Our bodies experience an incredible amount of wear and tear throughout the course of our lives. Unfortunately, as we get older, our recovery slows, and the little traumas of the day can begin to build up.
Unlike other areas of the body, our feet are under near-constant stress, supporting our weight over countless distances and getting smacked against all manner of things. For seniors, foot health is especially important as foot conditions are prevalent in this age group.
A quick visit from the foot doctor could make a world of difference!
Detection and Prevention
Foot pain and other afflictions of a person’s lower legs and feet can be symptoms of ailments elsewhere in the body. A podiatrist can assess your feet for these symptoms and advise you on potential care strategies. In fact, according to data from The Australian Podiatry Association, 39% of podiatry patients had serious-medical conditions identified during an appointment. Common foot conditions affecting seniors include but are not limited to:
- Arthritis
- Corns and Calluses
- Diabetic Foot
- Foot and Heel Pain
- Ingrowing Nails
Once a condition has been identified a podiatrist can advise you on possible treatments and preventative measures. Alongside advice on appropriate footwear and techniques for managing your condition, a podiatrist may prescribe orthotic insoles. Unlike over-the-counter orthotics, podiatrists can supply custom-made orthotic insoles through a thorough assessment and a 3D scan of your feet. Better serving your needs.
Managing Chronic Conditions
Due to complications associated with ageing, people over 65 are at a heightened risk of developing chronic foot conditions. People of any age, however, may be affected by a chronic condition for a variety of reasons, such as disability.
Anyone requiring a wheelchair or walker, for example, may develop conditions related to prolonged sitting or limited mobility; conditions like pressure sores, calluses and blisters.
NDIS registered podiatrists, like Grace Podiatry, are committed to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare to NDIS participants, for the treatment of their foot and lower limb conditions. Registered providers have additional NDIS-mandated obligations that they must comply with, meaning you can be confident that these providers are being held to a high standard of care.
As chronic conditions are typically life-long, treatments focus on alleviating the symptoms to improve the quality of life of patients. Aiming to enhance comfort and functionality and reduce the likelihood of developing related secondary conditions.
Fall Prevention
Falls are a leading cause of injury for seniors. As we get older, our vision, hearing and muscles will often start to weaken. Leading to worse balance and an increased risk of falling. Foot health conditions can amplify this risk.
If you find yourself walking differently due to foot pain or other changes to your feet, you might be walking in a sub-optimal manner. Which may not only worsen your balance but could lead to other secondary foot conditions.
Podiatric treatments lead to improved balance and mobility, by assisting you in getting back to better walking motions. Alongside the work of other health providers like your GP, podiatrists play an essential role in maintaining your health and mobility as you get older. So you can continue to live an active life, doing the activities that you love.
If you’re looking for an NDIS-registered podiatrist for your aged care needs, contact Grace Podiatry. Our mobile podiatrists can assess you in the comfort of your home, making seeing a podiatrist as easy as can be.
