Older Feet

As a person becomes older maintaining mobility and independence are of utmost importance. Foot problems in the elderly are common and are the cause of much pain and disability and consequent loss of independence. The effective management of foot problems in the elderly therefore makes a valuable contribution to the quality of their life.

Foot problems such as corns, calluses, in growing toenails and fungal toenail infections can impede mobility. Structural problems such as bunions, hammertoes, heel pain and joint degeneration can also contribute to immobility.

Podiatric care is aimed at keeping the individual on their feet and moving. Mobility is important to be able to continue leisure activities such as golf, bowling, tennis, walking and even for day-to-day domicile activities and looking after oneself. Some people attempt to self-treat their foot conditions and the result is worse than the initial problem.

The medical problems of an individual can have a great impact on their foot condition. These include Diabetes mellitus, poor circulation and arthritis. Podiatrists focus on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of foot problems. Some foot conditions may impact on shoe fitting and comfort or precipitate foot ulceration in the presence of vascular and neurological disease.

Podiatry services do not attract a Medicare rebate, however, some people covered by the Veterans' Affairs program are entitled to subsidise podiatry services and most private health insurance agencies offer their members a rebate for podiatry services under their Extras tables. A podiatrist must be registered within their state to practice podiatry.

Podiatric management includes:

• The treatment of skin and toenail problems in a clinical setting requiring the skilled use of sterile instruments. Most people are surprised at how little it hurts to remove a corn or nail which has been causing them so much pain. No one should have to suffer walking with a corn, callus or thick toenail.
• Footwear advice. Appropriate footwear is very important in the management of any foot condition. A shoe may need to be shorter/longer, wider/narrower, deeper in the toe/heel area, restrained with a buckle and strap or laces. Shoes need to fit correctly. A well fitting shoe will increase stability while walking and decrease the likelihood of falls. Prescription foot orthoses (in-shoe devices) are manufactured by podiatrists to offer long-term solutions in the treatment and prevention of corns, calluses and ulceration by providing pressure redistribution. Another type of orthotic device provides consistent weight bearing realignment and is utilised in the treatment of many structural foot problems.
  
• Educating clients on self-care of their feet relating to foot hygiene and the precipitating problems of some medical diseases.