Around 25% of older adults experience foot pain. It can increase the risk of a fall by making it harder to stay balanced and mobile. Yet, proper foot care can prevent many of the reasons for the pain. Help your parents eliminate foot pain by addressing these common issues.
Arthritis Pain
Gout is a type of arthritis that affects the feet. If the foot pain is due to arthritis, schedule an appointment with your mom or dad’s doctor to learn about treatment options. Sometimes, dietary changes can also help lower the risk of a painful flare-up.
The ankles may be affected by arthritis. If it’s the ankles that ache, weight loss may be the first thing their doctor recommends. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, are other typical recommendations for easing arthritis pain.
Ill-Fitting Shoes
When shoes are too tight, they’ll rub and create sores or blisters. If they’re too loose, the same things can happen. That leads to foot pain that can impact mobility. Plus, sores can become infected. You don’t want your mom or dad to risk getting a serious infection because their shoes don’t fit.
Find a shoe store that does professional fittings. It helps to have supportive shoes that fit the width and length of their feet. Once they know the best size and brand for their feet, they should stick to that brand.
Orthopedic shoes with proper arch and heel support will also make a difference in easing foot pain. They may be more expensive, but it’s worth it if your parents can stay active due to the decreased pain.
Long Toenails
When was the last time you saw your mom and dad’s feet? If it’s been a long time, it’s important to ask them to show you their feet. There may be some embarrassment, but it’s essential for you to see if their nails are trimmed correctly.
When toenails get too long, they can dig into neighboring toes when they’re in shoes or socks. Your parents should make an appointment with a podiatrist to have the nails and feet inspected. If there are ingrown nails, they can be addressed during the appointment.
Caring for the feet is important as your parents get older. If they have a hard time bending over to moisturize their feet or trim their toenails properly, they should have someone available to help with personal care and grooming. Companion care at home is one of the best ways to ensure this.
Talk to a specialist in home care and discuss your parents’ care needs. You’ll learn more about pricing and schedules for companion care at home.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378512216301438
