Podiatrists play a critical role in the health of elderly individuals. Fewer than 30% of patients over the age of 75 have the ability to look after the health of their lower extremities. Elderly individuals find it increasingly difficult to reach their feet, have the strength or eyesight to perform regular maintenance on the feet, and often cognitive disorders hinder the person’s awareness.

Podiatrists, like me, not only treat patients in an office, but still make house calls. We also make regular visits to long-term care facilities and assisted living centers. When I evaluate an elderly person’s lower extremities, I identify, manage, and treat those problems. Often, I perform simple tasks like trimming toenails and finding appropriate shoes.

Education is critical. The elderly patient should be informed on how to properly take care of their feet, especially if they have foot problems. Caregivers, whether at home or in long-term care facilities, should also be updated frequently on the status of the patient’s feet and how to continue providing care of the lower extremities. Pedicure treatments and general care differ if the elderly patient has a neurological or vascular disorder. Certain medication can also complicate other disorders so it is imperative that the patient and caregiver understand what complications can arise and how to minimize those complications.

The most important tip I have for the elderly population is to make an appointment for a clinical examination of the feet at least once a year.

Citation:
Imabe by myfuture.com. (2011). Checking in with a patient. Flickr. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/myfuturedotcom/6052491503/