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Aging News & Information
Pain Free Feet is Wish of Most Senior Citizens for
Foot Health Month
Ways to avoid the pain from aging feet; right shoes
may be key
 April 12, 2007 When it comes to physical problems
for senior citizens, there are probably none more common than those
involving their feet. A study found that 87% of older adults have at
least one foot problem. April is Foot Health Awareness Month and a good
time for senior citizens to learn more about how aging can create foot
problems and some of the things seniors can do to avoid them.
"Years of wear and tear can be hard on our feet,"
says the National Institute on Aging. "So can disease, poor circulation,
improperly trimmed toenails, and wearing shoes that don't fit properly.
Problems with our feet can be the first sign of more serious medical
conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and nerve and circulatory
disorders."
Podiatrist report that a high percentage of their
patients are seniors. As the body ages, circulatory impairment as well
as degenerative joint and skin conditions are common findings.
Foot problems for the elderly include muscle
weakness, imbalance disorders, arthritis, corns, calluses,
vascular-related disorders, bony prominences, diabetic ulcers, poor
circulation, nail problems, skin rashes, loss of sensation,
weight-bearing imbalance and skeletal deformities (that can have an
effect on the back as well as ankles, knees and hips).
Preventing Foot Trouble
The NIA advises seniors to check their feet
regularly, or have a member of your family check them. Podiatrists and
primary care doctors (internists and family practitioners) are qualified
to treat most foot problems. Sometimes the special skills of an
orthopedic surgeon or dermatologist are needed.
It also helps to keep blood circulating to your
feet as much as possible. Do this by putting your feet up when you are
sitting or lying down, stretching if you've had to sit for a long while,
walking, having a gentle foot massage, or taking a warm foot bath.
Try not to expose your feet to cold temperatures.
Don't sit for long periods of time (especially with your legs crossed).
Don't smoke.
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Sore Feet a Sure Sign of Aging
FDA Consumer
Magazine explores the problems and solutions
 April
21, 2006 There is probably nothing more common for aging Americans
than sore feet. Although some foot problems are inherited or come with
injuries, many more are caused by the years of wear and tear senior
citizens have given them. "Taking Care of Your Feet," is the cover story
in the current issue (March-April 2006) of the FDA Consumer Magazine,
which discusses common problems many seniors experience with their feet
and some things that may help.
Read more..
Aging Feet Get Longer, Wider, Flatter, Thinner
July 11, 2005 - If style is the main objective when
you select shoes, your feet may suffer, especially as you age. Over
time, your feet become wider and longer and the natural padding under
your heel and forefoot thins. Years of use also flatten your arches and
stiffen your feet and ankles. Aging boomers and senior citizens need to
match their shoes to these changes.
Read more...
Read more
Aging News & Information |
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Wrong Shoe a Big Problem
But, most trouble for older Americans seems to
develop from pressure caused by shoes that don't fit right.
A study in 2005 found most older people (men and
women aged 62-96 years) wore shoes narrower than their feet. Women wore
shoes that were shorter, narrower and had a reduced total area compared
to their feet than men, according to the study by H.B. Menz and M.E.
Morris, Musculoskeletal Research Centre, School of Physiotherapy, La
Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
They also found that wearing shoes substantially
narrower than the foot was associated with corns on the toes, hallux
valgus deformity (an abnormal bending of the big toe in which its tip
points toward the little toe and its base sticks out on the inner edge
of the foot) and foot pain, whereas wearing shoes shorter than the foot
was associated with lesser toe deformity.
Wearing shoes with heel elevation greater than 25
mm was also associated with hallux valgus and plantar calluses in women.
The study concluded that incorrectly fitting
footwear is common in older people and is strongly associated with
forefoot pathology and foot pain.
Diabetics and Problems with Footwear
In a 2006 study of 440 US veterans with an average
age of 67 published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical
Association, researchers found that only 25 percent of test subjects
wore appropriately sized footwear.
Even more startling, individuals with a foot
ulceration or loss of sensation (neuropathy) due to diabetes were over
five times more likely to have poorly fitting shoes than those without
either complication. Of the 440 participants in the study, 94 percent
were male. Over 58 percent of test subjects were diagnosed with diabetes
and seven percent had active foot wounds, also known as ulcers.
The findings of this study are certainly
disconcerting, said APMA President Dr. David Schofield.
Since many people with diabetes cant feel whether
their shoes are too tight or too loose, footwear that fits correctly is
extremely important. Getting these patients fitted by experienced
professionals should be a top priority.
As the majority of the subjects studied were men,
we were expecting better fitting shoes compared with often more narrow,
less forgiving female shoes. That does not seem, at first blush, to be
the case. Everyonemen and womenneed to pay attention to shoe size.
noted APMA member Dr. David G. Armstrong of Chicago, one of the studys
principal authors.
Because many people with diabetes lose sensation in
their feet, it is necessary that their footwear be properly fitted.
