Relieving Foot Problems for Residents Living in NJ Nursing Care

It is very easy for elderly residents living in NJ nursing care to develop foot problems and disorders. It is also very easy for these problems to be overlooked. Inspecting the feet of the elderly on a daily basis will help to detect foot problems more easily in order to be treated in a timely manner. The elderly can also feel better and healthier with good foot care. Learn about the types, causes, and treatments for foot disorders in the elderly.

Types of Foot Problems in Elderly People

There are a few types of foot problems that elderly people in NJ nursing care can get and should be treated for. The feet of the elderly should be checked for infections, ingrown toenails, ulcers, blisters, lesions, cuts, swelling, corns, and calluses. The feet will need to be inspected visually and with the hands. It may be easy to get an infection in the feet if they are not given the care that feet need. Checking feet for any type of foot problems is very important for the elderly.

Treating and Preventing Foot Disorders for Residents

Action needs to be taken every day in order to help prevent foot disorders and problems in the elderly residents in NJ nursing care. For residents who are not able to walk around during the day, they should still do foot exercises every day to keep the circulation flowing. Residents in NJ nursing care should also keep feet elevated to reduce any swelling. Residents can also soak feet in tepid water to increase circulation.

On a daily basis, feet should be cleaned in warm, not hot, water and then dried completely. Lotion should be applied so that their feet do not get dry. Lotion that is water-based should not be used because that can dry out feet even more. Toenails should be neatly trimmed and filed to prevent sharp edges.

Foot Problems in Elderly Diabetics

Special care should be given to the feet of diabetics since problems can arise easily. If feet are cared for every day then that decreases the chances of having any serious foot complications due to diabetes. Elderly people in NJ nursing care with diabetes need special treatment for preventing foot problems. For example, with the help of the proper diet and medications, normal glucose levels should be maintained and monitored to help prevent any nerve damage in feet. Severe nerve damage can ultimately lead to amputation. The elderly with diabetes should also visit a podiatrist on a frequent basis in order to prevent any food disorders from coming up.