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Usually caused by pressure and friction on heels, tops
of toes and balls of feet. corns can be hard and cause piercing pain. Soft rubbery
corns occur between the toes. Callouses are less well defined, yellowy and give
a burning sensation. Do not snip at them with scissors or a razor as this can
lead to infection.
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Warts occuring mainly on the sole of the foot and are forced
into the foot because of pressure from the body weight. They are caused by a virus
which enters through damaged skin and is easily passed on.
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A highly contagious fungal infection, easily picked
up in swimming pools and thrives in moist environments, such as trainers. It appears
as white soggy patches.
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There are about 250,000 sweat glands in the feet. Do
not be embarrassed about seeking help - it is one of the commonest problems a
chiropodist sees. Meticulous attention to keeping feet and footwear fresh helps.
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 As
an elderly patient, it is important that you pay special attention to your feet
with regard to foot hygiene, the cutting of nails, the type of sock and stockings/hosiery
worn, type of shoe and other matters concerning the feet.
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Your nails should be attended to on a regular basis
using a pair of special chiropodist's clippers, as these are much safer than scissors.
Alternatively, use an emery board to keep nails at the correct length by regular
filing - moving along the length of the nail rather than across it. If you cannot
reach your feet, cannot see well or have shaky hands, ask a friend or relative
to help with filing or cutting. The nails of the elderly are usually quite thick
and it would be easier to do nail cutting after bath time as the nails are a bit
softer at this time.
Nails should be cut following the length and shape of the toe as much as possible
(not straight across as most people think) so as to minimise damage to the nail
as it grows. Never probe the nail groove or any part of the nail.
If you have any difficulty or pain consult your chiropodist.
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It is important for the elderly patient to know that
any corn or callous should be treated by a chiropodist and that removal of these
disorders should not be attempted by the patient. Equally Never
use any corn cures as the medicaments in the preparations could have a serious
effect on the patient.
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Your feet should be washed daily in tepid water using
a mild toilet soap. After washing, the feet should be carefully rinsed in plain
water and dried properly, paying special attention to between the toes.
If you have sweaty feet normally, then cleaning the feet with surgical spirit
after drying and subsequently dusting the feet will minimize the sweating; equally
if you suffer from dry feet, then use of a cream will help.
It is important that you change to a clean pair of socks/stockings/hosiery every
day.
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Due to age the elderly in many cases have problems with
circulation and because of this you should avoid very hot baths, electric blankets
should be switched off at bedtime, you should not sit too close to fireplaces
or heaters, Never use hot poultices, Only loose
fitting woollen socks should be worn.
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Shoes must be chosen carefully. It is best to have lace-up
and soft-upper shoes so that your feet will be held firmly during walking. To
be sure that the shoes are suited for your feet test walk on a solid area of the
store not on the carpeted floor. Buy shoes in the afternoon as
feet tend to swell up during the day, insist on having your feet measured, try on
both shoes and do not feel obliged to buy if there is nothing
suitable.
It is important that you wear socks/stockings/hosiery that will not restrict the
movement of the foot. Garters will also impede circulation. Avoid walking barefoot.
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If any minor injury should happen to you (e.g. cuts,
bruises) clean the area with surgical spirit and apply a mild antiseptic cream
(e.g. Savlon). Do not apply adhesive strapping directly to the
area or wrap the strapping around the toes, as this will restrict circulation.
Blisters on the feet should be left alone and should not be pricked to release
the fluid but should be left to dry up on their own. Should they open on their
own accord and discharge their contents dress with an antiseptic dressing.
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If there is pain, itching, swelling or colour change
in your feet or legs of if you notice any discharge from a break in the skin,
from a nail or a corn it is important that you visit your chiropodist.
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