Elderly Foot Care

Foot Care

Wash your feet each day with soap and warm (never hot) water. Check the water temperature with your elbow since you may not be able to feel temperature accurately with your hand or foot.

Dry your feet thoroughly-especially between the toes. Apply moisturizing cream to feet (but not between the toes) to keep them from becoming dry and perhaps cracking. Use baby powder to absorb extra moisture.

Five steps to healthier feet

	Wear comfortable shoes and socks that fit your feet.
	Follow the daily routine recommended below.
	Keep your toenails trimmed short and straight across.
	Wear clean socks or stockings and avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row.

Each day, inspect your feet for any skin breaks and changes. A hand mirror can help you see the bottoms of your feet. If you can't see your feet clearly, ask someone to inspect them for you.

Call your primary physician or podiatrist if you notice any of these conditions:

	inflamed areas (redness, swelling and heat indicate a possible infection)
	broken skin (cracks, sores and ulcers may invite infection)
	infected skin (including breaks with pus or clear drainage, bleeding and/or foul odor)
	ingrown toenails (irritated skin invites infection)
	red streaks (indicates possible internal infection)
	pale or blue skin (indicates poor circulation)
	changes in "feeling", such as pain, a tingling sensation, burning, numbness or complete lack of feeling (may indicate nerve damage)
	swelling or tenderness (may indicate infection and/or poor circulation)
	areas that are warm to the touch (may indicate infection)
	areas that are cold to the touch (may indicate poor circulation)

What problems should I report to my doctor?
If you have diabetes or experience any of these symptoms, be sure to discuss them with your primary physician or podiatrist.

	changes in the color of the skin on your feet
	changes in skin temperature
	pain in the legs, either at rest or while walking
	swelling of the foot or ankle
	open sores that are slow to heal
	ingrown or fungus-infected toenails
	corns or calluses that bleed within the skin
	cracks in the skin, especially around the heel

Michael Salter, DPM, Southfield, Mi, Rochester, Michigan, foot care for elderly, seniors, elderly, diabetics foot care

Michael Salter, D.P.M.
Clinical practices
Southfield, MI
Rochester, MI

What should I look for in shoes?
If you have diabetes, it is important to take the extra time to buy the right shoes in the right size. Poorly fitted shoes are often responsible for the problems that lead to amputation.

Your shoes should keep your foot in place when you walk and should be snug but not tight. Ideally, you should be fitted by an experienced shoe fitter who is knowledgeable about proper fit. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

	Buy shoes that fit you in the store. Don't expect tight shoes to stretch.
	The upper part of the shoe should be soft and flexible and the lining should be smooth and free of ridges and seams.
	The toe box should allow all toes to wiggle freely without rubbing against the front or top of the shoe. You should have about three-quarters of an inch between the big toe and the front of the shoe.
	The instep should cushion the arch comfortably without causing irritation.
	The heel should fit snugly with no slipping, pressure or pinching.
	The sole should flex easily at the ball of the foot.
	Avoid high heels and shoes with pointed toes.

Please call 800-227-9553 for a personal referral.