Foot Care for Seniors

Our feet are designed to ensure our mobility and provide us with balance and support. When our feet are neglected, and their health is affected, it can impair our strength, posture, flexibility, and overall wellness. Many think that foot issues are a result of getting older. This is false; pain and discomfort are not normal and are not part of the aging process. Lower limb and foot problems need to be addressed, especially within our senior population, and necessary steps must be taken to provide treatment and preventive care.

Here are common lower limb and foot problems seen in our elderly population to which we can help with:

• Hammertoes
• Heel Pain
• Ingrown Toenails
• Joint Stiffness
• Leg cramps
• Metatarsal Pain
• Peripheral Arterial Disease
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Warts
• Poor Leg Circulation
• Psoriasis
• Thick and Painful Toenails
• Venous Disease and Insufficiency

We are dedicated in providing you comprehensive care in a comfortable environment. All of our services are offered in our private treatment rooms. Contact us today to learn how we can help you stay strong on your feet!

Please note that this is a medical service and is hst exempt.

Coverage may be available with your private insurance company under Nursing Care OR Foot Care offered by a Nurse in Clinic OR Extended Health Spending Account. A receipt with the Nurse’s license # will be provided. This service can also be put towards your income taxes as a medical expense. 

Falls are the number one cause of injuries related hospitalization among seniors in Canada. While the factors causing falls are numerous, the good news is that falls are preventable! At Natural Skin & Sole Wellness Clinic, we provide a “ground-up” approach to fall prevention by promoting healthy feet. Healthy feet contribute to a full and active lifestyle which is important to our quality of life. Here are a few lower limb related concerns when it comes to falls:

• Painful foot conditions
• Diabetic foot complications (ex; neuropathy)
• Ulcers and pressure sores
• Hammertoes, bunions, and other foot deformities
• Leg swelling
• Gait and balance problems
• Improper footwear (indoors and outdoors)

These concerns can lead to poor balance, decreased muscle and bone strength in the legs, reduced mobility, isolation, and loss of independency. The first step to avoiding falls is to understand what causes them. Here are a few steps on how you can remain strong on your feet:

• Do not ignore foot pain. Pain is not normal and can often be managed. Make sure you have a health care professional and/or a foot care specialist assess your pain for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Examine your feet daily. The best way to prevent any condition from worsening is by simply looking at your feet. Look for signs of infection, redness, swelling, sores, lumps, or any other abnormal changes to your feet. See your foot care specialist at the earliest signs of any concerns. If you cannot reach your feet; ask for help or use a hand-held mirror.
• Protect your feet. Properly fitted footwear is crucial both indoors and outdoors. The right shoes can prevent foot injuries, risks of infections, slips and stumbles. More than 50% of falls happen inside the person’s home; a good pair of slippers or indoor shoes is just as important than a pair worn for outdoors.
• Have your gait and balance assessed. Lower-body weakness can make exercising difficult. An assessment can help your health care professional provide you with the right exercise plan to help you build strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.

Caring for your lower limbs can reduce the risk of falls and allow you to remain strong on your body’s foundation: your feet! Call us today at 613-761-6060 to book your appointment with one of our foot care specialists!

To learn more about Fall Prevention visit: Public Health Agency of Canada’s Fall Prevention Guide