It’s no secret that our feet are the foundation of our bodies. Whether you’re walking up the stairs, getting into your car or simply strolling around your block, your feet provide the functionality you need for everyday life. In fact, the average person will walk about 115,000 miles throughout their lifetime — so it’s incredibly important to take good care of your feet. Fortunately, there are several straightforward tips I recommend to patients — especially seniors — that make a huge difference in daily comfort and mobility.
Establish a Foot Care Routine
Begin by integrating foot care into your everyday routine by inspecting your legs and feet every morning or evening. You should look for anything visibly out of the ordinary and feel along your feet and ankles for any noticeable pain or discomfort. If you have mobility issues or back pain, it may be difficult to inspect your feet closely. If this is the case, consider placing a mirror on the floor and raising your foot up to it. If anything concerns you, contact a podiatrist.
People with diabetes, circulation issues (such as peripheral vascular or peripheral arterial disease), artificial joints or nerve damage — as well as those taking blood thinners — should see a podiatrist every two months for routine foot nail care. This is because these conditions greatly increase patients’ risks when cutting their own nails. A podiatrist can safely care for toenails while ruling out any possible fungal infections with a nail biopsy. These regular visits also allow the podiatrist to care for corns, calluses and any other common issues so they don’t progress.
Choose the Right Shoes
As you get older, your feet become a bit longer and wider, so it may be time to recheck your shoe size. As simple as it may sound, wearing the correct shoe size is vital — not only for comfort, but also for mobility.
There are three ingredients to a solid pair of shoes: a rigid heel counter, minimal torque and flexion in the toe box. In other words, you want a strong, thick heel counter to properly support your foot. Your feet should fit snugly in the shoe without wiggling or becoming loose, which can cause injury. Finally, you want enough flexible space in the toe box of your shoe to give you mobility and control. Keep in mind, you may need shoes with a wider toe box if you have bunions or hammertoes.
I also recommend custom-molded orthotics to insert into your shoes, as these help properly realign your legs and feet and effortlessly improve stability and support.
Hydrate and Protect Your Feet
The skin on your feet becomes drier and thinner as you age. It’s important to regularly moisturize your feet with a lotion, such as Amerigel Care or similar brands.
Another often-overlooked foot care tip is to wear sunscreen on your feet — both top and bottom. Many don’t realize that with sun exposure, your feet and legs are at risk for potential skin cancer. If you see a suspicious growth, discoloration or moles on your legs or feet, make an appointment with a podiatrist right away.
Your feet play a huge role in your overall health, yet they are often overlooked. By establishing a daily routine, seeking well-fitting shoes, and paying extra attention to the skin on your feet, you can make a huge difference in your everyday comfort. Investing in better foot care can help enhance mobility for years to come — so hit the ground running and get started today!
Dr. Candice Kennedy is the founder and owner of Total Foot Care & Wellness Clinic, which operates eight locations throughout Jacksonville. The clinic’s staff treats conditions such as injuries, bunions, corns and calluses, diabetic foot problems, plantar fasciitis and more. Total Foot Care providers also conduct house calls to individual homes and assisted living/nursing home facilities. To learn more or schedule an appointment, go to TheTFCClinic.com or call 904-323-0954.
