Although you may have never had any problems with your foot and ankle, it is important for you to begin taking good care of them as you age. A lot of serious health issues, such as arthritis, diabetes, circulatory problems, diabetes, and nerve disorders begin in the feet. Aging is also associated with bone and muscle weakening, which can increase the risk of foot and ankle injuries. Therefore, it is imperative for seniors to check their feet regularly and ensure that they are healthy and working normally. In case of any anomalies with your feet and ankles, it is imperative for you to get in touch with a reliable podiatrist for Des Plaines orthotics and other foot and ankle solutions.
Common Foot and Ankle Problems
There are many foot and ankle problems that are common among seniors. Some of them include stress fractures, arthritis, flatfoot, ankle sprain, dry skin, bunions, ingrown toenails, heel spurs, and athlete’s foot, among others. In case of any of these problems, it is imperative to seek the assistance of a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment or management.
Essential Tips for Taking Care of Feet and Ankles
Of course, it is not possible to completely prevent foot and ankle problems. However, there are several things that you can do to keep them safe and healthy. Some of the tips that you can count on to keep your feet safe and healthy include:
Moisturize
Moisturizing your feet with a high-quality lotion can go a long way in preventing calluses and blisters from forming.
Trim the Toenails
Ingrown toenails are a significant cause of infections. To prevent ingrown toenails from forming, it is important for you to keep your toenails trimmed.
Wear Good Shoes
It is quite important for seniors to wear comfortable shoes that fit well in addition to providing adequate support. This will go a long way in minimizing strain occasioned by flatfoot and other problems. Properly fitting shoes can also significantly reduce the risk of blisters, calluses, and bunions.
Regular Exams
In addition to checking your feet every day, it is imperative to schedule regular checks for your foot and ankle. This is extremely essential, particularly for people with diabetes. This is because a small problem, such as a cut or blister on the foot of a diabetic person may refuse to heal and eventually cost them their leg through amputation. Therefore, it is imperative for you to take any problems with the foot seriously and seek the assistance of a doctor as soon as possible.
The Bottom Line
Overall, it is apparent that the feet and ankles of the elderly require more focused care. This is because, with age, bones, and muscles can lose their strength and put seniors at risk of accidents. Seniors are therefore advised to check their feet regularly, wear high-quality shoes, including orthotics, and keep in touch with reliable podiatrists. If you are looking for a good podiatrist in Des Plaines, IL, Alex Yanovskiy, DPM of Illinois Foot and Ankle Clinic is your best bet. Feel free to contact Illinois Foot and Ankle Clinic for more information about their practitioners and services.
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