Foot Care for Those With Dementia 

Dementia can affect health, impacting multiple body systems, including feet. As dementia progresses, nerve and muscle function in the feet often become impaired, leading to pain, cramps, balance problems, and difficulty walking. Foot pain treatment can help the victims of dementia improve their mobility and quality of life. Here are a few ways to care for the feet of those with dementia:

1. Inspect Feet Regularly

Keep the feet clean and dry, and trim nails short. Inspecting feet regularly is a key foot care practice for those with dementia. It helps spot potential foot pain issues before they become worse. 

Regular examination allows foot health professionals to detect and address injuries quickly, preventing them from becoming severe foot problems. Regular foot inspections also allow foot health experts to examine the feet for foot-related issues, such as deformities or discoloration, which may require specialized foot pain treatment.

2. Wear Comfortable Shoes 

Avoid wearing tight socks or shoes that rub against the skin, which can cause irritation or injury over time. Properly fitted shoes with good arch support are key for foot health. Footwear should also be flexible and shock-absorbing to help reduce the impact on the feet when walking. 

From slippers to athletic shoes, the shoe must fit properly. Shoes that are too tight can cause foot pain and discomfort, while loose shoes may cause tripping or falls. For those with dementia, choosing shoes with breathable materials like mesh will help keep feet comfortable.

3. Provide Massages to the Feet

Massaging feet is a great foot care technique for dementia patients. It helps to reduce foot pain, relax the feet and even improve mobility. Massage therapy increases circulation in the foot, which can promote healing and offer foot pain relief. Regular foot massages help soothe aching joints and muscles while providing comfort and relaxation. 

Massaging the foot can also help improve balance and coordination for patients with dementia and provide a gentle form of foot pain treatment. 

4. Moisturize Skin Regularly

Use lotion on your loved one’s feet daily to keep their skin soft and hydrated. It can also help prevent cracking or peeling of the skin, which can lead to infection if left untreated. Keeping skin moisturized helps to prevent foot pain and prevents foot sores caused by dryness, which can be very painful. 

Moisturizing also helps to reduce foot odor and keeps the feet soft and comfortable. Use a foot cream or lotion after washing your loved one’s feet to moisturize the skin of the foot properly.

5. Carefully Trim Nails

Cut your loved one’s nails straight across and avoid cutting too close to the skin, which can cause ingrown nails or infection. If necessary, have a professional do it for you. Keep the nails clean and dirt-free, which can cause bacteria or fungi to grow. Use a nail file to smooth any sharp edges after trimming.

6. Exercise Feet Regularly

Encourage your loved one to move their feet regularly throughout the day to improve circulation and reduce stiffness in their joints and muscles. This can help to maintain balance when walking or standing up from a seated position.

Consider a Foot Pain Treatment Plan

Caring for the feet of those with dementia can improve their foot health, comfort, and quality of life. Regular foot inspections, wearing comfortable shoes, providing foot massages, moisturizing skin, and trimming nails can help keep feet healthy.  

Exercise can also help improve foot health and reduce foot pain. If you or your loved one is experiencing foot pain, contact a professional for specialized foot pain treatment. If pain is unrelenting despite caring for your loved one’s feet, consult a doctor or podiatrist to determine the best treatment plan.