Foot care later in life: what to watch for

Over the years the skin thins, nails thicken and bending gets harder. That is exactly when regular foot care matters, and home visits are always possible.

The explanation

Cutting a thick toenail with ordinary clippers is no small matter at an older age. The result is often nails that grow too long and press against the shoe, or too much being cut away so that ingrowth develops.

With the years the skin produces less of its own oil and dries out faster, making cracks more likely. The fat pad under the ball of the foot flattens, so pressure is absorbed less well and callus forms faster.

Painful feet also change your walking pattern and make you less confident, and walking hesitantly increases the risk of falling. Feet that do not complain contribute more to safe walking than most people realise.

Patty's advice

If you are unsteady on your feet or have no transport, Patty comes to you. A standard treatment at home costs €50, a medical treatment €57.50.

Read more about medical treatment? See the treatment page or request an appointment straight away.