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Chapter 42 - Foot health in the elderly

from Section III - Care of the elderly by organ system

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2016

By
Diana Homeier  and
Louise Ye
Edited by
Jan Busby-Whitehead ,
Christine Arenson ,
Samuel C. Durso ,
Daniel Swagerty ,
Laura Mosqueda ,
Maria Fiatarone Singh  and
William Reichel
Jan Busby-Whitehead
Affiliation:
University of North Carolina
Christine Arenson
Affiliation:
Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia
Samuel C. Durso
Affiliation:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Daniel Swagerty
Affiliation:
University of Kansas
Laura Mosqueda
Affiliation:
University of Southern California
Maria Fiatarone Singh
Affiliation:
University of Sydney
William Reichel
Affiliation:
Georgetown University, Washington DC
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Summary

Foot health is important to the overall well-being of the older adult. Foot pain and disorders can adversely affect an elder’s quality of life and may increase risk of falls. Foot problems may be the result of a primary foot disorder or a manifestation of systemic disease. Older adults may not be vigilant about their feet and may lack the vision, sensation, or flexibility to adequately check their own feet. It is important for a foot examination to be part of a thorough geriatrics examination. Skin and nail problems can cause discomfort and a potential source of infection. Forefoot disorders include hallux valgus (bunion), digiti flexus (hammertoe), sesamoiditis, fractures, and Morton’s neuroma. Midfoot disorders include pes planus and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Heel disorders include plantar fasciitis, fat pad atrophy, Achilles tendinitis, and tarsal tunnel syndrome. Diabetes and gout are two systemic conditions that can cause foot problems. Health care providers should provide older patients with education regarding self-examination and proper footwear.
Type
Chapter
Information
Reichel's Care of the Elderly
Clinical Aspects of Aging
 , pp. 597 - 606
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2016

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