Several Reasons Why Foot Care Is Critical for Oshawa Seniors?

Some parts of the body, like the feet, experience heavy use during our lifetimes, enduring a lot of strain and stress. And contrary to what people think, the foot is quite a complicated limb. Did you know each foot contains 26 bones? This makes it all the more important for you to properly care for them as you grow older.

Why do Seniors need to Pay Attention to Foot Care in Oshawa?

As we age, the tendons in our feet get tauter, and ligaments become looser, making our bones shift. That can lead to:

Bony growths
Pain and stiffness
Reduced mobility

Our circulation decreases as we age, making healing a slower process. That means people are more prone to foot infections.

6 Reasons Senior Foot Care Is So Important

Taking care of your feet can feel like a chore, which is why so many seniors ignore foot care in Oshawa. Here are six reasons why you should care for your feet and how you’ll benefit from them.

1. Prevent Pain and Soreness From Setting In

Pain and soreness become common complaints as you age, preventing you from standing and walking comfortably. As pains become more severe, you’ll want to spend less time on your feet, which will worsen the condition.

Seeing a podiatrist early on, they’ll tell you about exercises and devices that can manage or lessen discomfort and keep you mobile for longer.

2. Improve Quality of Life

Any ailment that that causes painful feet is bound to make you chair-bound. If you don’t get it looked at, you risk making the problem worse and reducing mobility.

Fortunately, for most people, daily foot care at home can manage pain; however, if you cannot identify the cause of the foot pain yourself, it’s best to visit an Oshawa foot care clinic.

3. Prevent Fungal Infections and Toenail Issues

The human body plays host to thousands of different fungus and bacteria, which live in balance with our bodies. However, overgrowth of fungus can cause foot and nail infections that may require medication or surgery to correct.

Keep your feet dry as much as possible to prevent such infections. If you suspect the onset of a fungal infection, don’t wait to get treatment.

4. Prevent Diabetes-related Problems

Diabetes causes vascular tissues, which can cause odd sensations and infections in the feet. With 3.4 million Canadians living with diabetes, diabetic foot care is a significant concern.

Diabetic foot care starts with prevention – examine your feet regularly for discoloration and odd sensations. Catch symptoms early on to treat them effectively and identify other diabetes-related issues.

5. Address Bunions, Corns, and Callouses

These bumps and lumps are more than just an eyesore and inconvenience: they can hint at bad footwear and changes in the shape of your foot with age. Left unchecked, they can become painful; worse, they can puncture and become a site for infection.

If you are starting to feel bunions, corns, or callouses developing on your feet, it’s time to reconsider your choice of footwear. If you find it difficult to check the soles of your feet, visit an Oshawa foot care clinic to have your feet examined by a healthcare professional.

6. Identify Health Concerns Earlier

Your feet are remarkably accurate barometers of overall health. Understand what your feet are telling you; they can signal everything from weight gain (which can cause foot pain) to vascular issues (recurring infections).

Don’t shrug these problems off. Talk to a healthcare professional about potential issues and get tips for foot care in Oshawa.

Helping Seniors Stay Active, Agile, and On Their Feet

At iCare Home Health, we see foot care as one of the essential facets of independent living. If you are experiencing foot-related pain, infection, or need senior foot care and want to learn about foot care at home, talk to a specialist in Oshawa.