Various health problems such as poor circulation and increased skin dryness often accompanies the aging process and can lead to an increased risk of infections and falls, unwillingness to walk, and chronic pains. Today Dr. John Marzano of Westchester Podiatric Healing Medicine, P.C., in Yonkers, NY, is sharing his idea for holiday gifts to address the most common foot health problems among senior citizens.
Proper foot care ensures improved mobility and safety of your senior loved ones while boosting their quality of life and overall health. Today we highlight foot care products that can provide relief to the three most common foot problems seniors experience:
- Heel balms for dry and cracked soles: Dry and flaky skin will eventually result in cracked soles of the feet. They can be a potential breeding ground for bacteria and infection. It is vital to keep the soles of the feet clean and moisturized to avoid unnecessary pain. But too much moisturizer can make feet slick and cause trips and falls for the elderly. It is important to pick out a heel balm that softens and hydrates the cracked heels but is not too greasy and has little to no added fragrances.
- A lotion applicator for the feet: With advanced age, the flexibility to get about hard-to-reach body parts decreases. The task of comfortably applying lotion to the feet may become a challenge. A lotion applicator for the feet can make it easier for older adults to apply lotions on their feet conveniently.
- Anti-fungal kit for persistent foot fungus: Older adults are prone to bacterial and fungal infections because microbes flourish on aging feet with dry skin. If your elderly loved one has persistent pain, swelling, itching, and redness, consult a podiatrist to determine the cause of the problem. You can make a handy kit for them with the podiatrist’s recommended over-the-counter products in it. It may include products like tea tree oil for fungal infections, a stainless-steel nail-clipper, a gentle pumice rub, bandages, foot and heel creams, and anti-bacterial and anti-fungal ointments.
Foot hygiene and proper foot care are vitally important to senior citizens, particularly those with diabetes. The most poignant gift this holiday season for your elderly loved one will be spending time with them and personally looking into their foot care and hygiene. Regular check-ups by a podiatrist can rule out any serious foot illness and remedy the minor ones before they get out of hand. For any queries and appointments, contact the office of Dr. John C. Marzano at Westchester Podiatric Healing Medicine, P.C., in Yonkers, NY. You can visit our office at 984 N. Broadway, Suite LL03, Yonkers, NY 10701, or call us at (914) 423-0600.