As the festive season brings people together, it’s a time for connection, celebration, and quiet check-ins on the wellbeing of older loved ones. One area often overlooked is foot health. Yet, our feet can tell us a great deal about general health, especially in later life.
For older adults, untreated foot issues can impact mobility, confidence, and independence. This winter, while you’re with your loved ones, take a moment to check whether they may need a little extra help.
Spot the Signs This Winter
Keep an eye out for small but important changes:
- Avoiding walking or standing for long periods
- Complaints of aches, pains, or burning sensations.
- Swelling, redness, or visible pressure points such as corns or calluses
- Thickened, discoloured toenails or cracked heels
- Reluctance to wear regular shoes or switching to slippers all day
Many older adults experience arthritis or chronic foot pain. This can make walking uncomfortable, lead to changes in balance or posture, and ultimately limit their independence. Those with diabetes are at higher risk; impaired circulation and reduced sensation mean the small problems can go unnoticed and quickly worsen.
How a Podiatrist Can Help
Podiatrists are specialists in lower limb and foot health, offering care that can greatly enhance quality of life, especially for those managing long-term conditions or struggling with self-care tasks. Podiatrists play a key role in maintaining comfort, mobility, and confidence, particularly for older adults. Feet and Motion is a Royal Society of Podiatry Accredited Practice – the first in West Sussex -offering evidence-based services and specialist therapies to deliver personally tailored comprehensive treatment plans.
Nail and Skin Care: Self-care can become difficult with age. A podiatrist can treat and manage:
- Thickened or fungal nails
- Corns, callus, cracked heels, and dry skin
Regular nail and skin care not only reduces discomfort but also prevents infection.
Laser Therapy can treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis. It’s a painless, drug free, non-invasive treatment for pain, inflammation, and swelling.
- Reducing inflammation and pain
- Improving local circulation
- Stimulates natural healing
Laser therapy is ideal for older adults wanting to reduce reliance on pain medication. Did you know Podiatrists don’t just treat feet? Podiatrists can treat lower limbs (from the hips down) and hands too.
Curacorn® is an innovative treatment that uses soft-tissue dermal fillers to provide relieve pressure and pain. Ideal for problems such as corns or painful pressure points.
- Cushioning pressure points
- Reducing pain when walking
- Long-lasting solution
Winter Footcare Tips
- Check footwear: Supportive shoes with a rounded toebox, cushioned sole, secure fastening, and good grip are essential. Avoid worn-out slippers.
- Moisturise daily: Applying a quality foot cream daily can prevent dry, cracked skin, which will then reduce the risk of infection.
- Keep moving: Gentle walking or seated stretches support circulation and joint health.
- Stay warm: Wear waterproof shoes and socks that offer good insulation. Warming creams can also help stave off chilblains.
- Gift a podiatry visit: Professional foot health care is a thoughtful, practical present for your loved ones.
Every Step Matters
By paying attention to the small signs, and seeking expert care when needed, you’ll be helping your loved ones stay active, pain-free, and independent —step by step.
Book your loved one an appointment today