Tag Archives: senior feet care

foot arthritis

Symptoms of Arthritis in the Feet

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Arthritis in the feet can cause a range of symptoms that can vary in severity depending on the type of arthritis and the individual. The two most common types of arthritis that affect the feet are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Here are some common symptoms associated with arthritis in the feet:

  1. Pain: Pain is one of the most common symptoms of arthritis in the feet. It can range from mild to severe and may be constant or intermittent. The pain may be localized to a specific joint or may radiate to other areas of the foot.
  2. Stiffness: Arthritis in the feet can cause stiffness, making it difficult to move the affected joints. This stiffness is often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
  3. Swelling: Inflammation of the joints is a hallmark of arthritis, and it can lead to swelling in the affected area of the foot. Swelling may come and go and can make it difficult to wear shoes.
  4. Reduced Range of Motion: Arthritis can limit the range of motion in the affected joints, making it challenging to perform activities that require flexibility in the feet, such as bending or pointing the toes.
  5. Warmth and Redness: Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause warmth and redness around the affected joints in the feet.
  6. Joint Deformities: Over time, arthritis can lead to joint deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes, as well as joint instability.
  7. Numbness and Tingling: Some forms of arthritis, like psoriatic arthritis, can affect the nerves in the feet, leading to numbness and tingling sensations.
  8. Fatigue: Chronic pain and inflammation can cause fatigue, making it challenging to engage in physical activities or remain on your feet for extended periods.
  9. Difficulty Walking: Severe arthritis in the feet can make walking painful and difficult. This can significantly impact a person’s mobility and quality of life.
  10. Balance Problems: Arthritis-related foot pain and joint deformities can affect balance and increase the risk of falls.

It’s important to note that the symptoms of arthritis can be similar to those of other foot conditions, so it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early intervention and proper management can help reduce pain and improve the quality of life for individuals with arthritis in their feet. Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, orthotic devices, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, surgery.

Call housecall podiatrists at Chicago Home Foot Care at 312-998-0974. Our Chicago podiatrists can provide a proper diagnosis based on your symptoms, medical history, and potentially recommend imaging studies or other diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

toenail fungus

Tips For Summer Foot Care

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Tips For Summer Foot Care

Taking care of your feet during the summer is essential for maintaining their health and preventing common issues like dryness, cracking, and infections. Here are some tips for summer foot care:

  1. Keep your feet clean: Wash your feet daily with mild soap and warm water to remove sweat, dirt, and bacteria. Make sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
  2. Exfoliate regularly: Use a gentle foot scrub or a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells and keep your feet smooth. Pay attention to rough areas like heels and the balls of your feet.
  3. Moisturize: Apply a good quality foot cream or moisturizer after washing and exfoliating your feet. Look for products that contain ingredients like shea butter or urea to help hydrate and soften the skin.
  4. Wear proper footwear: Opt for open-toe or breathable shoes made of natural materials like leather or canvas. Avoid wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes as they can cause blisters and other foot problems. Make sure your shoes provide adequate support and cushioning.
  5. Protect your feet from the sun: Apply sunscreen to your feet, especially if they will be exposed to the sun for long periods. Don’t forget to cover the tops of your feet, toes, and ankles.
  6. Avoid walking barefoot in public areas: Walking barefoot increases the risk of picking up fungal infections or injuring your feet. Always wear flip-flops or sandals in public pools, locker rooms, and communal showers.
  7. Keep toenails trimmed: Regularly trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails. Avoid cutting them too short, as it can lead to painful conditions.
  8. Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for overall skin health, including your feet. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated.
  9. Take breaks and elevate your feet: If you spend long hours standing or walking, take breaks to rest your feet and elevate them to reduce swelling and improve circulation.
  10. Pay attention to any foot problems: If you notice any foot pain, swelling, or signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or pus, consult a healthcare professional promptly. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from escalating into more serious conditions.
Call to schedule our house calls podiatrist visit: 312-998-0974

Lear more:  https://chicagohomefootcare.com

senior feet care

Taking Care of Senior Feet

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Senior Foot Care

Aging feet need extra care. Aging takes a toll on the feet. But with a long caregiving To Do list, out-of-sight tasks like foot care can be easily forgotten.

Over time, feet flatten and become wider. The fatty padding naturally wears down. That leaves the bones and joints of the feet more exposed to wear and tear.

Many seniors require regular pedicures or trips to the podiatrist to properly care for their feet, but a few simple at-home steps can help keep their feet well maintained between appointments.

Keep Feet Clean

Depending on whether your older adult bathes on their own or needs help, their feet may only get washed once in a while during the week.

Since good foot hygiene is critical to preventing fungal, viral, and bacterial infections, routine foot cleaning may need to happen outside of the bath or shower.

Making a regular habit of simple foot wipedowns with warm water, soap, and a washcloth will do the trick. And if done at night, it can even promote relaxation prior to sleep.

Pamper Your Skin

As we age, the skin on our feet becomes thinner and drier. After a shower or bath, treat your feet to a massage with your favorite lotion or cream. Avoid leaving lotion between your toes as this can promote the growth of fungal infections.

For rough patches, try an exfoliating foot scrub. You can also apply a thick lubricating cream at bedtime, then sleep with cotton socks on your feet. If you wear sandals, remember to use sunscreen on the tops of your feet.

Take Good Care of Your Nails

Keep toenails trimmed so the edges are even with the tips of the toes. Nails become drier and more brittle as we age, so they’re usually easier to trim after softening in a foot soak. Trim straight across to help prevent ingrown toenails.

Wear the Correct Shoes

Years of fashionable high heels and pointy-toed shoes eventually catch up with us. The result can be corns, bunions, curled toes or other painful problems. Now is the time to look for shoes that provide comfort and good support.

As we get older, our feet become wider and a bit longer, so double-check your size before buying new shoes. It’s also a good idea to shop for shoes in the evening as our feet tend to swell a bit as the day goes on.

Get medical attention when needed

However, delaying medical care often makes treatment more difficult. Contact podiatrist if  you have foot pain or you suspect that you have any of these common foot conditions like bunions, hammer toes, discolored toenails, corns, and calluses.

Chicago Home Foot Care provides podiatrist housecalls for elderly and homebound people. Contact us to request an appointment: 312-998-0974  https://chicagohomefootcare.com/