There are more than 300 types of foot ailment, with some resulting
from genetic factors. However, for the elderly, most such ailments are
caused by habitual neglect or accumulated damage. With just a little
effort, people can avoid much harm. But if you are in pain, be sure to
get medical treatment without delay.
Arthritis and gout:
Arthritis
commonly occurs in persons over 50. The major cause is damage to soft
tissues between bones. Because the foot (including all the parts below
the ankle) contains 33 joints, this part of the body is more prone to
arthritis than are others.
The cause of gout is an
excessive level of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is one of the
body's waste products, and forms crystalline deposits in joints. The
symptoms of gout are similar to those of arthritis, with the joints
becoming painful and swollen, and tending to feel stiff on getting up in
the morning.
Modification of the shoes can usually ease
symptoms, as pain is caused when the shoes press against bone spurs. If
the pressure on the joints is better distributed, pain can be reduced.
Modifying the sole of the shoes is one approach. The curvature of the
sole below the front and middle of the foot can be altered to better
brace the foot and minimize stress on the joints.
Flat feet and high arches:
Regular
shoes are designed to fit normally arched feet. However, because the
soles of flat feet are insufficiently arched, making it difficult to
maintain a solid footing, it is best for people with flat feet to add an
arch support when exercising, as this will reduce the chance of
soreness. On the other hand, for people with the opposite of flat
feet-overly arched soles-smaller areas of the foot must bear the same
weight, entailing the use of softer shoe soles to more evenly distribute
the pressure exerted on the foot. If one does not know what type of
feet one has, this can be determined by wetting the feet , stepping onto
a white sheet of paper and then examining the footprint made.
Regardless of whether a person has flat feet or high arches, athletic
shoes with a wide instep, that provide support for the foot, are more
comfortable to wear than dress shoes.
Heel pain:
Heel
fasciitis is the heel ailment most frequently seen at clinics.
Fashion-conscious women who wear high heels should be especially
cautious. The heel fascia is a fan-shaped structure located on the
bottom of the foot. Just behind it is the inside of the heel bone, while
just five bones lie in front. When walking or running, the foot must
bear the body's weight, and as a result, this fan-shaped structure is
stretched to provide some torque and flexibility, as well as to absorb
shocks from impacts with the ground. Over time, stretching of the fascia
may lead to inflammation.
The approach for treatment is to
place a heel pad with good impact damping inside the shoe; walking
little to reduce the burden on the affected foot; and selecting a foot
pad with appropriate arch support, or soles that are softer or more
pliant.
Bunions:
The big toe on a normal foot
should point outward (away from the midline of the body) at an angle of
ten to 15 degrees. If this angle is greater than 15 degrees, the
condition is called a bunion. In addition to genetic factors, the
condition may be caused by poor choice of shoes, with high heels and
pointed-toed shoes being especially likely to cause trouble. The
"witches' shoes" that have been popular in recent years are one of the
major culprits in toe problems. One treatment is the use of toe
separators. These can be purchased at any medical supplies store.
Diabetes:
Diabetes
patients often suffer from hardening of blood vessels in the foot.
Sensory nerves may be numbed so that even when both feet are placed in
hot water, the patient may not sense that they are being scalded. If the
skin is cut, burned, blistered, or suffers from insect bites, the foot
may easily become inflamed or infected.
1. Please be sure
to take special care in the following situations: When clipping the
nails, do not use pointed scissors, cut the nails too short, cut into
the non-extruded portion of the nail, or otherwise cause injury or
bleeding. Do not use a razor blade to cut calluses or corns. Do not
apply strong medications or alcohol to wounds. If you find that a wound
is healing very slowly, quickly seek treatment from a doctor.
2.
Examine both feet: Every day, use a mild, non-irritating soap to wash
the feet (first use the inside of your wrist to check the temperature of
the water). Pay special attention to whether there are calluses on the
areas on the sole of the foot that are subject to pressure. Use pumice
to rub away calluses. Ask family members to assist in examining whether
there are ruptures between the toes. If there is evidence of fungal
infection, or if the toes have blackened or turned gray, seek medical
attention immediately.
3. Shoes and socks: Shoes should not
have uneven areas, nor have seams. Overly tight shoes should not be
worn, but rather, well-fitting shoes made of soft, breathable material
should be chosen instead. Before wearing shoes, use the hands to examine
whether there are any pebbles inside the shoe. It is best to choose
socks made from cotton or wool. Each day, shoes and socks should be
changed to prevent the occurrence of athlete's foot (tinea pedis). Avoid
walking barefoot (even at home).
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