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The Home Care Advantage: Foot Care Promotes Health

Cause of Poor Foot Care

As everyone gets older, foot problems can be a serious cause of concern.  The causes of foot problems can be attributed to many different factors.  Various reasons for foot problems can include but are not limited to minimal mobility, reduced blood flow, inadequate footwear, poor nutrition, previous injuries, various illnesses, and lack of proper foot care. These factors can aggravate pain further by compounding them together. For example: a previousfoot injury matched with the use of improper footwear can cause longer-term damage which may be irreversible.

When you are aware of the causes of foot pain, it is easier to set up a program to reduce the discomfort level. Knowing what is causing your foot issues also allows you to take critical steps to prevent further damage or decline in foot health. As with any threat to our health, the first step is knowing why, then you can determine the: what, when, and how. What to do, when to do it, and how to go about it.

20 Common Foot Problems, Symptoms & Remedies

Common foot problems are easier to identify when you are aware of their symptoms. If you suspect you have foot problem symptoms listed, or problems which may not be listed, it is always prudent to seek the advice of a medical professional as soon as possible for case-specific treatment.

1. Fat Pad Atrophy refers to the loss of tissue padding in the foot affecting older adults. The loss of foot padding can cause pain in the heel and ball of the foot. Simple remedies include adding extra padding to your shoes or custom foam inserts designed specifically for foot irregularities known as orthotics can reduce foot stress. More serious treatments include fat injections in the foot or foot surgery.

2. Morton’s Neuroma also known as intermetatarsal is the result of extra tissue in the toe pressing against sensitive nerves. The pain which sometimes feels like walking on a pebble, is generally found at the ball of the foot in between the third and fourth toe. Common causes are improper footwear such as high heels or tight-fitting shoes. The best remedy is changing footwear to remove the pressure on the toes. 3

3. Cracked heels can be a major cause of discomfort in the elderly. As we age the body produces less protective oils and also less elastin, a protein which promotes elasticity. Foot creams known as keratolytic can remove layers of dead foot skin to reduce cracking. Foot care includes removing dead skin, messaging to promote circulation, and moisturizing to minimize the effect of cracked heels.

4. Plantar Fasciitis is the irritation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the long ligament along the foot sole supporting the arch under your foot. Pain is typically experienced at the back of the heel and is often caused by: repeated stress from jogging, standing for long periods, heavy exercise, arthritis, obesity, or an irregular walk which may contribute to inflammation. Remedies include increasing rest, icing the area, taking anti-inflammatory medication, and additional cushion protection under the heel.

5. Onychomycosis is a fungus found inside and under the toenails. This fungus can cause thick, brittle, cracked, crumbling, curved, ingrown, and discolored, toenails. Nail fungus, if left unchecked can cause painful cracked skin and bleeding of toes. Nail fungus is contagious, so medical treatment with a combination of oral and topical medications is often required and prescribed by a doctor. 5

6. Tinea Pedis is the fungal typically on the skin of the feet between toes and is commonly known as “Athletes Foot”.Symptoms can include cracked skin, bleeding, peeling, odor, itching, and fissuring. Topical treatments are available, and the best course of action is to keep feet clean and dry as much as possible.

7. Peripheral Neuropathy refers to the damage and resulting inflammation of the nerves of the peripheral nervous system. Symptoms can include slight loss of feeling, weakness, cramping, loss of balance, twitching, shooting pain, feeling of walking on pins, tingling, or burning sensations. Causes may include high blood sugar, infections, high alcohol use, effects of medications, nerve pressure, or a disorder. Treatments include medication, therapy, diet change, exercises, and good foot care.2,8

8. Osteoarthritis is the inflammation of joints caused by excess stress, injury, and breakdown of cartilage which comes from over-usage throughout a person’s lifetime. Symptoms can include joint: swelling, pain, stiffness, soreness, and enlarging. Successful reduction of symptoms can result from a combination of treatments including therapy, medication, diet, strengthening exercises, hot-cold compressions, joint fluid removal, joint injections, and supportive devices, with surgery as a last resort. 7

9. Achilles Tendinitis is the inflammation and reduced mobility of the Achilles tendon. Symptoms include stiffness, pain, burning, ankle pain, or heel sensitivity. Treatment can include anti-inflammatory medicine, rest, cold compressions, stretching, and in severe cases surgery.

10. Diabetic Foot ulcers are a result of damaged nerves from diabetes that can create small cuts or open small blisters in the foot. Left unchecked these blisters can enlarge and cause infection. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, jabbing pain, or visible cuts and blisters. If you suspect onset diabetes or have diabetes, check with a doctor to maintain blood sugar levels accordingly.1

11. Deep Vein Thrombosis(DVT) is a blood clot known as a thrombus located in the deep veins mainly found in the legs. Although DVT can occur with no symptoms, one may experience leg pain, leg swelling, skin discoloration, or a feeling of additional warmth legs. If you develop any symptoms of DVT seek a medical professional for advice on treatment options.1,2

12. Bursitis is the swelling of the bursae which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints, bones, and tendons. Symptoms include pain, redness, or swelling in the heel or toes. Treatment can include ice compressions, cushion or padding, non-inflammatory medicine, pain killers, corticosteroids, or in extreme cases surgery.1

13. Bone spurs are small bone growths typically found in the heel of the foot, in the middle of the foot, or under the big toe. Bone spurs are the result of the boy trying to repair joint damage from osteoporosis. There may be no signs or symptoms, and in some cases, you may feel pain and have a loss of movement. If pain persists or joint movement doesn’t return to full capability, it may be prudent to seek a medical professional to get the joint x-rayed.1

