Right Shoes

Proper footwear is essential for seniors. They can make a significant difference when it comes to preventing and helping foot conditions. Not to mention, it makes walking and exercising easier. Make sure you put extra care into finding the right pair of shoes for you. Shoes shouldn’t feel too tight or make your feet feel sore at the end of the day. They should provide support, comfort, and protection from pebbles and debris.

If you have any senior foot care concerns or questions, be safe, not sorry, and contact your local podiatrist for help!

You can count on the Foot & Ankle Specialists, PC foot doctors, to care for your feet using a full range of conservative and surgical therapies. Our expert team, including board-certified podiatrists Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Greg P. Vogt, and Dr. Christine I. Tumele, serves patients of all ages with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies, including on-site digital x-ray, and ultrasound, diabetic shoes, and digital scanning for custom orthotics. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation. We offer house calls Monday through Thursday.