Foot Health and Aging Medicine and health awareness have progressed so rapidly since 1900 that life expectancy of the average American has increased by about 30 years.
According to the US National Center for Health Statistics, impairment of the lower extremities is a leading cause of activity limitation in older people.
Foot doctors, or doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs), are often the first doctors to see signs of such systemic conditions as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory disease in the foot.
Among these signs are dry skin, brittle nails, burning and tingling sensations, feelings of cold, numbness, and discoloration.
Always seek professional care when these signs appear. Foot problems can be prevented for reasons that are difficult to fathom.
Many people, including a lot of older people, believe that it is normal for the feet to hurt, and simply resign themselves to enduring foot problems that could be treated.
There are more than 300 different foot ailments. Some can be traced to heredity, but for an aging population, most of these ailments stem from the cumulative effect of years of neglect or abuse. However, even among people in their retirement years, many foot problems can be treated successfully, and the pain of foot ailments relieved.
As person ages, their feet tend to spread, and lose the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet. Additional weight can affect the bone and ligament structure. Older people, consequently, should have their feet measured for shoe sizes more frequently, rather than presuming that their shoe sizes remain constant.
Dry skin and brittle nails are other conditions older people commonly face.
Finally, it's a fact that women, young and old, have four times as many foot problems as men, and high heels are often the culprits. Observing preventive foot health care has many benefits.
Foot Health Tips, properly fitted shoes are essential; an astonishing number of people wear shoes that don't fit right, and cause serious foot problems. ·
Inspect your feet every day or have someone do this for you. If you notice any redness, swelling, cracks in the skin, or sores, consult your podiatrist. ·
Finally, have your feet examined by a DPM at least twice a year.
Remember that foot pain is not normal. Healthy, pain-free feet are a key to your independence. At the first sign of pain, or any noticeable changes in your feet, seek professional podiatric medical care. Your feet must last a lifetime, and most Americans log an amazing 75,000 miles on their feet by the time they reach age 50. Regular foot care can make sure your feet are up to the task. With proper detection, intervention, and care, most foot and ankle problems can be lessened or prevented. Remember that the advice provided in this page should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or evaluation by a podiatric physician.
Disclaimer: Portions of this web page were copied from the American Podiatric Medical Association's (apma.org) web site. NEOFASA, Inc. makes no claims as to being the orginial author of some portions of this web page. Please feel free to visit the apma.org web site for further infomation on this subject.
