Do’s and Don’ts for Healthier Senior Feet
At Goldsmith Podiatry, we serve Manhattan patients of all ages. Our senior patients have put more miles and wear and tear on their feet and therefore have unique podiatric care needs. Keeping feet healthy helps ensure an active life for many years to come. Below are some do’s and don’ts to keep your feet in the best shape possible.
Do: talk to our podiatrists, Dr Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff about potential foot issues to be cognizant of as you age. It’s natural for the fat pad on your heel to thin (a possible source of heel pain) or to see early signs of joint disease. The foot doctor can help assess your risk for certain conditions and provide tips on being proactive in preventing them.
Do: look your feet over regularly. It is one of the simplest and best ways to detect problems in their earliest stages when most easily and successfully treated. Report any unusual changes in size, shape, or skin or nail discoloration to the podiatrist, along with any rashes, bruising, or toe misalignment.
Don’t: neglect good basic foot care. Washing your feet daily with soap and water and applying a rich moisturizer at bedtime takes only a few minutes but can go a long way to keeping your feet supple and infection-free.
Do: invest in good footwear. Your shoes are one of the most significant factors in preventing foot pain. Shoes must fit properly, and shoe size can increase as you age. Get fitted by a footwear professional. Choose shoes made of soft materials with roomy toe boxes, adequate arch support, cushioned insoles, and a tread to reduce the risk of falls.
Don’t: put off toenail trimming. Cut nails straight across with no rough edges. Avoid rounding the corners, and don’t make nails too short, or they might become ingrown.
Don’t: Fall for the idea that foot pain is “normal” when you get older. If you are experiencing any discomfort or have questions on how to be more proactive in protecting the health of your feet, contact our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002.