Tag: senior foot care

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blog Foot Care

Help Your Feet Age Healthily

September is Healthy Aging Month! It is the perfect time to take a moment to look at the most common problems older people have with their feet and then go over some easy tips seniors can take to make sure their feet are the healthiest they can be. How can you help your feet? Let’s take a look.

Common Problems for Aging Feet

Older people can have many problems with their feet as they age. Here are the most common ones:

Senior Foot Care Tips

Your feet naturally age with the rest of your body, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with painful foot problems. Follow these tips to keep your feet in the best shape possible:

  • Wear proper footwear. Make sure your shoes are flexible, and they fit correctly.
  • Visit an experienced podiatrist.
  • Maintain good circulation. You can do this by getting regular exercise. Just walking daily for an hour is beneficial. You can also massage your feet to increase circulation. Avoiding sitting for long periods also helps. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible.
  • Keep your feet warm. Heavy socks can help keep the cold out.
  • Clean your feet daily. Make sure you use soap and water.
  • Use lotion. As we age, our skin can become drier. Applying lotion can prevent cracks that may occur with dry skin.
  • Check your feet every day.
  • Avoid walking barefoot.
  • Use a cane. Older people may have problems with balance, which can lead to a bad fall. A cane or walker can help.
  • Stretch before any strenuous activity. It can help your feet stay flexible.

If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort with your feet, contact your podiatrist ASAP!

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax treat various foot and ankle conditions. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.

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Falls Prevention Awareness

How To Prevent Accidental Falls

Did you know many falls are preventable? September is Falls Prevention Month, and the doctors at New England Podiatry Associates are raising awareness about reducing your risk. There are things you can do right at home to decrease the likelihood of a fall. Unfortunately, for older Americans, the results can severely impact independent living. 

Here are three steps for prevention:

1. Be proactive 

From staying on schedule with doctor’s visits to adding more calcium to your diet, there are ways to strengthen your defense against falls. 

  • Poor vision can increase your risk for a fall. Keep on track with optometry visits.
  • Weak bones can increase your risk of instability or experiencing an injury after an accident. Switch your diet to strengthen your bones.

2. Be responsive 

If you have experienced balance issues or suddenly feel less confident while walking, schedule an appointment with your doctor. 

  • Newly prescribed medications can come with new side effects. It’s okay to ask questions. 
  • Foot pain contributes to mobility issues. Talk to a podiatrist.

3. Be open

Has your doctor recommended using a cane? Here’s our advice: Be open. 

  • As doctors, we are here to provide the best medical advice. We’re also happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. 
  • Ultimately, we want you to know and trust that our recommendations are in your best interest. Using a cane may be one of the best ways to prevent a fall. 

If you are experiencing new symptoms, please know that you are not alone, and we’re here to help.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Michael Hass, Dr. Alan Green, Dr. Stephen Tubridy, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, and Dr. Zachary Sax treat various conditions such as sports injuries, foot and ankle pain, pediatric foot care, ingrown toenails, and flat feet. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.

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blog Falls Prevention Awareness

Falls Prevention Awareness Month

falls prevention awareness, handrail

September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month. For Americans over the age of 65, a fall is the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries. This month, the doctors at New England Podiatry Associates want to share ways to help our seniors prevent falls and avoid injuries like broken bones.

Start the conversation today by talking with an older loved one and asking these questions:

When was the last time you had your vision checked?

Visits to the optometrist are about more than getting new frames. Regular visits can alert patients to make lifestyle changes as they adjust to their aging eyes. For older Americans, less light reaches the retina. It makes it more difficult to see tripping hazards.

Do you know the side effects of your medication?

Medication can sometimes have side effects, and older Americans may have a few daily prescriptions. From dizziness to dehydration, all of these symptoms can increase the risk of a fall. Additional side effects can also occur when one medication interacts with another.

Have you fallen before?

Some older loved ones may have fallen before, but they were ashamed to share with their family members. If someone has fallen before, they might fall again. Encourage your family member to schedule an appointment with their physician to learn what caused the fall. Conditions like neuropathy also make it dangerous for patients with diabetes; they may not know if they’ve been injured.

How can I help you at home?

Many older Americans have lived in the same home for decades. While they don’t have to move, they may need to make some changes. It includes adding handrails or increasing lighting in hallways and bathrooms. Ask them how you can help with home improvements or other simple tasks around the house.

Showing care and concern is the first step to supporting older loved ones. We’re here to help with any questions you may have about mobility or foot or ankle injuries. Call us at 617-232-1752 to make an appointment. Our Newton-Wellesley office location is open with limited hours. Our Chestnut Hill office is open during regular business hours. We are still offering a telemedicine option.