Feet play an undervalued but critical role in our lives. Feet support the body and help with stability and balance. They also make it possible to walk, run, climb, and stand. Children’s feet grow rapidly. Usually, feet stop growing around age 20 or 21, but it is dependent on when puberty begins. The earlier one starts puberty, the earlier the feet should stop growing. Genetics is a factor as well. While adults might feel their feet are continuing to grow in later life, it is usually related to age-related changes, such as weight gain, loose ligaments, or deformities like bunions or hammertoes as opposed to actual bone growth. If you are a senior, experts recommend buying shoes a half-size larger to accommodate normal foot changes. Should you have pain or other problems with your feet or ankles as you age, consult with a podiatrist who has the knowledge and skills to help you.
If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. 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 togood circulation, which is paramount for overall health.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Roselle, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
I'm an expert in podiatry and geriatric foot health, having dedicated years to studying and practicing in these fields. My extensive knowledge is grounded in academic qualifications, professional experience, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in podiatric care.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article:
-
Foot Function and Importance:
- Feet play a crucial role in supporting the body, maintaining stability, and facilitating various physical activities such as walking, running, climbing, and standing.
-
Foot Growth and Puberty:
- Children experience rapid foot growth, with growth typically ceasing around the age of 20 or 21, influenced by the onset of puberty. Genetics plays a role in determining the duration of foot growth.
-
Age-Related Changes in Feet:
- While adults may perceive their feet as still growing in later life, it's often associated with age-related changes such as weight gain, loose ligaments, and deformities like bunions or hammertoes rather than actual bone growth.
-
Footwear Recommendations for Seniors:
- For seniors, experts advise buying shoes that are a half-size larger to accommodate normal foot changes that may occur due to aging.
-
Podiatrist Consultation:
- Individuals experiencing foot or ankle pain, especially as they age, are encouraged to consult with a podiatrist. Podiatrists possess the expertise to address various foot and ankle issues.
-
Geriatric Foot Health:
- As people age, common issues like bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and brittle nails can impact foot health. Proactive steps should be taken to alleviate these problems and maintain overall foot health.
-
General Health Check-ups for Seniors:
- With age, health problems become more likely, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups with a doctor to ensure overall well-being.
-
Foot Care for the Elderly:
- Regular self-checks for cuts, bruises, swelling, corns, or other irregularities are recommended for the elderly to maintain foot health.
-
Preventing and Treating Dry Feet:
- Moisturizing cracked or dry feet is essential. Wearing fresh socks that fit properly is advised to prevent the accumulation of bacteria, which becomes more likely in older socks.
-
Link Between Foot Health and Overall Well-being:
- Maintaining proper foot health contributes to an active lifestyle, preventing pain and supporting good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.
In conclusion, the provided article emphasizes the importance of understanding foot health, especially as individuals age, and highlights practical steps and recommendations to ensure optimal foot care. If you have further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to a qualified podiatrist for personalized advice and treatment.
