Senior Feet Deserve Special Treatment

21 Feb Senior Feet Deserve Special Treatment

Did you know that by the age of 50 most people will have traveled at least 75,000 miles on their feet? It’s only natural that over time parts of your feet will start to show signs of wear and tear and that’s why our senior patients need to be on the lookout for certain problems and take extra care to maintain good foot health. What’s more, problems with your feet can also be the first sign of several more serious medical issues that affect the whole body, including: arthritis, poor circulation, diabetes, peripheral arterial disease and nerve problems. At Great Neck Family Foot Care we want our patients to enjoy many years living an active life so use the tips below to make sure your feet stay as healthy as possible:

• Get in the habit of checking your feet daily (or have someone else do for you if you are unable to see all parts of your feet). This includes your toenails and the skin on your feet as well. Changes in shape, size, color or temperature can all indicate a foot problem. Our board certified foot and ankle surgeons, Alec Hochstein and Dr. Diana Gagliano have years of experience diagnosing foot issues. You should report changes in your feet to them and they will be able to use this information to diagnose foot problems.
• Don’t ignore pain. Whether it comes on suddenly or over a period of time, pain is never normal. If you are in pain, make an appointment to come into our Great Neck office as soon as possible.
• Always wear shoes that fit properly and are designed for the activity you are participating in. This is one of the biggest preventive foot health measures you can take. Shoes should not rub or put excessive pressure on any part of your foot or toes. They should provide good arch support and have a roomy toe box. Women should avoid frequent wearing of high heels which force the foot forward and squeeze the toes.
• Get the blood flowing. Good circulation to your legs and feet are essential. Avoid sitting for long periods of time and avoid crossing your legs. Walking or other exercise is helpful and so is elevating your feet when you are sitting. Also, avoid smoking as this reduces circulation.
• Keep feet dry. After washing your feet make sure you dry completely, especially between the toes. If you are prone to excessive perspiration, use foot powder and be sure to change your socks whenever they become damp.

Taking good care of your feet now will help ensure that they take care of you well into the future. If you are unable to come into our office contact us at: 516-482-5999 and we will arrange a house call.