Care for your feet in winter urges podiatry body

As we head into the winter months, the Australian Podiatry Association (Vic) is warning everyone, but particularly the elderly, of the risks associated with allowing our feet to get too cold.

In the winter months podiatrists see patients of all ages with chilblains, which are usually caused by an abnormal reaction of the feet to cold, said Association President, Matt Dilnot.

“People who have difficulty keeping their feet warm in winter should avoid suddenly warming cold feet or, letting warm feet suddenly get cold,” Mr Dilnot said. “In addition, appropriate footcare for the elderly, at all times, but even more so in winter is of paramount importance.”

“Relatives and carers of the elderly should ensure that all older persons have regular footcare. The elderly should consider a podiatrist as an integral part of their personal health program, just as their local doctor is. They should not put up with skin, muscular and nail problems, as without appropriate care, they can only get worse. In addition regular footcare will ensure mobility and continued independence”.

Podiatrists are university-trained professionals who deal with prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs. In addition, they are able to assist with foot related conditions which can arise from diabetes, arthritis and circulatory problems.

Currently diabetes affects some 11% of Australia’s aging (over 65 years) population with that figure expected to double by 2015. Furthermore 9% of its aged persons are in some form of residential care where quality of life and care should be a priority issue.

“Feet first into fitness should be adopted” Mr Dilnot said. “Our elderly should not tolerate foot pain, and, providing assessment is done early, most conditions are treatable.”

“Podiatry consultations are aimed at providing treatment and self-care education. Correct footcare means comfortable feet. This increases a person's activity levels, which in turn leads to greater health and well-being, mobility and independence"