Be Savvy about Senior Foot Care

82661893_M_Smiling_senior_Friends_Exercising_Arms_mats_Park.jpg

At Texas Foot Specialists, we treat patients of all ages and each stage of life has its own unique foot care needs. For seniors, it’s important to be on the lookout for wear and tear conditions that tend to be on the rise as you age. Joint health and circulation issues are two areas of concern in older patients. Avoiding falls is another important aspect of foot care. Below are some tips to help address common disorders and keep feet healthy.

  • Follow a Simple Daily Care Routine—a couple of simple steps and just a few minutes each day can go a long way to promoting good podiatric health. Wash your feet with soap and water. If you have diabetes, don’t scrub vigorously. Wipe feet gently with a soft washcloth and then dry completely. Use a foot powder in the morning to help keep feet dry and a moisturizer before bed to prevent dry and cracking skin.

  • Don’t Put Off Podiatrist Appointments--our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600), or Houston (713-664-6677) offices are all following strict Covid safety protocols to ensure the health of our patients and employees. Neglecting routine checkups or treatment for diabetes, pain, and discomfort can seriously hurt your feet and your overall health.

  • ·Inspect Feet Between Visits—there are signs that problems may be developing in your feet. These include bruising, sores that don’t heal, swelling, lumps, skin color changes, and redness. In some cases, changes in your feet may indicate a systemic problem such as arthritis or heart or kidney disease. If you notice anything unusual, it’s important that you contact our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum, to have your feet examined.

  • Exercise Regularly—staying physically active improves podiatric health in many ways. First, it helps maintain good circulation. It also is a factor in avoiding weight gain which can exacerbate several foot problems. Choose an exercise program that will specifically work on balance issues to decrease your risk of falls.

  • Enjoy a Balanced Diet—including lots of produce in your menus will ensure you get all the vitamins and nutrients you need. Certain fruits and vegetables are particularly effective at reducing inflammation. Be sure to get an adequate amount of calcium for strong bones.

Taking care of your feet as you age will ensure that they continue to take care of you for many years to come. For more information about senior foot health, contact us today.