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Foot care for the aging
1New York University School of Medicine and Post-Graduate Medical School, NY 10016.
Physical Therapy
|December 1, 1988
Summary
As people age, foot changes like dry skin, brittle nails, and altered gait occur. Preventive care, including proper footwear and hygiene, is crucial for managing common geriatric foot conditions.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Podiatry
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Aging leads to significant physiological changes in the feet, affecting skin, nails, structure, and function.
- These age-related alterations can predispose older adults to various podiatric issues and impact mobility.
- Reduced sensory acuity and joint mobility further complicate foot health management in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the common age-related changes affecting the geriatric foot.
- To highlight the impact of these changes on gait, mobility, and self-care.
- To emphasize the importance of preventive care and conservative management strategies for geriatric podiatric conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of age-related physiological and biomechanical changes in the foot.
- Analysis of the functional consequences of these changes on gait and daily activities.
- Discussion of preventive measures and conservative treatment approaches for common geriatric foot ailments.
Main Results:
- Feet exhibit skin dryness, inelasticity, hyperkeratosis, and nail thickening with age.
- Foot shape changes, with widening and potential increased forefoot height due to deformities.
- Diminished sensory acuity, joint mobility, muscle strength, and altered gait patterns are prevalent.
Conclusions:
- Preventive strategies, including hygiene and appropriate footwear selection, are essential for geriatric foot health.
- Conservative management of conditions like metatarsalgia and hallux valgus requires understanding pathomechanics and footwear solutions.
- Addressing age-related foot changes is critical for maintaining mobility and quality of life in older adults.