How Podiatrists Help Seniors Maintain Foot Health

Podiatrists are a senior’s best friend. You may have noticed that, as we age, the trip to the doctor for ingrown toenails becomes increasingly frequent. But why is that? What happens to the feet as we get older? And how do podiatrists intervene in a positive way? Between natural changes, conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and neuropathy, seniors constantly rely on podiatrists like us at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists to be cornerstones of their healthcare team.

Catching Problems Early

A podiatrist’s role often begins with a simple check-up, because they know that in seniors, subtle signs can indicate underlying issues. During an exam, we’ll check for changes in skin color, foot temperature, and nail health, which can all be early indicators of poor circulation and peripheral artery disease.

We can also test for nerve damage, something you might not even be aware of, and which makes you unable to feel injuries.

Without this person seeing things before you even feel them, you might walk around, for instance, with an undiagnosed heart issue or a serious wound that could become infected.

Managing Chronic Conditions

But it’s not just the issues you don’t know of yet. Podiatrists also work closely with your primary care doctor to manage chronic conditions.

For patients with diabetes, podiatrists provide hygienic foot care. Going off that wound example earlier, we can address cuts we might feel are risks, calluses, and pressure points before they can break down into dangerous, non-healing ulcers.

And if you have arthritis, we can recommend custom orthotics to redistribute pressure, physical therapy referrals, or other strategies to manage pain and keep joints moving.

Your primary care can refer you to podiatrists, but it’s best that they leave your foot care to us.

Fall Prevention

Foot problems and an unsteady gait are major contributors to falls, which are serious risks for seniors. How can we prevent them? By analyzing how you move.

A podiatrist can perform a fall-risk assessment and address the specific foot issues that might be messing with your person’s balance. For example, you may have acquired a gait abnormality over the years or a painful bunion that has impacted your stability.

We can also provide supportive footwear with non-slip soles and prescribe custom orthotics to further provide a stable foundation.

Routine Care

As we get older, routine foot care can become physically challenging. Between getting active to promote blood flow to your feet, to bending down to clip your nails, we understand how simple healthy acts for your feet can be put aside.

But with an expert, your feet will routinely be in great hands.

If you’re experiencing foot pain, discomfort, or changes in how you walk, come see the expert team at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists. With locations in Tucson and Oro Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., are here for you. Call us at (520) 575-0800 or contact us online!