14. Bunions occur when the big toe slowly begins to point inward and the connected joint on the side of the foot begins in turn to point outward. Causes can be genetic, or wearing tight, narrow shoes while standing or working for long periods. To reduce pain, try cold compressions and wearing loose footwear. Using special padding or orthotics can reverse the toe movement. In extreme cases, surgery can be sought out.1

15. Ingrown Toenail often occurs when the toenail (usually the big toe) curls and points into the toe. This can be painful and can get worse if broken when trimmed. Ingrown nails curling can result from nail fungus, obesity, diabetes, or sweaty feet. Keep feet dry, and clean, and cut nails straight instead of pointing inward. If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail from an underlying issue it is always best to seek professional medical advice. 1

16. Flat Occurs in some babies but mainly as you get older the tendon that supports the underfoot arch gets damaged resulting in no arch. No arch in the foot can be painful and prevent physical activity. Damage to the tendon can occur from an injury, obesity, diabetes or high blood pressure. Orthotics, braces, therapy, and in extreme cases, surgery can be effective. 1

17. Gout tends to occur most often in middle-aged men and the elderly, although cases of young adults and teenagers is not uncommon. Gout is created with the crystallization of uric acid in the big toe creating tingling, swelling, stiffening, and pain when moving. If you experience symptoms, reduce consumption of red meat, seafood, sugary foods, and alcohol. If you do not see. Reduction in symptoms after a few days, consult a doctor. 1

18. Hammertoe occurs when the toes, usually those next to the big toe (toe 2 and toe 3) begin to bend. This causes the shape of a hammer, hence the term hammertoe. The hammertoe is usually a result of wearing tight footwear causing the toes to bend inward. To prevent this,try wearing wider, longer shoes or special footwear designed to prevent the toe from bending. Doctors may prescribe medication or surgery in more extreme cases.1

19. Claw toe is a condition where the toes begin to curl downward and dig into the ground or sole of shoes. Joints can become stiffer and less flexible over time. To prevent claw toe from occurring it is advised to wear less constrictive footwear, allow feet the ability to stretch, and perform toe exercises to strengthen the mobility of the joints in the toes.1 Foot Care Promotes Health

20. Stress Fractures mainly occur as a result of osteoporosis and loss of bone density. Prolonged soreness or aches under the muscles of the bone may be indications of bone weakening. Strengthening bones can be done through nutrition, exercise, resistance training, and supplements. Seek a medical professional’s help when putting together an individual program to increase bone density to avoid injury or harm. 1,2

Foot Care For ElderlyPromotes Health

Why should older adults seek foot health? The danger of poor foot health can translate to more severe issues, which can become detrimental to one’s overall health. When poor foot health causes pain or discomfort this impedes mobility. Lack of mobility can make a person feel trapped, reduce mobility even further, and in turn cause overall health to rapidly decline. Good health starts with foot care. Foot Care means taking steps to keep your feet in decent shape throughout your lifetime. The ability to preserve your foot health results in holding onto your ability to move freely without assistive devices for longer periods. Foot Care Promotes Health

Foot care is preventative body maintenance that directly affects your ability to move freely for as long as you can. Moving freely for as long as you can directly affect your freedom of movement and freedom of choice. Your freedom of movement and freedom of choice directly affects your ability to live as long as you can. Everything is connected, just as your feet are connected to your legs, and your legs are connected to your body. Foot Care Promotes Health

Using the services of a foot care provider, as well as putting together a foot care program, can be a crucial step for seniors to maintain good health. If you, or a loved one you know, need foot care, feel free to reach our Arcavia Home Care team at homecare@arcavia.ca to to set up a complimentary assessment. Foot Care Promotes Health

The Arcavia Home Care Advantage

Arcavia Home Care works with all types of organizations that serve and cater to our elderly population. This includes hospitals, rehabilitation centers, local clinics, pharmacies, geriatric centers, and a host of other companies, program providers, and service deliverers, to ensure no one is left unserved. We recognize the growing need for elderly immigrant home care and for temporary quality staff support for our partnering facilities. At Arcavia Home Care our primary goal is to extend the quality of life of our patients. We extend the quality of life of every patient by supplying tailored programs that ensure our patients receive the best level of care at the most affordable rates. Foot Care Promotes Health

References

1 Wheeler,Regina, WebMD, 2022. What Can Go Wrong With Your Feet As You AgeToronto, Ontario:www.webmd.com:https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/ss/slideshow-foot-problems-as-you-age

2Olson, Regan, Banner Health, 2020. 8 Things Your Feet Can Tell You About Your Health. Toronto, Ontario: www.bannerhealth.com: https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/better-me/8-things-your-feet-can-tell-you-about-your-health

3WebMD,  2022.Morton’s Neuroma. Toronto, Ontario: www.webmd.com:  https://www.webmd.com/women/mortons-neuroma

4WebMD,  2023. What is PlantarFasciitis?. Toronto, Ontario: www.webmd.com:  https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/understanding-plantar-fasciitis-basics

5Mayo Clinic,  2023. Nail Fungus. Toronto, Ontario: www.mayoclinic.org:  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353294

6 Mayo Clinic,  2023. Tina Pedis. Toronto, Ontario: www.mayoclinic.org:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470421/

7 WebMD Editorial Contributors,  2022. The basics of Osteoarthritis. Toronto, Ontario: www.webmd.com:  https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/osteoarthritis-basics

8 Olson, Regan, Banner Health, 2022. 5 Things You Should Know About Peripheral Neuropathy. Toronto, Ontario: www.bannerhealth.com: https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/what-is-peripheral-neuropathy

9 Mayo Clinic, 2023. Deep Vein Thrombosis. Toronto, Ontario: www.mayoclinic.org: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352557

10 Mayo Clinic, 2023. Deep Vein Thrombosis. Toronto, Ontario: www.mayoclinic.org:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bone-spurs/symptoms-causes/syc-20370212

 

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