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Chapter 45 - Foot Health

from Section III - Care of the Elderly by Organ System

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 June 2022

By
Diana Homeier  and
Araz Melkonian
Edited by
Jan Busby-Whitehead ,
Samuel C. Durso ,
Christine Arenson ,
Rebecca Elon ,
Mary H. Palmer  and
William Reichel
Jan Busby-Whitehead
Affiliation:
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Samuel C. Durso
Affiliation:
The Johns Hopkins University, Maryland
Christine Arenson
Affiliation:
Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia
Rebecca Elon
Affiliation:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Mary H. Palmer
Affiliation:
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
William Reichel
Affiliation:
Georgetown University Medical Center
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Summary

For older adults, foot problems can significantly affect mobility, function, and quality of life. Because the foot can impact overall function, the podiatric exam for either preventive or problem-related issues is an important part of geriatric care. The foot exam begins with the shoes and then includes a dermatologic, musculoskeletal, vascular, neurologic, and functional assessment. Common skin and nail conditions include hyperkeratotic lesions, ulcerations, tinea pedis, and onychomycosis. Forefoot conditions include hallux valgus (bunion), hallux limitus, hallux rigitus, digiti flexus (hammertoe), sesamoiditis, fractures, and Mortons’ neuroma (intermetatarsal neuroma). Midfoot conditions include pes planus and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Common heel conditions include plantar fasciitis, heel pad syndrome, Achilles tendinitis, and tarsal tunnel syndrome. Systemic disease such as diabetes and gout can also affect the foot. Treatment modalities for foot conditions can include topical, injected, or oral medications, pads or orthotics, and surgical correction. Health-care practitioners are encouraged to examine the feet of their older patients and provide education about foot care and footwear.

Keywords

foot healthfoot disordersfoot examinationagingquality of lifefalls
Type
Chapter
Information
Reichel's Care of the Elderly
Clinical Aspects of Aging
 , pp. 558 - 568
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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