Unfortunately, everyone is aware that as the human body ages, health issues inevitably begin to arise. The elderly are prone to a multitude of ailments that make their life painful or uncomfortable. Oftentimes, feet are indicators of other health issues that may be starting in the body. It is not uncommon for podiatrists to be the first doctors to recognize signs of larger underlying problems after evaluating one’s feet. Systemic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory disease can be spotted early on when looking for the right symptoms in the feet. Symptoms of these conditions to look for include dry skin, brittle nails, burning and tingling sensations, numbness, coldness, and discoloration. Not all foot issues are indicators of serious diseases, but they are all still important to check up on, because they can lead to knee, hip, and lower back pain that can lessen the mobility of an older individual. If you have noticed issues regarding your feet, then it is highly recommended that you consult with a podiatrist to ensure your overall health.

If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer of Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Latham, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.