What Senior Citizens Can Do for Their Aging Feet
If you’re a senior citizen in Fairfax County, you’re in good company. The elderly population here is growing! According to our county’s website, the number of residents over 70 will increase by 55% between 2010 and 2030. The over-65 group isn’t far behind – we expect to have 51% more in that period.
One thing that most senior citizens have in common, unfortunately, is that their bodies begin to have challenges as they age. Changes in their feet are also very common – which isn’t surprising considering how many miles seniors have put on them.
Seniors are more likely to suffer from the following foot conditions:
- Dry skin and cracked heels
- Nail issues such as ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, and brittleness
- Decreased circulation
- Neuropathy, or loss of nerve function
A lack of flexibility is another problem that can sneak up on us as we age. That’s important for your feet for a couple of reasons. First, the inability to move easily or bend over makes it more difficult to care for your feet. Second, a tendency to move less may perpetuate until you’re not moving around much at all. That’s not good for your overall health. Finally, poor foot health can lead to dangerous falls.
Problems aren’t inevitable
No senior citizen should throw up their hands and say, “Oh, well,” resigning themselves to a sedentary lifestyle complete with foot pain. You can take many steps to stay active and pain-free in your senior years. For example:
- Get to know what’s normal for your feet. Check them daily and make an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm, if you see or feel any changes.
- Wear properly-fitting, supportive shoes.
- Don’t smoke.
- Keep moving! Walking and other forms of exercise will help safeguard your flexibility, keep your heart pumping, and maintain good circulation in your feet.
Dr. Wilhelm and the caring staff at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center are your partners in good foot health. Call us with your concerns or questions, and we’ll happily make an appointment for you to visit us at our Centreville podiatry office. Call (703) 996-3000 or contact us online.
