As people age, their bones and tendons often weaken, and injuries become more likely. Because the feet support a person’s entire body weight, foot problems aren’t uncommon for seniors. Here are a few common foot injuries caregivers should be familiar with.
Stress Fractures
Weakened bones combined with body weight or the trauma of a fall commonly result in stress fractures, or cracks in the bones of the foot. The injury causes pain while moving, standing, or walking as well as possible bruising. Treatment involves resting the foot, putting a cast on it, or using a walking boot and crutches. Prevention involves getting adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D along with doing moderate exercise three to four times weekly. Balance training may also help seniors with stress fractures.
A professional caregiver can help your loved one exercise at home in safety and comfort. When considering home care, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care Reston professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.
Plantar Fasciitis
Seniors are considered at high risk for the condition known as plantar fasciitis, which is typically noticed as pain in the heel area when standing and walking. The injury occurs when protective fat padding gradually decreases, which puts more weight and stress on the heel bone. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may involve orthotic inserts, splints, rest, or corrective surgery.
If your loved one needs help with daily tasks while recovering from foot surgery or an injury, a home caregiver can be your ideal choice. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Reston senior home care experts at Assisting Hands Home Care are here to help. All of our home care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Heel Spurs
Elderly people who are overweight or extremely active are prone to develop bony growths, or spurs, on their heels. The injury causes stabbing pain in the morning and when standing or walking on hard surfaces. Specialized stretching exercises expand the connective tissues in the heel while making them more flexible. Extreme cases may require corrective surgery, which involves filing down the growth.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia involves a loss of the fat pad on the ball of the foot. The injury develops gradually, with progressing pain similar to a dull ache. Remedying the problem may include choosing shoes that are wider in the toe and the midfoot region. Shoes with rocker soles also reduce stress on the ball of the foot. Footpads are another alternative. If these remedies fail, podiatrists often recommend orthotic inserts.
Foot pain and other ailments can make accomplishing daily tasks more challenging for seniors. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of elderly home care. Reston Assisting Hands Home Care Reston provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at 703-556-8983 today.
