Elderly Foot Care and Common Findings, and why it is important to get a medical pedicure
- Morgan Womble
- May 14
- 3 min read
As we age, our bodies undergo many changes. Did you know that our feet change, too!? As we age, our skin dries out, our bones thin, arthritis sets in, our feet generally get wide and larger, and some longstanding toe and foot complications get worse. No, I am not trying to burst your bubble here, but the more we can learn about caring for our feet, the better! A mobile medical pedicure is a great way to get your feet and toenails assessed by a licensed professional, such as a podiatrist, a registered nurse, or a certified foot care nurse.
Common Foot Findings: Bunions
Over time, our feet develop arthritis, especially for those who were runners, dancers, had trauma or broken bones, or worked on their feet a lot when they were younger. Many individuals complain about bunions. When I am completing elderly foot care near me, one of the more common findings during my foot exam is bunions.
A bunion is often described as a bump on the side of the big toe. Bunions occur when the long bone in the foot displaces outward, which actually causes the big toe to move inward. The joint where the big toe meets the foot is called the metatarsophalangeal joint. This can become misaligned, and additional pressure over time can make it worse, becoming painful and red. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to fully fix the problem without surgery. Depending on your age and candidacy for surgery, this may be an option, but oftentimes surgery is not effective and can cause other problems down the road. Treatment is challenging and may include finding toe spacers to prevent corns and calluses, doing stretching exercises, taking NSAIDs for pain, or undergoing surgery. Honestly, the best treatment is finding proper footwear that supports your feet with a wide toe box.
Common Foot Findings: Hammer toes
Hammer toes are another common toe condition that can cause pain, corns and calluses, and difficulty finding footwear that fits well. A hammer toe is caused by the bending of the middle joint in the toe, most common in the 2nd- 4th toes. Hammer toes can be genetic or acquired over time, especially if you wore tight, narrow shoes when you were younger, or continue to do so now. Muscular conditions can also cause hammer toe deformities. A podiatrist may consider surgery if the toe is causing enough pain and you are a surgical candidate. Still, from my experience, when I provide a medical pedicure near me, surgery is not always effective in solving the problem. Often, the podiatry team will complete the surgery and insert a pin into the toe to straighten it. During my mobile foot care visits, I have noticed many seniors who have had surgery on their hammer toes still complain of complications, including adjacent toes overriding or developing painful corns or calluses on the bottom or sides of the adjacent toes. Aside from surgery, more conservative treatments include toe spacers, mole skin, toe caps or toe sleeves, buttress pads, and a shoe with a wide toe box.
Where can I get a medical pedicure near me?
All this to be said, finding a mobile podiatrist for the elderly near me can be difficult, as many foot doctors do not make house calls. However, if you have the above conditions, especially if you live in the Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, or Raleigh, NC region, you should consider getting a mobile medical pedicure with Womble’s Foot Care. Certified foot care nurses can assess your lower extremities and feet and offer suggestions for maintaining your foot health. If you are wondering about the difference between a regular pedicure and a medical pedicure, check out our blog: Regular Pedicure and Medical Pedicure: Key Differences Explained. Our team of experts can also recommend a local podiatrist in your area!
Happy Feet, Healthy Life
To recap, everyone needs some expert nail care services from time to time, especially our senior population! Common foot conditions like bunions and hammer toes can be cumbersome and painful, but a medical pedicure is a great way to ensure your loved one's toenails and feet are kept in good condition and routinely evaluated by a medical professional. This not only makes people’s feet feel great but also allows a foot care nurse or podiatrist to provide education and a treatment plan to help prevent complications such as painful corns and calluses, ingrown toenails, and even reduce the risk of falls. Keep those feet healthy and schedule your in-home medical pedicure today.
