Senior Living: Foot Conditions and Prevention

Did you know September is Healthy Aging Month, too? There is much to talk about in September. This month, we are joining others to share more on the best ways to age well. With each new year, our bodies and minds will change. It can make a significant difference in day-to-day living for our senior loved ones. Did you know there are a few things you can do to help?

The doctors at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group treat common foot and ankle problems that can impact seniors. Some conditions may be caused by diet choices or lack of exercise. Follow along for common conditions and ways to prevent them.

Dry skin

Did you know that an older age puts you at risk of having dry skin? A concerning feature of this condition, such as dry, cracked feet, is that a patient can have itching and even bleeding. Once the skin breaks, there is a risk of infection. Moisture is important for everyone, but seniors must be on top of this habit.

Start today: Add moisturizing your feet to your footcare routine.

Fractures

You may think young athletes are at risk of broken bones, but seniors are, too. One of the best ways to reduce the risk of broken bones is to strengthen your bones. Start exercising more and adding more calcium and vitamin D to your diet. September is also Falls Prevention Awareness Month.

Start today: Add another serving of calcium to your day.

Ingrown toenails

With age may come thicker toenails. For this reason, ingrown toenails have become much more common. As the toenail grows into the side of the nails, the experience can be quite painful. If the nail breaks the skin, there is now a risk of infection. We encourage seniors to visit the podiatrist regularly. 

Start today: Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

We want you to know that you are not alone. We’re here to help with toenail trimmings, resources for nutrition and exercise, and more. These are just a few examples of how our feet can change as we age.

The New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group has almost 30 foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, and doctors. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. We offer compassionate, cutting-edge care across our network, and we specialize in treating the following conditions: ankle and sports injuries, heel pain and plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, corns and calluses, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care complications, children’s foot problems, skin conditions of the feet, and fungal nails. Our group is among the best foot and ankle providers in the country. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.