Foot Examination for Older Adults

The foot changes with age. Foot disorders in older adults are associated with falls, lower limb ulcers, and pain. Physical examination of the feet as part of the routine assessment of older adults is imperative to detect foot problems. Foot pain and pathologies are common in older adults. Regular foot care is important to prevent these issues. However, some older adults may find it difficult to complete foot care, including cutting toenails. Regular foot examination can detect common foot problems, functional decline, and is recommended for preventing falls. We describe a technique for performing a focused examination of the feet for older adults. This review addresses current podiatric issues in older patient populations and describes a method for foot examination to address the needs of older adults that can be incorporated into patient assessments in any clinical setting. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

As people age, foot disorders become more common and can lead to various issues such as falls, lower limb ulcers, and pain. Regular foot examinations are essential for detecting problems and preventing falls in older adults. While foot pain and pathologies are prevalent, regular foot care can help alleviate these issues and improve overall foot health in the elderly.