Incorrect shoe sizing may lead to excess pressure and rubbing while
walking, which can cause hard to heal ulcers.
Foot ulcers in patients with diabetes, which can
cost up to an estimated $45,000 to heal, are associated with high rates
of amputation and mortality. In fact, people with the disease are 15 to
46 times more likely to suffer an amputation. In patients without
diabetes, poorly fitted shoes may exacerbate existing foot conditions.
The results of the study imply that proper
screening for shoe size in patients with diabetes may be useful in
reducing the risk of foot ulcers and other foot complications related to
the disease.
What's in store for those aging feet? Bigger shoes
Dr. Steven Pribut, a podiatrist at George
Washington University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., estimates that
some people over the age of 40 can gain half a shoe size every 10 years,
according to a report in the Los Angeles Times.
"The changes that take place in the foot are like
those that take place in the rest of our body as we age," adds Dr. Jim
Christina, director of scientific affairs at the American Podiatric
Medical Assn. in Bethesda, Md., in the LA Times story.
With time, tissues weaken and muscle mass declines
and our bodies lose that youthful bounce and vigor. "But putting weight
on our feet makes them unique," he says
Gravity gradually overwhelms the older, less
resilient ligaments in the weight-bearing feet but not in the
free-floating hands. It also squeezes fluid from leaky veins in the
lower extremities, contributing to swelling.
Looser tendons and ligaments mean more than the
need for bigger shoes. As the front of the foot widens and the arch
lowers, the foot becomes not only longer but more flexible and flatter,
letting the ankle roll inward and increasing the chance for sprains,
says Dr. Kendrick Whitney, an assistant professor at Temple University
School of Medicine in Philadelphia.
>>
Read the complete LA Times report, click
Feet Problems for Active Seniors
Walking, jogging, playing tennis and engaging in
other sports and activities are great ways for older adults to stay
active and healthy. And all these activities are more fun and productive
supported by healthy feet that are pain-free.
While feet do change as people age, pain is never a
normal part of aging, according to the American Podiatric Medical
Association. And the mobility restrictions that can follow foot problems
are a leading reason why seniors limit their activities.
The foot is a complex structure, composed of 26
bones, 33 joints and more than 100 tendons, ligaments and muscles. As we
age, feet tend to flatten and increase in size; and the fat pads on the
bottom of the feet start to dissipate and lose their protective
qualities. Skin becomes more dry; and being overweight can affect the
muscles and ligaments.
There are over 300 foot ailments, but besides
medical conditions, the reasons most older adults experience foot
problems are the wrong socks, the wrong shoes and poor fitting.
Fortunately, with the right socks, the right shoes and proper fitting,
many foot problems can be prevented, according to the International
Council on Active Aging.
Knowing that aging feet can stay pain-free and
support an active lifestyle, the ICAA joined forces last year with the
knowledge base of the Institute for Preventive Foot Health (IPFH) and
THOR·LO, Inc, the world leader in protective sock products, to power a
rich information source on preventive and therapeutic foot health.
This Footcare web site at
http://www.icaa.cc/footcare.htm provides access to reliable
information and many useful links.
Selecting Well-Fitting Shoes Protects Aging Feet
July issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource
● Try on shoes later in the day. Feet can swell
as the day wears on.
● Fit shoes to your largest foot. Your feet
aren't equally matched, so have both measured.
● Make sure there's at least a half-inch for your
longest toe at the end of each shoe when you're standing. You should be
able to wiggle all toes.
● Make sure your heel doesn't ride up and down
when you walk.
● Leave too-tight shoes behind. There's no such
thing as a break-in period.
● Look for shoes that are solidly constructed,
conform to your feet and have cushioned soles that absorb the shock of
hard surfaces.
● Try a lace-up style. A shoe that ties can be
adjusted for better comfort and support.
● Look for a natural material, such as leather,
on the upper portion of the shoes because it's usually softer and
provides more flexibility than a man-made material.
>>
Read the complete Mayo Clinic report, click here
Buying the Right Shoes
By
National Institute on Aging
● The size of your feet changes as you grow older
so always have your feet measured before buying shoes. The best time to
measure your feet is at the end of the day when your feet are largest.
● Most of us have one foot that is larger than
the other, so fit your shoe to your larger foot.
● Don't select shoes by the size marked inside
the shoe but by how the shoe fits your foot.
● Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot.
● During the fitting process, make sure there is
enough space (3/8" to 1/2") for your longest toe at the end of each shoe
when you are standing up.
● Make sure the ball of your foot fits
comfortably into the widest part of the shoe.
● Don't buy shoes that feel too tight and expect
them to stretch to fit.
● Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe
with a minimum amount of slipping - the shoes should not ride up and
down on your heel when you walk.
● Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and
feel right. Then take them home and spend some time walking on carpet to
make sure the fit is a good one.
