Preventive Screenings for Foot Care

What You Need To Know

Preventive screenings help you stay ahead of foot problems before they limit your life.

Preventive Foot Screenings at 1Foot 2Foot

It’s normal for people to experience foot pain as they age, but experts say that problems with feet can be the first sign of more serious medical conditions, particularly among older adults. Health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, nerve issues, and circulatory disorders may first manifest in your feet. Preventive screenings are designed to catch these changes early so small issues do not become disabling ones.

As a senior, you are subject to many foot conditions that can leave you handicapped if they aren’t prevented or treated. You are more prone to arthritis, ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections, and foot deformities with associated corns and calluses. Your sense of altered balance can also leave you prone to falls, and a single fall can lead to great injury or disability.

Our award-winning foot and ankle specialists in Suffolk, North Suffolk, Hampton, and Virginia Beach, VA, provide thorough and comprehensive evaluations of your current foot condition, which can reduce your chances of disability and improve your quality of life by optimizing your foot health. Screening services include nerve and neurological sensory testing, vascular and circulation testing, diagnostic ultrasound, and MRI when needed.

We also offer a Functional Fall Risk Assessment to determine your risk and then develop a program to ensure you have the best chance of staying on your feet. It is important to pay attention to your feet and seek medical attention as soon as you notice any abnormal changes, so schedule a screening with 1Foot 2Foot and let us build a plan around your needs.

Top Tips for Healthy Aging Feet

Prevention and maintenance are the best sources of healthy feet. Small daily habits, combined with regular visits to your podiatrist, go a long way toward protecting your mobility and independence.

Don’t rush. Take your time and use handrails, walkers, or canes when necessary. In the bathtub, use the grab bar and avoid bath oils, since the tub floor is already slippery. Keep floors and hallways free of stray objects, and do not use throw rugs in entryways or stairwells.

Keep moving. A daily exercise routine contributes to a healthy body and mind, and walking is an ideal form of exercise for seniors, offering strengthening benefits to the feet, heart, and lungs. Inspect your feet daily, frequently if you are diabetic, and ask for help if you cannot see them adequately. Avoid walking barefoot, and wear soft leather shoes with rubber soles and heels.

Keep feet clean, warm, and dry. Apply lotion to dry feet and powder to moistened feet. Never use commercial corn pads or medicines, as they often burn and irritate the skin. Maximize your blood flow by avoiding sitting with your knees crossed and steering clear of nicotine products. Consider custom arch supports or braces to improve foot function and help prevent falls.

The longer your feet stay healthy, the longer you can maintain an active lifestyle and your independence. Visit our 1Foot 2Foot foot and ankle specialists regularly for a screening, and no matter what your age, better feet will lead to a better life.