Proper Foot Care for the Sick and Elderly

Your foot--with 26 intricate bones, 33 joints and 112 ligaments to bear your body weight-is a precarious piece of engineering. Healthy feet contribute to independence, balance and mobility; they help prevent knee, hip and back problems. Proper foot care is a daily imperative for ill or aging adults.

Know Your Feet

• Your feet change sizes throughout life, affecting appropriate shoe selection, according to the National Institute on Aging.

  Diabetes and circulatory diseases typically decrease blood flow and sensations of feeling to lower extremities, so people may not feel temperature or injuries.

  Irritants can swiftly become life-threatening infections. Examine your feet daily. Use mirrors if necessary.

Address Common Problems

• Professionally fitted shoes and orthotics may help prevent blisters, calluses, hammertoes and other damage. Medicare covers some specialized footwear for diabetic patients, so ask your doctor about this. Before putting on your shoes each day, shake them out to remove potential irritants.

  Toenail grooming is important to prevent problems such as ingrown nails. Try to prevent cracked skin, especially on the heels, by applying non-greasy lubricating lotion (avoid between the toes and take caution not to walk barefoot when your feet are still slippery). It's easier to prevent fungus growth by keeping feet clean and dry than it is to treat the fungus once it's established.

  If you have numbness, arthritis or persistent swelling of your feet, you may need medical attention.

Seek Professional Help

• Discuss specifics of foot care with your health care provider. Ask about referrals for orthopedic and podiatry services, therapeutic shoes or inserts and physical therapy. Request information about foot exercises, elevating and wiggling feet and toes and massage to maintain circulation and range of motion.