As we age there are parts of the body that begin to experience “wear and tear” resulting in an increase in certain health problems. Your feet are no exception. At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, however, we believe that our senior patients can live active lives if they are proactive in the care of their feet and know how to prevent common foot problems. Below are some areas of concern for seniors:

Fall Danger – falls are a primary cause of injury in older patients and your feet obviously play a big role in keeping you upright. Observe the following precautions:

• Wear shoes that fit properly and are not worn out. Stretched out shoes or those with rips in them can cause you to trip more easily. Shoes that are too big or too small can alter the way you walk and also lead to a fall. Get your foot professionally measured at the shoe store because your size can change as you age.
• Fall-proof your home. Remove clutter, throw rugs and low plant stands, magazine racks, and other tripping hazards. Be sure there is adequate lighting inside and outside your home. Install handrails on both sides of all stairs.
• Get foot pain treated promptly. When your foot or ankle hurts you try to walk in a way that reduces the pain. This will throw off your balance and increase your risk of falling. Let our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria Foley and Dr. Constance Omelas, evaluate your feet and prescribe the correct treatment to protect the health of your feet.

Circulation – maintaining good circulation is necessary for keeping your feet healthy and also for healing any injuries to the lower extremities. Don’t smoke as this impedes circulation and exercise regularly. Keep the blood flowing! Do not sit or stand in one position for a long period of time.

Healthy Lifestyle – in addition to exercise, watch what you eat. Choose a nutrient-dense diet that will keep bones strong, help you have maximum energy and maintain an appropriate weight. Being overweight increases the risk of foot and other health issues. Keep up with all your medical checkups and listen to your body. Many foot ailments have early warning signs that can signal the need for attention.

If you have additional questions about senior foot healthcare contact our Long Beach office at (562) 420-9800.