Podiatry and Seniors’ Foot Care

Our feet cop a hammering. We’re on them every single day, whether we’re just running errands or doing more intensive activities such as exercise. They’re also vital to maintaining independence and mobility, so it’s very important that we take care of them.

Unfortunately, as we get older, keeping our feet in good shape becomes harder. This is due to a number of reasons. Our skin begins to lose its natural elasticity and becomes dry, thin and weak, and we become more prone to foot problems such as blisters, corns and infections. Bones become more brittle and lose strength, and conditions such as osteoarthritis can take a hold and seriously inhibit the function of our joints.

Our podiatrist at BASScare, offers an in-demand service caring for the health of your feet to keep you up and about. The podiatry service runs from our Marwal Centre and Canterbury Centre on alternating Fridays.

A bit about Angela

I’ve been a podiatrist for 13 years after completing my Bachelor of Podiatry at La Trobe University, which involved a lot of theory and practical learning in a clinic setting. My grandma used to have podiatry and I could see how much it helped her, so from a young age I’ve had an interest in healthcare. Podiatry is such a rewarding career because I get to build wonderful rapport with my clients. I never get over seeing how much you can change a person’s life just by caring for and reducing pain in their feet.

I heard about BASScare from their previous podiatrist, Anne. I love working here because everyone is incredibly supportive and friendly. All the staff and volunteers have the clients’ best interests at heart; they work closely together to provide the best care possible.

Aside from podiatry, I’m most passionate about my family, especially my two daughters, and my friends. They are the light of my life. For fun, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching movies, dancing and shopping.

Foot Problems and Ageing Feet

Pressure

Our feet are under a lot of pressure, from our entire body weight in fact. The fatty padding in our feet can become significantly reduced once we get older, leading to problems such as corns and callouses, heel pain and bursas, among others.

Nails

Naturally, as we get older our mobility and flexibility decreases. This can make it harder to take good care of our toenails. Seeing our podiatrist regularly is often the best way to keep on top of fungal infections, ingrown toenails and other complications from overgrown or thickened nails.

Orthopaedic changes

With age, changes to the bone structure and strength of our feet can alter their shape and appearance. This can lead to muscle and tendon strains, which are a common problem for older people still demanding a lot from their feet. Podiatrists are trained to diagnose and, in many cases, treat such problems.

General care

As we get older, cognitive impairments can develop that restrict us from taking the best care of our feet. In these cases, regular check-ups with a podiatrist are recommended to prevent medical issues or, at the least, treat them before they become significant.