The upper part of the shoes should be made of a
soft, flexible material to match the shape of your foot. Shoes made of
leather can reduce the possibility of skin irritations. Soles should
provide solid footing and not be slippery. Thick soles cushion your feet
when walking on hard surfaces. Low-heeled shoes are more comfortable,
safer, and less damaging than high-heeled shoes.
10 Tips to Maintain Healthy Feet
By Podiatrists of the UCLA Medical Group
1. Inspect your feet regularly and pay attention to
changes in color, texture or appearance.
2. Maintain good foot hygiene, including washing
and drying between the toes.
3. Hydrate the skin. Warm weather and open shoes
can cause rapid loss of moisture from the skin and may result in
cracking or the formation of fissures. It is helpful to replace the
moisture content by using lotions or creams on a regular basis.
4. Buy proper-size shoes. You may not wear the same
size in shoes made by different manufacturers. Purchase new shoes late
in the day, when feet tend to be at their largest. Always buy the shoes
that feel the best.
5. Dont ignore foot pain. Symptoms that increase
or do not resolve within a reasonable period of time need to be
evaluated by your podiatric physician.
6. Cut toenails straight across. Never cut into the
corners this could cause an ingrown toenail. Gently file away sharp
corners or rough edges with an emery board.
7. Exercise. Walking is a great way to keep weight
under control and is an excellent conditioner for the feet. Be sure to
wear appropriate athletic shoes when exercising.
8. Alternate your shoes each day. Since the feet have sweat glands, your
shoes will absorb moisture from your feet, so it is important to allow
your shoes to dry out completely.
9. Avoid walking barefoot to help protect your feet
from injury and infection.
10. Put sunblock on your feet while wearing sandals
during the day to avoid sunburn.
Common Foot Problems
in Elderly
By
National Institute on Aging
● Fungal and Bacterial Conditions, including
athlete's foot, occur because our feet spend a lot of time in shoes - a
warm, dark, humid place that is perfect for fungus to grow. Fungal and
bacterial conditions can cause dry skin, redness, blisters, itching, and
peeling. If not treated right away, an infection may be hard to cure. If
not treated properly, the infection may reoccur. To prevent infections,
keep your feet - especially the area between your toes - clean and dry.
Change your shoes and socks or stockings often to help keep your feet
dry. Try dusting your feet daily with foot powder. If your foot
condition does not get better within 2 weeks, talk to your doctor.
● Dry skin can cause itching and burning feet.
Use mild soap in small amounts and a moisturizing cream or lotion on
your legs and feet every day. Be careful about adding oils to bath water
since they can make your feet and bathtub very slippery.
● Corns and calluses are caused by friction and
pressure when the bony parts of your feet rub against your shoes. If you
have corns or calluses, see your doctor. Sometimes wearing shoes that
fit better or using special pads solves the problem. Treating corns and
calluses yourself may be harmful, especially if you have diabetes or
poor circulation. Over-the-counter medicines contain acids that destroy
the tissue but do not treat the cause. Sometimes these medicines reduce
the need for surgery, but check with your doctor before using them.
● Warts are skin growths caused by viruses. They
are sometimes painful and, if untreated, may spread. Since
over-the-counter preparations rarely cure warts, see your doctor. A
doctor can apply medicines, burn or freeze the wart off, or take the
wart off with surgery.
● Bunions develop when the joints in your big toe
no longer fit together as they should and become swollen and tender.
Bunions tend to run in families. If a bunion is not severe, wearing
shoes cut wide at the instep and toes, taping the foot, or wearing pads
that cushion the bunion may help the pain. Other treatments include
physical therapy and wearing orthotic devices or shoe inserts. A doctor
can also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone injections for
pain. Sometimes surgery is needed to relieve the pressure and repair the
toe joint.
● Ingrown toenails occur when a piece of the nail
breaks the skin - which can happen if you don't cut your nails properly.
Ingrown toenails are very common in the large toes. A doctor can remove
the part of the nail that is cutting into the skin. This allows the area
to heal. Ingrown toenails can often be avoided by cutting the toenail
straight across and level with the top of the toe.
● Hammertoe is caused by a shortening of the
tendons that control toe movements. The toe knuckle is usually enlarged,
drawing the toe back. Over time, the joint enlarges and stiffens as it
rubs against shoes. Your balance may be affected. Wearing shoes and
stockings with plenty of toe room is a treatment for hammertoe. In very
serious cases, surgery may be needed.
● Spurs are calcium growths that develop on bones
of your feet. They are caused by muscle strain in the feet. Standing for
long periods of time, wearing badly fitting shoes, or being overweight
can make spurs worse. Sometimes spurs are completely painless - at other
times they can be very painful. Treatments for spurs include using foot
supports, heel pads, and heel cups. Sometimes surgery is needed.
National Institute on Aging
http://www.niapublications.org/agepages/footcare.asp
More Resources:
American Podiatric Medical Association
www.apma.org
American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
www.aofas.org
For more information on health and aging, contact:
National Institute on Aging
Information Center
www.nih.gov/nia
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