The Ageing Foot
Original Editor - Ewa Jaraczewska based on the course by Helene Simpson
Top Contributors - Ewa Jaraczewska, Jess Bell and Kim Jackson
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Feet age: impact in elderly. 1 in 5 foot pain
Risk factors[edit | edit source]
diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, neurological disorders (stroke), swelling (circulation, cardiac condition)
Physiological changes[edit | edit source]
Skin[edit | edit source]
Dermis
Collagen: thicker, dryer, less recoil, increased compression, callus issue
Unload the metatarsals: customised orthotics to support medial arch, unload metatarsal heads
Soft Tissue[edit | edit source]
stiffness, does not absorb shock, heel and adipose tissue becomes stiffer, plantar fascia with less recoil due to stiffness, less ability to store the energy
changes in gait pattern: more pull off vs push off, less propulsion,
Achilles tendon complaints, range of motion changed (reduction in dorsiflexion), increased risk of falls, less shock absorption
Physiotherapy Intervention[edit | edit source]
stretch, mobilisation, stimulate plantar sensors, Hammer toes
Sub Heading 3[edit | edit source]
Resources[edit | edit source]
- bulleted list
- x
or
- numbered list
- x
