Foot Care for Seniors: Stay Safe, Mobile, and Independent
Your foot problems can affect more than just your steps. They will also impact your confidence, balance, and freedom. At Greater Western Health, we provide a respectful and gentle podiatry care that helps older adults walk comfortably, avoid falls, and stay active for longer. Good foot health isn’t just about pain relief. It’s about living on your terms.
Foot Pain Is Common, But It Shouldn’t Be Your Normal
Many older adults assume sore feet, thick nails, or difficulty walking are just part of ageing. But the truth is, most foot problems are treatable and preventable with the right care.
We’ve seen how foot pain can quietly change everything:
- Fewer walks and outings
- Hesitation on stairs or uneven ground
- More time sitting, less time enjoying life
When your feet hurt, you stop trusting them. And when you stop trusting them, you stop moving. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Why Feet Change As We Age
As we get older, natural changes make our feet more vulnerable to discomfort, injury, and infection:
Common age-related changes:
- Flattened arches or shifting foot shape
- Loss of fat padding, especially under heels
- Thicker, more brittle nails
- Reduced circulation and slower healing
- Less sensation (especially with diabetes or neuropathy)
- Stiffer joints and increased risk of arthritis
These changes don’t always cause pain at first, but they increase the risk of falls, infections, and mobility decline.
The Biggest Risks: Falls, Infections, and Losing Confidence
Foot problems in older adults often start small: dry skin, minor swelling, or a missed toenail trim. For instance, a small skin crack can become a major infection. That’s why a proactive foot care is so important, most especially for seniors with diabetes or circulation issues. If ignored, they can quickly lead to serious consequences:
- Falls and balance loss from instability or foot pain
- Skin breakdown or ulcers from unnoticed pressure or poor footwear
- Infections that spread due to slow healing or reduced immunity
- Loss of independence because walking becomes too hard or risky
Common Foot Conditions We Help Treat
Even routine nail care becomes difficult for some older adults. We’re here to help, gently and professionally. All treatments are tailored for comfort, mobility, and long-term prevention.
At Greater Western Health, we work with seniors every day who are dealing with:
- Painful bunions, corns, or calluses
- Thick, discoloured, or ingrown nails
- Heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or fallen arches
- Balance problems or gait changes
- Diabetic foot complications
What to Expect From Senior-Focused Podiatry Care
We don’t just treat symptoms. We consider your overall health, medical history, mobility, and goals. Whether you’re managing arthritis, diabetes, or just want to walk around with comfort and confidence, our expert podiatry team is here to support you with care that is calm, respectful, and practical.
A typical visit to our clinic might include:
- Nail and skin care with gentle tools (no aggressive clipping or scraping)
- Checking for pressure points, early infection, or ulcer risk
- Advice on safe footwear and balance support
- Coordination with GPs, carers, or family when needed
- Recommendations for orthotics or padding (if necessary)
Simple Daily Habits That Make a Big Difference
Most of our older patients feel better, not just physically, but mentally, when they know someone’s keeping an eye on their feet. We recommend check-ups every 8 to 10 weeks to catch problems early and stay ahead of discomfort.
Here are some prevention tips we share with every senior:
- Check your feet daily (or ask a loved one for help)
- Moisturise dry skin to prevent cracks or infection
- Trim nails straight across (or let us help if it’s difficult)
- Avoid going barefoot, even indoors
- Choose wide, supportive shoes with grip and cushioning
- Move daily, even if it’s just a short walk or foot stretch
You Don’t Have to Give Up Independence Because of Foot Pain
Whether you’re caring for yourself or supporting an ageing parent, foot care is one of the smartest steps you can take to protect independence and quality of life. We’re here when you’re ready.
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