Foot care is extremely important for people with care needs, as it contributes to their well-being and health. However, it is also often a challenge as vision and motor skills decline. As a result, foot care is often neglected. But this is not without consequences.
Yet preventative, therapeutic or rehabilitative treatment of foot complaints is so important. This is also confirmed by the expert and podiatrist Anke Niederau. We asked her why foot care is so important in old age and her answers can be found here.
Foot care in old age is an important precaution
Anke Niederau: People with care needs, but also senior citizens and many residents in retirement homes, are particularly at risk of neglecting their feet. This is due to a:
- limited mobility,
- thin, vulnerable skin,
- as well as diseases such as diabetes mellitus (diabetic foot syndrome), nerve damage (diabetic polyneuropathy) or circulatory disorders. It is often people with diabetes who have to deal with feet that are at risk of damage or are already damaged.
Regular foot care can prevent this, because it:
- prevents wounds and infections. Regular application of cream and removal of calluses can keep the skin supple and protected.
- Regular foot care also maintains mobility,
- reduces the risk of falling,
- and increases well-being as well as dignity.
People with diabetes in particular should consult their doctor as soon as they notice dry skin and calluses. If mobility is restricted, a mobile medical foot care service or a podiatrist based in the nursing home can help, depending on requirements. In these cases, medical foot care is available on prescription due to medical necessity. This applies to conditions such as a:
- Diabetic foot syndrome,
- Foot syndrome with neuropathies
- or foot disorders as a result of a spinal cord syndrome.
However, this also shows that there is no reason to hesitate and that it is important.
The recommendation is:
- A check-up by trained personnel every 4-6 weeks, or more frequently for people at risk.
- Relatives should also pay attention to changes and ask about them, especially when it comes to diabetes care.
For me, this means Foot care in old age is an important preventive measure, not a cosmetic one. It protects against pain, maintains mobility and improves quality of life.
That’s why healthy feet are so important in old age!
Without targeted measures, foot pain, changes or problems with the feet can occur. But healthy feet are crucial for:
- Mobility and independence,
- Fall prevention,
- Freedom from pain,
- good blood circulation,
- social participation and
- mental well-being.
Because those who can walk without pain remain more active, safer and happier. Therefore, if attention is paid to appropriate foot care, possible foot problems can be recognized in good time and treated preventively.
Can foot problems be prevented?
Anke Niederau: Yes, even with simple measures:
- Well-fitting, changeable shoes,
- regular foot gymnastics,
- Regular care of the feet, including shortening and trimming the nails. This can prevent damage such as splitting or drying out. Spirularin® N nail spray helps with this. It is easy to use and can be sprayed onto the nails from a distance, even when immobile.
- daily creaming of the feet with products such as Spirularin® HF Mousse or Gel. These are easy to apply and are quickly absorbed. Ingredients such as urea and Spiralin®support sensitive skin and protect against external influences.
- rehabilitative treatment on a healthy or already damaged foot,
- Dose the load and
- consult specialists at an early stage.
After many years in podiatry, it can be said that prevention is always easier than treatment.
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