People expect to get old. Their teeth wear out and they get fillings and replacements. Their eyes wear out and they get glasses. Their hearing wears out and they get hearing aids. But somehow people never expect their feet to wear out. Their feet are supposed to go on forever, and yet feet work harder and under worse conditions than most any other part of the body.

Older people almost resent the fact that their formerly good, hard-working feet are now giving them all kinds of aches and pains, which prevent them from getting around and enjoying life.

The care of the aging foot requires a separate, special set of skills and treatment. Improper care and hygiene can very quickly lead to severe infections, ulceration, limited  ability to walk, or even confinement to a wheelchair.

Older people want to be independent. For that reason, minor aches and pains, sores, dull aches, cramps, or changes in condition should be cared for promptly. These often are the early warning signs of impending severe foot trouble. So when you see or feel minor aches and pains, inflammation, or changes in skin or nail color, see your podiatrist.

Here are some things that an older person should do to help prevent foot problems:

• Wash your feet with mild face soap and warm water. Do not use hot water.
  

• Dry the feet with a clean soft towel, without rubbing the skin. Use a blotting action. Dry carefully between the toes. Do not force the toes apart. Use a cotton tip swab if necessary to get in between the toes.
  

• Massage lotion into the skin of the feet, especially the heels after every bath or shower. Keep the feet warm. Use a clean pair of stockings each day. Do not wear circular garters. Use loose fitting bed socks if desired.
  

• Do not cut your corns or calluses. Never use corn plasters or corn remedies. With impaired circulation or impaired sensitivity, damage can be severe before discomfort warns you.
  

• Do not use strong antiseptic drugs on the feet, particularly Tincture of Iodine, Lysol or Carbolic Acid.
  

• Restrict or eliminate the use of tobacco in any form. It constricts blood vessels that may be having trouble supplying the proper amount of blood.
  

• If your eyesight is impaired, have some member of your family examine your feet at least once a day for blisters, sores or wounds.
  

• If you soak your feet use warm (never hot) water, if necessary have someone check the temperature or use a bath thermometer. Decreased sensation impairs the ability to evaluate temperature.
  

• Get assistance from a podiatrist at the first sign of a blister, an infection, ingrowing toenails, or trouble with bunions, corns or calluses.

A little common sense and prompt care will keep the older person walking and working with comfort for many years.

Can a podiatrist help your feet last longer? We make it easy for you to find out. Here's how....

The physicians and staff of the A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Centers maintain two complete podiatric clinical facilities and provide 24-hour emergency service. We participate in most health plans including Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Medicare, and Medicaid. We complete and file all necessary insurance forms and make every effort to assure you of maximum benefits with minimum out-of-pocket expense.

You are invited to make an appointment today to relieve your foot problems by calling us at 970-493-4660 or 970-667-0769.