COLUMN | As a new resident, the lovely Ms. Anna was seen today. At 79 years of age, she relocated from her home nearby after her family thought it was in her best health interests, she had a bit more individualised attention. Though she was not completely keen on the idea, as she wanted to stay in her beloved home of forty years.
As part of her care plan, she was invited to be seen by the facility’s contracted podiatrist. Initially, shying away from the idea and thinking that she could tend to her feet herself, she reluctantly obliged after she recalled that her friend had recently visited her podiatrist and seemed to have had more “spring in her step” lately.
Anna has some sight impairment and so her idea (and outcome) of tending to her feet had been affected throughout the years. Combined with some arthritis in her fingers, and not having the necessary instruments allowing her to reduce those thicker toenails, she just adapted to her feet being uncomfortable in all shoes. Afterall, your feet are supposed to hurt as you age, she thought.
Uncomfortable or painful feet do not have to be accepted as you age. Your podiatrist on your team at your facility, is an asset and valuable team member providing immeasurable benefits to the residents. Some consider it a luxury. Podiatrists are trained experts. They are committed to improving the quality of life for your residents
by keeping them mobile, comfortable, and independent.
In Anna’s situation, a full exam and assessment was performed. She was found to have an acquired limb length difference, related to a previous hip replacement surgery nearly seven years ago. The longer side (non-surgical side), has been bearing more weight and had subsequently developed a painful callus on the bottom of her foot. In addition, professional reduction of her toenails made a huge difference with her overall toe comfort. Once the painful callus was reduced and the limb length difference addressed with initially a heel lift in her shoe, she no longer walked in pain.
Ultimately, once she tolerated the heel lift, different shoes were recommended, and the lift height was then integrated into the outer sole of her shoe. Now, Anna no longer walks with pain. Her smile radiates, once again, as she no longer wears that every step of discomfort on her face. People have even commented that she appears to be walking better and looking younger! Now, Anna looks forward to her regular podiatry visit. It is easy and convenient, since her podiatrist visits her home at regular intervals. It is just one of many reasons; she is now happy for her transition of her home into residential age care living.
Living longer, better, comfortably, and healthy. These are all goals that we might have for ourselves and for our residents. The link between foot problems in older age which reduce mobility and decrease quality of life has been well established. Podiatrists can help make positive differences and negate these issues.
The feet can be the mirrors of health. When pulses are not palpable in the feet, early diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease can be noted. Neurological testing can identify neuropathy or changing sensation of the feet which can cause difficulties with balance. Less confidence with walking can then occur and may also contribute to increased fall risk.
Life’s experiences and reminders can also show up in the feet with post-traumatic arthritis revealing itself related to previous injuries. This may be the cause of limited range of motion in the ankle or other joints, affecting mobility and comfort. Flattened feet, bunions, hammertoes, and other types of arthritis in the feet can be diagnosed with treatment plan alternatives being addressed and implemented.
Podiatrists can provide a range of services. These include:
- Comprehensive exam and assessments
- Development of individual care plans
- Diabetes related foot screening, risk assessment and management
- Nail and skin care including painful corns and calluses, ingrown toenails, and toenail
maintenance - Balance and fall risk assessments
- Shoe assessment and recommendations
- Integration of arch supports, orthotic devices, or digital aids
If your facility does not have regular podiatry care, perhaps it is time to consider this valuable service as a featured benefit for your residents. As the saying goes, “When your feet feel good, you feel good all over.”
