Foot Care

Most people don’t think about their feet very much – unless one of them hurts. One of the main sources of foot pain is diabetes. Diabetics are carefully instructed to monitor their feet every day, watching for cuts and scrapes, bruises, infections, blisters, or ingrown nails. Diabetes causes damage to the nerves in the feet. The feet become numb and the person cannot feel minor injuries. Blisters from new shoes can go unnoticed until infection sets in. Since diabetics have problems with their immune systems, infection can be more difficult to control, especially in the feet where the blood supply is farthest from the heart.

Diabetics aren’t the only people who need to practice preventive care for their feet. Other diseases such as peripheral vascular disease decrease the circulation to the feet. When the blood doesn’t flow as well, tissues tend to break down more easily and infection fighting cells cannot reach areas of inflammation as rapidly. Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus make infections more likely.

Foot care is especially important in the elderly. Feet change with aging and skin thins and is less pliable. Toes can become malformed. Bunions and corns develop. Nails could contract fungal infections and thicken. Overlooking feet changes can lead to serious problems in the elderly, even without diabetes or poor circulation.

If you or someone you love has arthritic feet, diabetes, vascular problems, or deformed feet, you can get help from Harbor Care Associates. Their team is specially trained to provide proper foot care. A gentle, thorough inspection of the feet, including the nails and between the toes, will reveal any acute problems. After the inspection, the caregiver will soak the feet in warm water before trimming the nails and finishing with a foot rub with lotion. Not only is this an important examination, the treatment is pleasant.

Contact Harbor Care Associates and insure that the feet you care about are properly cared for.