Podiatry for the Elderly
Seniors Podiatry
Problems with our feet occur naturally as we get older. As a result, seeing a podiatrist can help seniors improve their foot health and prevent problems from occurring. Our Advance Foot Clinic podiatrists provide seniors podiatry so that you and your loved ones can maintain your mobility and independence.
Some people may have been lucky and never had any foot problems, or maybe they have a history of issues like plantar fasciitis. Either way, most people will start to experience some kind of changes to their feet as they reach the later portion of their life.
Seeing a podiatrist for aged foot care is an important part of staying healthy as you age. These lower limb experts are trained in detecting and solving the foot problems which occur as we age.
Why is elderly foot care important?
Our population is ageing. We are living longer. As a result most of us will reach an age where we are unable to safely attend to our own feet. Moving around and walking steadily will also get harder.
Over the years our feet go through significant changes. The elderly population usually begin to lose the padding in the feet and the body’s ligaments and tendons lose the ability to spring back. Foot health can even mirror an individual’s health. For example, signs of poor circulation could be brittle and discoloured nails, dry skin and cold feet. This is one of the many reasons why foot health is an important aspect of general health.
What is seniors’ podiatry?
Seniors podiatry involves assessing, treating and caring for seniors’ feet. There are a number of problems which can occur as we age. Cumulative effects from footwear choices and trauma to the feet and nails gradually build-up over time. Feet often feel less comfortable and harder to care for.
Podiatrists can provide tailored treatment. Podiatrists help seniors stay mobile and comfortable on their feet. We can treat symptoms resulting from poor footwear, foot deformities and muscle weakness. A podiatrist will also guide you in correct footwear choices and provide advice on how to improve and maintain mobility so you can stay active and healthy as you age.
What are common seniors’ foot health concerns?
It is common to find mobility and self-care harder as we get older. There are also a range of foot and lower limb conditions that the older population may need help with. Some common reasons we see the elderly population walk through our doors are:
- Self-care difficulties
- Unsteady gait / frequent falls
- Foot pain – fat pad atrophy, bursitis, neuromas, plantar fasciitis, synovitis, gout
- Foot deformities – bunions, hammer toes, claw toes, flat feet, high arches
- Nail problems – fungal, thickened, curled, ingrown
- Skin problems – tinea/athlete’s foot, dry skin, cracked heels, callus, corns, psoriasis
- Foot ulceration
- Painful joints / arthritis
- Foot fractures
What aged foot care solutions do you provide?
A Podiatrist will be able to help you stay active and comfortable on your feet as you age. Podiatry foot care for seniors includes:
- General foot care (regular maintenance of the nails and skin)
- Treatment of thickened, misshapen or fungal nails
- Safe removal of corns, callus and dry skin
- Ingrown toenail care
- Strengthening exercises to improve gait and balance
- Falls prevention and mobility assessments
- Orthotic therapy
- Treatment of bursitis, neuromas, neuritis, painful bunions and arthritic joints
- Treatment of general foot fatigue, pain and fat pad atrophy
Do you offer Mobile Podiatry appointments?
Yes we do! We offer home visit podiatry appointments within a 5km radius of each of our six Queensland clinics. We provide these services so that you can maintain your foot health from the comfort of your home.
Ready for an appointment?
Do I need a referral?
No, you don’t need a referral to book your first appointment with us. Though if you have a Medicare or DVA referral, be sure to let us know.
How do I book an appointment?
There’s a few ways you can book your appointment. You can call your nearest clinic and speak with one of our friendly receptionists, or you can email info@afootc.com.au. Alternatively, we have an easy to use online booking system for your convenience.
What will the appointment cost?
For specific information on our current fees, contact your nearest clinics and a member of our knowledgeable team will be able to assist you.
Can I use my Home Care Package?
If you have been approved by My Aged Care for a Home Care Package, have selected a service provider and are approved for podiatry, then yes! We are happy to work alongside your service provider to arrange your podiatric care.
What can I expect at my initial seniors podiatry appointment?
When you first see a podiatrist they will focus on your presenting issue. This may be something simple like getting your nails safely trimmed or it may be foot pain or deformity. Your podiatrist will go through any relevant medical history, medications and imaging results.
Your podiatrist will work with you to come up with a treatment plan. The podiatrist may recommend regular treatment. They might also suggest things like new footwear, orthotics, a trial of in-shoe padding and foot strapping. Regardless of your presenting issue, you should leave your initial appointment with an ongoing treatment plan with the goal of keeping you as active, comfortable and healthy as possible.
What do I need to bring to my first seniors podiatry appointment?
At your first appointment you and your podiatrist will go through your relevant medical history with you. It will help to have an up-to-date list of your medications and medical history. It is helpful if you wear or bring your usual footwear (the shoes you wear the most), any walking aids, as well as any shoes you wear for exercising. If you have any related imaging reports (e.g. x-ray, ultrasound), please bring them along too.
Please also bring any referrals you may have (e.g. Medicare Enhanced Primary Care plan) and your private health fund card, if applicable.
Take the first step towards happy and healthy feet.
Ready to give your feet the care they deserve? Book your appointment online or call us and experience our expert podiatry services at any of our six clinic locations.