The wonders of science have progressed so rapidly since 1900 that life expectancy for the average American has increased by about 27 years. Older persons have become an increasing significant proportion of our total population - and their numbers are growing rapidly.
If older people are to live useful, satisfying lives, they must be able to move about. Mobility is a vital ingredient of the independence that older people cherish, and foot ailments make it difficult or impossible for them to work or to participate in social activities.
The human foot has been called the mirror of health. Podiatrist, foot doctors, are often the first doctors to see signs of such systemic conditions as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory diseases in the feet. Among these signs are dry skin, brittle nails, burning and tingling sensation, feelings of coldness, numbness, and discoloration. Always seek professional care when these signs appear.
FOOT PROBLEMS CAN BE PREVENTED
For reasons that are difficult to fathom, many people, including a lot of older people, believe that it is normal for their feet to hurt. They simply resign themselves to enduring foot problems, which could be treated.
There are more than 300 different foot ailments. Some can be traced to heredity, but for older people, most of them stem from the cumulative impact of years of neglect, abuse, or just normal use. However, even among people in their retirement years, many foot problems can be treated successfully, and the pain of foot ailments are relived. Whether neglect or abuse are present, the normal wear and tear of the years causes changes in your feet. As a person ages, their feet tend to spread, and lose the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet. Additional weight can affect the bone and ligament structures. Arthritis can be a constant reminder of this. Older people consequently should have their feet inspected and treated if necessary. Dry skin and brittle thick nails are other conditions older people commonly face. Finally, it's a fact that women, young and old, have four times as many foot problems as men, and high heels are often the culprits.
KEEP THEM WALKING
Studies show that care for a bedridden patient cost much more than care for a patient that can walk. In their private practice and foot clinics, Podiatric physicians such as Dr. Jeffrey C. Karr are providing services designed to keep older people on their feet. A daily walking exercise program along with routine visits to Dr. Karr will increase the likelihood on happy and pain free feet.
If older people are to live useful, satisfying lives, they must be able to move about. Mobility is a vital ingredient of the independence that older people cherish, and foot ailments make it difficult or impossible for them to work or to participate in social activities.
The human foot has been called the mirror of health. Podiatrist, foot doctors, are often the first doctors to see signs of such systemic conditions as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory diseases in the feet. Among these signs are dry skin, brittle nails, burning and tingling sensation, feelings of coldness, numbness, and discoloration. Always seek professional care when these signs appear.
FOOT PROBLEMS CAN BE PREVENTED
For reasons that are difficult to fathom, many people, including a lot of older people, believe that it is normal for their feet to hurt. They simply resign themselves to enduring foot problems, which could be treated.
There are more than 300 different foot ailments. Some can be traced to heredity, but for older people, most of them stem from the cumulative impact of years of neglect, abuse, or just normal use. However, even among people in their retirement years, many foot problems can be treated successfully, and the pain of foot ailments are relived. Whether neglect or abuse are present, the normal wear and tear of the years causes changes in your feet. As a person ages, their feet tend to spread, and lose the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet. Additional weight can affect the bone and ligament structures. Arthritis can be a constant reminder of this. Older people consequently should have their feet inspected and treated if necessary. Dry skin and brittle thick nails are other conditions older people commonly face. Finally, it's a fact that women, young and old, have four times as many foot problems as men, and high heels are often the culprits.
KEEP THEM WALKING
Studies show that care for a bedridden patient cost much more than care for a patient that can walk. In their private practice and foot clinics, Podiatric physicians such as Dr. Jeffrey C. Karr are providing services designed to keep older people on their feet. A daily walking exercise program along with routine visits to Dr. Karr will increase the likelihood on happy and pain free feet.
