Caring for Your Feet

Take care of your feet as you get older. Healthy, pain-free feet allow you to stay active and keep your balance.

Good balance can prevent falls, a major cause of injury and loss of independence. When your feet are too sore to walk, you lose strength and increase your risk of falling.

Common foot problems

Common foot problems include corns, calluses, and plantar warts. Do not try to treat these problems yourself with chemicals or sharp tools because this may cause wounds that heal slowly and become infected. Consult a doctor or foot care specialist to treat your feet.

If you notice anything that does not look normal, contact your doctor or foot care professional immediately. Sometimes, foot problems are the first warning of more serious medical conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and nerve or circulatory disorders.

Diabetes and foot care

People with diabetes may have trouble with their feet, because your circulation can be affected. You may not be able to feel hot, cold or pain in your feet. Little cuts or sores, if not cared for, can become deeper and larger sores called ulcers.

See your doctor or foot specialist right away if:

You have a sore that is not healing or gets infected.
Your feet are unusually cold.
You feel cramps, numbness, tingling or discomfort in your feet.

Daily foot care tips

Wash your feet daily using warm water.
Dry feet thoroughly, especially between toes.
Use cream on the top and bottom of your feet to prevent dry skin.
Wear clean, dry socks with no tight elastic at the top.
Wear comfortable shoes. Well-fitting shoes provide proper support.
Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, sores, infected toenails or swelling.
Consult a health care professional to treat your feet.

Nail care tips

Cut toe nails after bathing since water will soften them and they will be easier to cut.
Use proper nail clippers to cut toe nails.
Trim nails straight across, and not too short.
If your eyesight is poor, or if you have a problem reaching your feet, get help from a health care professional.

Be active every day

Walking is the best way to keep you and your feet healthy because you can do it anytime, anywhere – for free!

Avoid long periods of sitting or standing still. Move your feet, flex your muscles and change position frequently to increase your blood flow.

Do gentle exercises. Move your feet in circles, or up and down, to maintain flexibility, mobility and circulation.

Practice good foot care (PDF) every day.

(Source: Public Health Agency of Canada, Foot care Info-sheet for seniors, 2005)

Find out more

Toronto Health Connection 416-338-7600
Ontario Podiatric Medical Association at 1-866-424-6762

Choosing a foot care professional

A Chiropodist (Canadian term) or a Podiatrist (a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, DPM) or Podologist is a person qualified by their education and training whose job is to diagnose and treat problems and diseases of people's feet.

They are designated specialists who are qualified to diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle and structure of the lower leg. Podiatrists can treat foot disorders by manipulation of soft tissue, medication and by surgery.

To find a Chiropodist near you, visit the Ontario Society of Chiropodist.

Well-fitting shoes

Only you can tell if your shoes fit. If your shoes don't feel comfortable, don't buy them.
Always have your feet measured in the store before buying shoes. The size of your feet size can change with age. The best time to measure your feet is at the end of a day of walking and standing.
Always try on shoes before buying them. Different brands, styles and manufacturers have different sizes. For example, the size you wear for sneakers may not be the same size you need for dress shoes.
Walk around the store in the shoes. Make sure the heel of the shoe does not slide up and down when you walk and that there is enough room in the toes.

Last updated on December 2011