Putting the right foot forward

DID you know there are more than 300 different foot conditions? Some are inherited while others stem from the impact of years of use.

Even more reason why we should take a step in the right direction and make the health of our feet a priority, the Australasian Podiatry Council said.

As we get older, our feet naturally develop more problems, which might include dry skin or brittle nails. Painful and uncomfortable feet are not a natural part of growing old, or something for you to put up with. A lot can be done to improve comfort, relieve pain, and keep us on our feet for life.

Therefore, if we have a foot problem, we should seek advice from a health professional.

Podiatrists are highly skilled health professionals trained to deal with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs.

The condition of our feet provides early indications of conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and circulatory diseases. “For this reason, the human foot is sometimes called the mirror of health,” the APC said.        

We need to keep an eye out for signs such as dry skin, brittle nails, burning and tingling sensations, feeling of cold and numbness, as well as discolouration. Always seek the advice of a podiatrist to find out why these signs occur.

Meanwhile, as we get older our feet tend to lose the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of it. Carrying a bit of extra weight in old age can affect the bone and ligament structure. Many of us think that it is normal for our feet to hurt and simply resign to enduring foot problems, which can be treated.

Podiatrists recommended that we get our feet measured for shoe sizes more frequently rather than buying the same size constantly in our senior years.

Other foot health care tips include wearing shoes with a firm sole and soft upper half for daily activities, walking to keep your feet moving and if you wear stockings make sure it is the correct size and seam free. In addition, we should avoid walking bare feet even if it is just in our homes, unless we are at the beach and try not to wear tight garters as it can affect circulation.

Calluses and corns are caused by an imbalance of pressure on the foot, causing extra friction to fall on certain areas of it. If you have corns or calluses, do not cut them with a razor or pocketknife and try to avoid using over the counter products unless recommended by a podiatrist, as this could do more harm than good. Calluses are generally symptoms of other problems or early warning signs of a more serious foot disorder, so it is important to see a podiatrist. They will be able to tell us what the cause is and advise on what we should do.

Bathing feet on a daily basis in lukewarm water using a mild soap is also recommended, as well as inspecting feet everyday for redness, cracks in the skin or sores.

Nail care is just as important

Keeping nails cut and under control will help keep us mobile. “As we get older, we will find it difficult to cut our toenails, due to poor eyesight or difficulty to bend down,” the APC said.

“If you do decide to cut them yourself, make sure you cut them so that they are slightly curved just short at the end of the toe, using a strong pair of nail clippers. After clipping, smooth nails with a file or emery board using a downward stroke.”

Our podiatrist will also be able to cut even heavily overgrown or thick nails painlessly and advise on appropriate self-care.